Neighborhood crime characterizations unfair

With one exception, The Gazette was on target with its Feb. 12 editorial about First Avenue safety. I commend the great work of police and the Uptown College District. Unfortunately, The Gazette perpetuated a long-standing and unfounded prejudice about the geography of crime when it declared that violence last summer stretched “to about 19th Street.”

I find that highly unlikely to be supported by the facts. The First Avenue area near 19th Street includes a funeral home, title company, bank, construction company, the Board of Realtors building and a newly constructed office building. It's simply not a violent crime area. Yet many people unjustly refer to 19th Street as the line between crime and safety. Similar bias exists on other avenues in Wellington Heights.

Twelve years ago, a Realtor visibly recoiled when I inquired about a house in the 1800 block of Bever Avenue. He was dismayed we would consider living there. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of our lives. We met a remarkable group of neighbors (as opposed to people who just happen to live next door) and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. I would recommend the area to any young family as safe, charming and fulfilling.

Crime can and does happen anywhere. Some areas of First Avenue and Wellington Heights are of particular concern. More precise descriptions of those areas could help overcome an utterly unfair characterization of one of the finest neighborhoods in Cedar Rapids.

Doug Neumann

Cedar Rapids