Tuma wishes not honored in development

As for the farm that Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Tuma gave to Cedar Rapids and Linn County, I think the receiving people are going overboard as per the Tuma's wishes for their farm.

I knew Mr. Tuma only in the twilight years of his life, but he seemed an avid conservationist - loving wild animals, clear streams, fresh air and nature. Now it seems Jerry's wishes have been set aside in favor of a more commercialized program for the Tuma farm. A program where the land is lawn-mowed and turned into sports fields, where a gate fee is taken in order for people to visit.

Granted, the area south of County Home Road around the Tuma home has not yet come under the bulldozer, fortunately. The urge to generate money from Tuma's land seems to outweigh the Tumas' wishes for the future of this property.

Also, at certain times (soccer game time) the overflowing traffic on County Home shuts down the public's ability to even use the roadway.

Howard Ashlock

Center Point