Tough to find a win-win on Cargill rail yard

'Cargill rail yard advances despite concerns” (July 18). As I read this emotional, article I thought 'There are always two sides to every pancake.” Neither seems positioned to give much more.

When I came to town in 1959, Rompot was already a well established home to dozens of 'common folks,” hard working, fun loving families, just living their lives. Working at Wilsons, FMC, Quaker, Iowa Manufacturing, etc., and wanting a place where they could have their duck boat in the backyard and not be turned in for some 'code violation.” Some families are here for generations. I don't know them, I just recognize familiar names.

I visited the area recently to see for myself this 'slice of heaven” that would be ruined. A nearby rail yard could change some of that heavenly feel. However, over the years things happen in the 'Parlor City” that change it for all. I guess that's 'progress,” a word I suspect the Cargill folks share often. It will be difficult to find a 'win-win” solution.

Meanwhile, our well-intentioned council is tasked with finding a proposal that will protect 481 jobs, millions of dollars in tax base and still calm the fears and emotions of nearby families that also have a financial and emotional interest in the outcome.

I pray that a reasonable consensus is reached soon. The longer it takes the more resolute each side may get.

Ray Buck

Cedar Rapids