Westdale best for retail, not public office space

Dave Draheim writes in an Aug. 31 letter: “I see the city offices will move back downtown in the summer of 2012. I think most people were happy to have them at Westdale ...”

I think Draheim has the city and county offices confused (Linn County has been housed at Westdale Mall since the flood; City Hall has been located in a former AEGON building on the northeast side) as well as confusing a developable piece of retail property in an established commercial area with an office building.

I'd rather see new retail go into Westdale than be afraid to park in a ramp and/or walk a block to get my vehicle registration. The city or county buying Westdale would take that piece of property off the tax rolls.

As to what to do with your old garbage can? Be innovative! Cut off the bottom and use it to make a small pond in the backyard. Or if it's on wheels, it's lighter than a fairly full Yardy; use it to collect yard waste, or turn it on its side to collect leaves this fall. I can't believe that's an actual gripe among most.

Our city isn't perfect (no city is) but it is a great place to live and raise a family.

Jen Neumann

Cedar Rapids