Setting the record straight on NewBo

Monday's “Gomer” editorial about the NewBo City Market contained inaccuracies.

The editorial states that the NewBo application to Vision Iowa CAT has been suspended. This is incorrect. Vision Iowa has suspended new CAT applications starting in April. The NewBo City Market was included in the City's ACE district application submitted on Jan. 15, along with the Convention Complex and public library. We presented ACE to the Vision Iowa board last Wednesday and it is in the active funding review process.

The editorial called it a “setback” that city inspectors called for demolishing the small, corner Day building on the Quality Chef site. It is a setback for those of us who value historic preservation. However, we had always known that it might not be practical to save the building and had budgeted in replacement cost from the get-go. It is unfortunate but not unplanned. Starting afresh will enable us to pay tribute to the architectural style of the neighborhood while constructing something with greater energy efficiency and more frontage along Third Street.

The Cedar Rapids City Market Inc. board of directors is embarking on its capital campaign with tremendous community support. Reporting such as this detrimentally impacts all our hard work.

If you have any additional questions, contact me at (319) 533-5692.

Sarah Ordover

Board president

Cedar Rapids City Market Inc.