I read, with some consternation, a letter by Christina Condelles in the April 6 edition. It would seem that her issue is the relocation of the Renton Library. I believe she has every right to state her opinion as to the location. I am disturbed by her claims and insistence that the downtown area is a hell hole full of crime and shootings.

I live in an apartment next to the old Big 5 store. I have lived here for nearly a year and have found the area quite safe and vibrant.

Across the way is the Renton Civic Theatre where it seems there is always something going on. Likewise the Ikea Performance Center next to Renton High and the adorable Luther’s Table restaurant are wonderful venues.  There are other restaurants and shops popping up all the time. Every week or so the street-cleaning machine comes along in the middle of the night and tidies up.

This past Sunday brought a large family picnic to the little square in front of the Big 5. The children were laughing while the adults engaged in conversation.  Obviously they were all enjoying themselves and left the park no doubt cleaner than they found it.

There are a few homeless people around but rather than be avoided, they can use a hand up and they have never bothered me. There are also seven or eight churches within a two-block radius.

As a single woman I have lived in some very difficult places. This is not one. I am not afraid to leave my apartment at night. I don’t recall the police being called due to an assault or mugging in this area. Being from Detroit, I have first-hand knowledge of what happens when people abandon their city.

I think the library over the river is adorable and I personally would like it to remain there. I also think that vilifying the downtown location to enhance your argument is unfair and unjust.

Kelly Kerr

Renton