Homers: What's going right

Gazette Editorial Board

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NEWBO PROGRESS: Cedar Rapids' NewBo City Market project has surpassed a fundraising milestone of $2 million and landed its first sponsor: The Eastern Iowa Airport, which is in a position to help promote the new attraction as a tourist destination as well as a community business asset. Groundbreaking on the year-round market in the Bohemian Commercial Historic District is expected in March. Supporters want to raise another $1 million toward the $5.3 million project that also has received a state grant and in-kind city support.

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THANKS, COUNCILMEN: Two Cedar Rapids City Council members who did not seek re-election in November served during one of the city's most difficult periods in history - the post-2008 flood era. Tom Podzimek was twice elected to an at-large seat and Chuck Wieneke served one term representing District 4, a west-side district that suffered more flood damage than any other area of the city. Wieneke recalls working 80 to 100 hours a week in the “part-time” council position during the first 18 months after the disaster. Both men deserve the community's appreciation and a break from unusually extensive public service demands.

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