Change outdated, problematic streets

The proposed closing of Second Avenue is unbelievably minor compared with the benefits of the planned Physicians' Clinic of Iowa medical mall. Even though it has a trivial name, the medical mall will save lives and save travel by patients and their families. Why drive to the Mayo Clinic or the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics if such care is available in Cedar Rapids? This rhetorical question will be asked by many north of us, too.

One simple solution is long overdue: Change Second, Third and Fourth avenues to two-way streets. Like most, if not all, of the one-ways in town, they have antiquated usefulness and cause problems for visitors and businesses.

The vitriol against the proposed medical center is shortsighted and selfish. It is certainly not worth a local vote. Its construction is the right thing to do and now is the right time.

Matthew Burrier

Cedar Rapids