C.R. shouldn’t disturb preserve area

I am writing in regard to the REAP preserve in the wooded area between Ellis Lane and Q Avenue NW. I understand now this is one of the spots where the city has proposed building the new Time Check Recreation Center.

Why does the city keep coming back to a site it knows the people in this area are opposed to? Not only is this ground in a REAP preserve, which is a program that enhances and protects natural and cultural resources, it's in the 100-year flood plain and has several natural springs. It also has many 50-plus-year-old trees that would be cut down and since this is a REAP preserve the city would have to pay back grant money they received.

I live by this wooded area and when I decided to purchase my home 11 years ago I contacted the city to see if anyone could build on this property. I was told never, that this property was in a REAP preserve and could not be developed. I was obviously lied to.

If the city doesn't want to go back to the original site, because it's in the way of future flood protection, then move several blocks. The city has more than enough land from the flood houses they bought. Why disrupt a neighborhood when the people in this area don't want it?

Using the available vacant land sounds more logical than having to pay back grant money and disturbing the ecosystem in place.

Patricia LeGrand

Cedar Rapids