Parklets only benefit a few

I've noticed several small wooden patios going up in what used to be street parking in downtown Cedar Rapids, especially along Third Street on the SE side. After asking, I was told that the city is paying nearly $15,000 each to install these outdoor seating areas for the benefit of a few select restaurants at the expense of the taxpayers. Although I admire the German Biergarten or French sidewalk cafe, this effect is usually achieved by simply putting up velvet ropes. Is parking no longer important for the other businesses downtown?

If the city wants to discourage cars from coming downtown, it could start by improving/installing more sidewalks or bike lanes. I don't know who approves these ridiculous ideas, probably the same people who decided Second Avenue should be a hospital instead of a road. Besides, who in their right mind wants to eat lunch drowned in car exhaust from the traffic speeding by?

Justin Schmidt

Cedar Rapids