For nearly two decades, we, the residents of 1426 1st Street NW have lived under the threat of losing our home. 

This house was rebuilt, remained occupied, and continues to provide us housing. It is now the last home standing on its block in Cedar Rapids' historic Time Check neighborhood. 

We  are not asking the City to abandon flood protection. We are asking the city to choose an alternative that does not require destroying our home. 

Demolition should not be treated as the only option when preservation and relocation have not been fully exhausted. 

The City has indicated that it may ask the City Council at its 4:00 p.m. meeting on August 25, 2026, to authorize the next step in condemnation proceedings while discussions are still ongoing.

That process should be paused so that both parties can engage in meaningful negotiations without the threat of eminent domain proceedings. 

We the undersigned, ask the Cedar Rapids City Council to:

• Pause all condemnation action involving 1426 1st Street NW 
• Direct City staff to fully evaluate preservation and relocation alternatives. 
• Negotiate in good faith with the property owner and affected residents. 
• Protect this occupied home rather than demolishing it for redevelopment or open space. 
• Allow the residents to remain part of the neighborhood they have called home for decades. 

Flood protection should protect people and homes not erase the last remaining residents from an entire block.