C.R. needs to figure out downtown draws

The Gazette companies offered an excellent forum on downtown revitalization Monday. It was well attended and followed by many via the Internet. Good panelists, topics, and ideas. It led me to realize how rarely I go downtown and also to ponder what would bring me downtown? We should all give this some thought and let our mayor know.

Eat and drink, socialize, be entertained, work, live, buy. This is what people do “downtown.” What do we want to do in our downtown? What do young, single adults want? What do young families, empty nesters, seniors want?

Do we know what the city wants in its downtown? Vibrancy? Hometown feeling? Tax revenue?

What does an entrepreneur want when deciding to locate in Marion or Cedar Rapids? Does she want a building department to create or reduce obstacles and expense?

What does a downtown consumer want and a business owner willing to do to honor “Buy Local, Buy Fresh”? Or is it off to Marion, Megastore or cheaper.com when an item isn't carried or the price is just a bit too high. Does a consumer want and is the owner able to offer selection, price, quality and service?

Can we explain to visitors why downtown parking is free in Marion? Why we can listen to free music in Marion's downtown park during the summer but we pay for it in Cedar Rapids? Why people shop in downtown Marion when there is no event center to draw people there?

Jerry Gillon

Cedar Rapids