Set a deadline

By The Gazette Editorial Board

Months ago, when talk arose of saving the Sinclair smokestack, we were skeptical of the project's value. But we felt if stabilization of the stack could be privately funded and achieved quickly, preservationists who want to save it should be allowed to proceed.

We thought the Cedar Rapids City Council shared that view.

Now, a clear council majority has voted to save the smokestack, even though it appears public money will be needed to do it and stabilization efforts may cause delays in demolishing the burned and flooded plant. A preservation pause could carry significant costs, potentially thousands of dollars per day of delay.

And for reasons that aren't clear, the council failed to even set a deadline for when preservation must yield to demolition.

We understand that preservationists see the smokestack as a symbol of the city's broad-shouldered industrial past. And we've been told that the FEMA money that could be spent is meant for historic preservation.

But we don't get a sense that the public wants its dollars used on this project. Many, in fact, have been very vocal in their opposition. And we believe the public interest is best served by the swift demolition of the plant.

The council should rethink its decision and, at the very least, set a deadline.