NewBo changes mock the American dream

I had thought Cedar Rapids had made progress with NewBo City Market. I was glad to see the diverse selections it had to offer. Now, the market is ending leases on the most diverse establishments at the market.

I take Russian at Washington High School. I always was delighted to see the amazing vendors at NewBo, specifically Tatyana Kieler's.

It isn't every day you see Eastern European stores in the United States, let alone Iowa. They claim this allows for a more “diverse” market. It is the only Russian bakery and restaurant in Iowa and one of only a few in the Midwest.

They give them 30 days to clear out for more “diverse” establishments. How much more diverse does it need to be?

Tatyana and her husband had invested so much money into equipment that will be placed in storage. There are a lot of shops there that should have gone, not this one. I really thought we could have a diverse city, but apparently not.

I do hope Tatyana finds another venue downtown soon. I always love speaking and practicing my Russian with her and enjoying delicious borscht.

Maybe NewBo will reconsider the decision.

If not, they lost my business along with a lot of other people who appreciated the culture. This is the American dream apparently.

Geo Hunter

Cedar Rapids