Voices at Cedar Corner

A Letter About Cedar Corner

Dear classmates,
Our block near the Harbor Line station has a paved lot called Cedar Corner. It has no shade, and after rain, water gathers near the crosswalk. City workers are studying two changes: a plan with trees and benches or a plan with a small play area and a rain garden. The city will choose a plan after hearing from neighborhood residents.

First, I wrote a letter to the city council. I described how people wait in the hot sun and asked for trees and a safer path. Writing let me share my ideas even though I could not speak to the council in person.

Next Tuesday, I went to a public meeting at the library. Residents listened to both plans, asked questions, and explained what mattered to them. Some favored the play area. Others favored shade and a rain garden. The meeting gave neighbors a chance to hear different views.

Later, residents received a ballot. I voted for the plan with trees and benches. The city selected that plan. A month later, volunteers met on a Saturday to plant flowers around the new trees and pick up litter. I volunteered, so I helped with the work but did not get paid. Some neighbors could not work outdoors, so they helped by writing letters or attending meetings instead.
Your classmate,
Jalen