Shortsightedness follows Zika plan

 After reading the Sept. 14 letter concerning the development property on Zika Avenue, I feel compelled to share “the rest of the story.”

I've never met Tom Berthel, but two years ago, in concert with a local contractor, he sought approval to build 62 unique “boomer” retirement cottages on that same 25-acre property. They would have ranged from $250,000 to more than $300,000. No tax dollars were solicited. Low occupancy. Minimal traffic. Truly “infill” development. A five-acre park and walking trail.

No mention of “slum” property in the future. Nearly twice the property tax base compared to the latest proposal. Plus 62 older homes on the market as boomers moved into their retirement villa. What a positive addition to any community. It was to be called Somnolent Grove.

The neighborhood successfully rejected those plans as “unacceptable.”

Kyle Skogman and Darryl High are “for profit” developers. I've not heard either suggest philanthropy is their first concern. Keeping their employees “employed” while supplying affordable housing at a profit, I suggest, are their current priorities.

I am also concerned about tax revenue being spent on this project but don't blame the current development. It seems to be the combined result of the neighborhood and city council's shortsightedness two years ago.

Ray Buck

Cedar Rapids