Fairfax' zoning denial squanders opportunity

Once again the city of Fairfax was asked to rezone a parcel of land near Highway 151 and Beverly Road. Once again, it was denied.

All people are entitled to their opinion, that is not an issue. The major concern seemed to be zoning commercial in a residential area. Take one look at the Fairfax area and you will see many areas where commercial and residential mix, such as the Highway 151 corridor, East Cemetery Road, near 80th Street, and Vanderbilt Street in the heart of town.

Zoning codes may dictate some things, but not that this is small-town America.

The city missed a great opportunity that someplace else will benefit from. There are several uses for this property in its current zone that could be far less attractive and more troublesome than the requested use.

The system has acted, but the old saying “be careful what you wish for” could well happen here. My address may show as Cedar Rapids, but I've lived in Fairfax for 60 years, as I've never moved.

Harold McCormick

Cedar Rapids