116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Home / Opinion / Letters to the Editor
Residential streets need city maintenance
The Gazette Opinion Staff
Apr. 16, 2011 11:09 am
The last time the street department really tended to residential streets was 2007. In 2008 we had the flood, then in 2009 the cleanup still took time and funds, and 2010 came and went and potholes were patched; however, no real work was done. Of course, Collins, First Avenue and Edgewood Road were maintained. I am talking about residential streets.
I suggest that whomever is in charge of this year's construction plans take a drive from B Avenue NW west to Johnson Avenue. You might want to turn on West Post Road and compare that with East Post Road. Then don't miss E Avenue NW and pay special attention to the intersection of Wiley Boulevard and E Avenue.
I have no doubt that in all the sections of the city you will find similar neglect. Potholes that could cause a tire to pop or a cycle to upset. Several folks have told me they no longer drive their cycles or scooters for fear of damage.
I always understood that the city belonged to the people who paid the taxes and the streets were part of the city. Where is the money that is to be used to maintain, not patch, the streets? And one wonders why some areas are given such preference while others a lick and a promise.
Patti Hoffman
Cedar Rapids
Opinion content represents the viewpoint of the author or The Gazette editorial board. You can join the conversation by submitting a letter to the editor or guest column or by suggesting a topic for an editorial to editorial@thegazette.com