Gateways count, too

By The Gazette Editorial Board

It might not be right to judge a book by its cover, but people do.

Just like they judge Cedar Rapids and other cities by what little they see while passing through on the interstate highways.

And we also agree with City Council members who say the city's gateways could use a little sprucing up.

We want visitors and passers-by to have a good first impression of the town - one that will lead them to explore and get to know us a little better.

And we agree that such a project would be an appropriate use of some of the 1 percent of funding for major public rebuilding projects that councilors have said they're committed to designating for public art.

That is, so long as using the funds for gateway beautification doesn't rob unduly from art intended for other high-traffic public places.

It's important to make a good impression, and Cedar Rapids residents will be able to appreciate more aesthetically pleasing approaches to town.

But when developing projects and designating funds, council members should remember the intent of that 1 percent earmark: to enhance the quality of life for Cedar Rapids residents, not just look good for visitors.

In the midst of unprecedented rebuilding of public buildings and infrastructure, City Councilors have expressed a clear interest in making sure 1 percent of a major project's total cost goes to art, landscaping and other aesthetic improvements.

That commitment has merit in a time when so many critical buildings are slated for construction or renovation - a new library, Central Fire Station and $67 million Event Center complex, and major renovations to the Veterans Memorial Building and former federal courthouse, for example.

Councilors have discussed pooling those dollars to focus spending on art and beautification projects would do the most public good. That includes, in at least a few councilors' minds, the city's major entrances along Interstate 380 and, possibly, Mount Vernon Road SE and Highway 30.

“There's nothing to see (on I-380) that makes you feel you want to come here,” Don Karr recently said. “It makes you feel like you want to drive through.”

A gateway face-lift could help let visitors know there's plenty to see, and be proud of, in Cedar Rapids.