Cedar Rapids changes not all good

What all is happening to my hometown of Cedar Rapids?

There is a lot of money for building new glossy structures but aren't there more important demands? You think with these new plans, “they will come.” What if they don't come?

Downtown has been neglected, I understand the hotel needs renovation, as well as the U.S. Cellular Center. The empty and dreary stores could once again be clothing, shoe and gift shops.

Have the people who suffered great losses from the 2008 flood been adequately taken care of? Does everyone have a home and are they comfortable in it? It seems to me if there is money to spend that they can be taken care of. How about using money from speeding tickets for helping those who still are not settled?

The Avenue, Czech Village, could use a lot of help to revive it. What has the city done for that area?

In my opinion, the area could use a supermarket, pharmacy and a shop that sells all occasion cards and small gift items. When I was about 12 years old, there was a branch of the library and a barbershop.

I hope to see my hometown revitalized with many people shopping downtown and also visiting Czech Village.

Lois Paulsen

Scotch Grove