Letter: Way to go, Creative Corridor

The Forbes Magazine Best Employers of 2016 is a who's who list of local companies: Nordstrom, No. 1 clothing company; Rockwell Collins, No. 2 aerospace and defense company; Cargill, No. 1 food company; and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, No. 1 health care company, just to name a few.

Thank you, local leaders, for seeking to complement these great employment opportunities with quality of life enhancements, such as bike lanes and bike trails. You rightly understand that world class job opportunities are only a component of what the new generation is looking for when determining where to plant roots. The buzz you have created by adopting progressive design standards like the complete streets initiative is palpable, as are the signs of corresponding new development. Thanks for being bold and doing it in a decidedly Midwestern manner by completing it piece by piece, as funds are available.

To the naysayers: yes, at present, some segments are a bit of a mess. But get off your derrières on a beautiful day and look around: the signs of life are everywhere. It's a breath of fresh air. There is life outside your car, your apartment. Vibrant communities are being created - open your eyes, and see.

Cody Barker

Cedar Rapids