City should have purchased Westdale Mall

Beautiful Westdale Mall sits mostly empty. Why? Because it is sold back and forth by out-of-state owners that use it for tax write-offs. They apparently charge huge rental rates so the majority of businesses moved out and those who considered moving in couldn't afford the rent.

Who to blame? The city of Cedar Rapids was offered a good price to buy it but declined. City leaders chose instead to go into the hotel business.

How many people will the hotel employ when finished? How many people would Westdale Mall employ if the city had bought it? It could be vibrant, lots of jobs and a place for us to shop. Penney's and Younkers are to be commended for holding an anchor for us but most of a beautiful mall lies vacant. Other smaller businesses there we appreciate very much for staying.

Lois Hanson

Cedar Rapids