It’s unfortunate that the Globe’s coverage in “Community on edge after shootings’’ (Metro, Sept. 15) portrays Cape Verdeans and the Dorchester neighborhood as being worse than is the case. One of the speakers at the meeting described in the article is quoted as saying Monadnock Street, where she lives, and where I also live, is known for gang violence. But Monadnock Street, in the last several years, has become far quieter than it once was.

Our street has improved largely because we do have relationships with police officers, and they do get out of their cars to talk to people. We also have a monthly neighborhood association meeting where residents share their concerns with police officers and work together to solve problems. Our street is no longer a gang hangout.

It’s sad to see the Globe focusing on the behaviors of individuals and attributing them to neighborhoods where, in fact, organizing has proved successful in reducing violence.

Bob Haas

President

Uphams Corner Westside Neighborhood Association

Dorchester