Build facilities that help CR residents

In reading the Nov. 23 article on the Five Seasons Crowne Plaza Hotel, I was amazed at how financially deep our city is getting into - $3.2 million to purchase the hotel, $20 million to $25 million for renovations, for a total of $75 million to rebuild the U.S. Cellular Center with the new convention complex. That's not counting cost overruns. We're talking big-time money here.

What's so sad is that the powers that be are so mesmerized by group think, the average citizen's needs are being totally ignored. Not one thin dime is being considered for facilities that really help the people living here.

As an example, almost all forward-thinking communities have, as a major core element, some kind of Multigenerational Community Center. It supports senior activities, athletics such as gyms, swimming pool, tennis courts, meeting rooms, classrooms, etc. Today, Cedar Rapids has only a hodgepodge of organizations trying to cope.

This just isn't acceptable for a city that calls itself progressive, Yes, we had a devastating flood, but what about all the mind-boggling money we're spending on the Convention Complex?

The argument can be made that the current spending will someday create revenue, When and how far out and what other moneymaking scheme will take priority next?

There is a basic issue here: Is a community for the people living here or profits for a few? What is wrong with common-sense balance in our city's planning?

Ray Dutchik

Cedar Rapids