Supporting extension will continue progress

I operate and am the majority investor in Zins Restaurant in downtown Cedar Rapids. We were closed by the flood of 2008 and reopened a year later thanks to the efforts and support of hundreds of our residents. So, my experience with the flood and its effects is real and personal, as it is for so many fellow Cedar Rapidians.

Having lived all over the country, my observation is that a city is no stronger than its core. One need look no further than New York City, Chicago or Houston for examples of the positive effect a revitalized downtown has on the health of the entireties of each of these metropolitan areas.

My wife, partners and I originally invested in downtown Cedar Rapids to be a part of what was then an incipient and fragile movement in this direction. Of course, the flood was a dramatic setback, but its aftermath is on the verge of completing that hopeful effort. Especially given the funding method for extending flood protection to both sides of our river, what a shame it would be to turn away from the benefits offered by the enormous investment taking place before our eyes.

As a downtown businessman, I can see the improvement beginning, riding on the return of those “anchor tenants” and those about to do so. I can think of no reason to stunt this growth that will improve the lot of us all in so many ways.

Vote “yes” for the sales tax extension.

Lee Belfield

Cedar Rapids