PCI can afford walkway for Medical Mall

 Recently, there have been hard-sell articles in The Gazette about the Medical Mall.

I do not think the public is against the project, but they do object to closing (part of) Second Avenue.

One article said the mall is expected to cost $36 million, plus $8 million for a parking ramp. An overhead walkway would cost between $750,000 to $1 million. That is about 2 percent of the total project. The developers can afford it.

Is the entire community to be inconvenienced forever to save a for-profit venture 2 percent?

Where is the mass protest? Why isn't this controversial question put up for a referendum?

Mayor Ron Corbett say he likely has five of nine City Council members in favor. In May, four were in favor - Corbett, Chuck Swore, Don Karr and Justin Shields. Who is the fifth? Where are their priorities?

There have been threats the Medical Mall may not be built without the closure. I do not believe it. They have the land. It is a done deal. Don't be intimidated.

Tom Janik

Cedar Rapids