After 30-40 years of a rather “dead zone,” the downtown continues to come alive: night spots, live music, nice restaurants and bars, shops, art, beautiful lights, theaters, and festivals.

While I’m not opposed to gambling, I oppose to a casino in Cedar Rapids or Linn County for that matter. I guess if the backers of the casino would agree to not have any restaurants, bars, live music, clothing shops, or any other kind of business that would take away from the downtown area, then go ahead and build it.

With the exception of construction jobs and the jobs to run the place once it opens, I believe it would be a drain on the little guys striving to keep their businesses open in the beautiful downtown area.

Lynne Sparks

Cedar Rapids