Downtown revival needs new approach

There has been a lot a discussion concerning the city's purchase of the Five Seasons Crowne Plaza Hotel, refurbishing the U.S. Cellular Center and the building of a new convention complex. Most of the opposition cites the cost to the taxpayer and the possibility of financial disaster.

It is time to starting thinking outside the box. This area is losing some of its industrial base, thousands of citizens are without viable employment, property taxes and cost of living keep rising with little relief in sight. The old, tired approaches are not resulting in any apparent favorable changes.

Consider a city/county joint venture concerning funding of the convention complex. Seek a referendum to allow gaming in the county, with the sole licensee being the taxpayer-owned Five Seasons complex. The venture would gain jobs for its citizens, an actual draw for the downtown district, and 100 percent of profits instead of a percentage.

The profits could fund infrastructure improvements such as roads, bridges, levies, building maintenance, fire protection and law enforcement. It could actually reduce the dependency on the taxpayer; a real incentive for new business to locate here.

Paul Anderson

Cedar Rapids