Cedar Rapids Casino Vote on March 5th

[lenny]

I wanted to post an email from the founder of my company, and the chairman of the Zach Johnson Foundation, Pat Cobb. The Cobbs are a great family, and are EXTREMELY generous. A lesser known fact about me is that I have been on the donation committee here at work for years. I have witnessed firsthand how wonderful these folks really are (The Cobbs and Steve Gray). Our donation committee does all sorts of things for charity, all sorts of things for the greater good of CR, and we spend a TON of time, money, and other resource making our surrounding communities a better to be. I’ve known the Cobbs most of my life (they attend my church) and feel that their cause if very just.

Pat just sent this email out to me and a few others today and invited me to share:

“This is the first time I have been bold enough to send out an email concerning a political issue and I hope you will indulge me.

March 5th Linn County voters will be asked to vote on a referendum to allow a local group to go forward with the process of making application for a license to operate a casino in Linn County. If the vote passes the process will continue to the state commission, if it fails it cannot be resubmitted to voters for at least 8 more years. Even if the vote is passed there are no assurances that license will be granted. However, if the vote is positive, the greater percentage of yes votes that are cast, the more the commission is likely to approve the request. In other words, if only 51% of residents want to have a casino we are less likely to be granted a license. I ask that you vote positively for the this referendum and I will explain below why I think it is important.

First, in an effort at full disclosure I will tell you that Sandi and I are investors in the group and have an opportunity to profit from a casino if one is built. This is the least important reason to ask you to support the effort.

In my view, our city has been devastated over the past decade with job losses that have had a very negative impact on our community. If you have been here any length of time you will remember P&H Cranes, FMC Link Belt, Terex (formally Cedarapids Inc.) Midland Forge, Cryovac and others that are no longer operating in our community. They are all operating in other areas of the country. With the loss of these companies many jobs have been lost and some people have been forced to take lower paying jobs, have re-located or are still looking for employment. Jobs are the basis for any community to grow and prosper. The casino will bring many jobs, both for the construction of the facility and for ongoing full time jobs to operate the business. Estimates are about 400 full time jobs with an average pay of $40,000 per year. These jobs will help many people who need a job or a better job. As you multiply this amount through the many times it impacts our area, the impact is very significant.

Obviously we are still suffering from the negative impact of the floods of 2008. Many parts of our community are suffering, some parts of our community are gone forever. The proposed site for the casino on the near west side will go a long way toward bringing that area back to an enjoyable and attractive part of our city. We can also be sure that the casino will serve as a magnet for other businesses to locate near the activity the casino will create. That also equates to more job opportunities as well as capital investment. With the new Convention Center, revitalized downtown hotel and the amphitheater in addition to the casino, we will see many new visitors to the community which will add to our economic vitality.

Please also allow me to defend my friend Steve Gray. He is a solid citizen and a wonderful family man. He has invested a tremendous amount of time and energy in this community and for him to be personally defamed with this effort is a tragedy. Steve has willingly contributed at the highest level to the Zach Johnson Foundation and has always been willing to help in any way he can. He is also heavily invested in other not-for-profit activities and is supportive of the community. One thing you won’t hear in the media is all he has done to help fledgling entrepreneurs get business started and grow them locally. I assure you he is a good man. He may earn a lot of money, he also gives back very generously to this community.

There are people who have serious moral concerns about casino gambling and I certainly respect their position. I would only say that that train has left the station. This vote is not really about gambling, it is about keeping gambling proceeds in Linn County instead of Waterloo, Riverside and Tama. Iowa has 18 casinos up and operating. They are working well for all of those 14 communities. The city administrator from Riverside is quoted in the Sunday Gazette telling us that he was hired because so much gambling money was coming to Riverside, that Riverside will be debt free in a few months, and they have lowered the property tax rate in Washington County. Is it any wonder that they are spending $1.5 Million to keep Linn County out of that business. That spending alone should tell us that gaming revenues are beneficial; they just want to have all of the benefit.

So I ask each of you to vote on March 5th or earlier if you choose. (I voted yesterday) Also, please ask your spouse, friends, neighbors and associates to do the same thing. Remember, ALL of the NO votes WILL go to the polls, please don’t assume it will pass because you don’t hear much against the proposal. The No voters will get to the polls!!!

You are free to share my thoughts with anyone you choose, and thank you for reading this to the end.

Pat”

I hope you guys come out to show support for this great project on or before March 5th. Thanks guys!
-Dan

[AutoMods]

http://i2.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/000/249/972/802.jpg

[JacobS]

vote yes!

[derek072887]

There is a casino 30 min south why do we need another one.....

[SledgeWS6]

There is a casino 30 min south why do we need another one.....
Why would Linn county residents want tax dollars to continue to leave the county? For the people who disapprove for moral reasons, I understand. From an economic stand point, a Casino is very good. It brings jobs, tax revenue, and keeps dollars working locally. Tangiablly, it can be further assumed that other business will be able to strive near or on casino property. Who cares if black hawk co gets 5.75% vs Linn Cos 3%, 3 is better than 0 all day long.

[RandomHero]

Cedar Rapids needs this to get back on their feet.

[RandomHero]

There is a casino 30 min south why do we need another one.....
Didn't stop the Quad Cities from putting The Isle up in Bettendorf, Rhythm City in Davenport and Jumers across the river in Rock Island.

[derek072887]

I really only care because my mom is very high up at the Riverside casino... and I don't want them to lose business lol

[lenny]

I really only care because my mom is very high up at the Riverside casino... and I don't want them to lose business lol

My guess is that they won't lose much. Most Cedar Rapidians that gamble (I know quite a few of them) would much rather go to Dubuque.

Also, Riverside's golf course is a load of shit. I played their last year (to the tune of like 75-100 bucks for the round)....never again.

Make sure you give your mom my feedback as well. If you want more specifics, I'll be happy to give them to you. The only way to solve problems is to accept feedback and admit that there is a problem.
-Dan

[derek072887]

I as well know a few CR people that prefer to go to and do go to Riverside frequently, the golf course I couldn't care less about as I couldn't swing a golf club properly to save my life... but the golf course really isn't even part of this as the CR casino isn't even trying to have one.

If they wouldn't loose a good chunk of business do you think they would be spending the 1.5 mil to go against the CR casino?

[JacobS]

but theyll still make millions!!!!

[derek072887]

or will they?

[JacobS]

why wouldnt they? how many casinos are in Iowa? im pretty sure one more casino isnt going to hurt them THAT bad. its pretty much just greed on their part when it comes down to it.

[derek072887]

mo money mo problems... they must love their problems and their money :p

[Domestic Disturbance]

vote no

[SledgeWS6]

vote yes

Fixed it for you.

[sLoWnStEaDy]

Treat it like a fat chick... Just say NO!!!!

[Scott]

Build it, might help downtown actually look like something other a half empty flood damaged parking lot.. not to mention I wont have to drive all the way down to Riverside

[lenny]

On the people with the comment that gambling is going to ruin families and individuals in the direct area and damage the moral fiber of our community, you are a dead-on-the-nuts idiot. That ship sailed a LONG time ago. A person can gamble with REAL money from their iphone, their laptop, or any other electronic device from the comfort of their own home. If people truly have a gambling problem, they'll find a way to do it. Whether it's here, Riverside, Vegas, or their own computer. That's a stupid argument to bring up. Counterpoint : If anything, they'll be gambling closer to home, which means they'll be sneaking around less, meaning their loved ones will be able to keep a closer eye on them.

Also, I'd rather look at a new and modern casino than some-clapped out flood damaged parking lot any day of the week.
-Dan

[AutoMods]

vote no


even though you gave no explanation, you have persuaded me to vote no just because of your awesomeness

[lenny]

even though you gave no explanation, you have persuaded me to vote no just because of your awesomeness

:Like Button:
-Dan

[LT1Dan]

I'll be voting yes. I can understand Derek being against it for personal reasons but as a Linn County resident there doesn't seem to be a good reason to vote no.

[sparkles]

Is the casino black? I'll vote for it if it's black. You know, cause I don't want people thinking I'm racist.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

Is the casino black? I'll vote for it if it's black. You know, cause I don't want people thinking I'm racist.

Wow. I didn't take this into consideration. I was going to vote no, but just like voting for Obama, I have to vote YES now so that I can prove to all of my white friends how not-racist I am. Besides, I have a friend that's a casino that's black.

[SledgeWS6]

Is the casino black? I'll vote for it if it's black. You know, cause I don't want people thinking I'm racist.

It is black, which means you would have to vote for it regardless of any ideologies you hold so you don't look racist. Hold on to the last part of afro-american you have in yourself sparkles. Commit voter fraud by aligning yourself in Linn County for this one vote so you can help a 'brother' out.

[Deimos]

Build it, might help downtown actually look like something other a half empty flood damaged parking lot.. not to mention I wont have to drive all the way down to Riverside

like button

[Jappbox]

I dunno what to vote. I like the proposed location, their is nothing around. but do we need another project right now? The downtown is a nightmare, it makes me angry every time I try to go eat or go to a bar with all the construction of the Cellular Center, Library, Parking ramp, Hospital, Fire Station, And others Their is some much shit and little parking. it makes me say fuck it after 10 min trying to find a decent spot and head back to the calm SW side.

If their is plenty of parking and better on/off ramps for highway access it will do well. My concern is not enough parking. ever seen how much parking riverside, waterloo, or Tama have for the Casino? they dont have half that on the Proposed map. and traffic coming and going in that area could be a problem as well if they ever host any events/live entertainment.

If it were me I would put it out off near highway 30 in the SW side of town, with the highway 100 extention going to be done, New Kohls area, New WestDale mall and shops coming in. Along with the biggest housing boom in Cedar Rapids being off the SW side (30% more population by 2020 Est.) plus easy access to major highways. it would be a better location and less mess.

[derek072887]

I just checked out the proposed area, and agree there will be no where near enough parking.... I have personally seen the riverside parking lot 3/4 full... granted they do have a hotel attached but its not that large of a hotel.

[Scott]

I dunno what to vote. I like the proposed location, their is nothing around. but do we need another project right now? The downtown is a nightmare, it makes me angry every time I try to go eat or go to a bar with all the construction of the Cellular Center, Library, Parking ramp, Hospital, Fire Station, And others Their is some much shit and little parking. it makes me say fuck it after 10 min trying to find a decent spot and head back to the calm SW side.

If their is plenty of parking and better on/off ramps for highway access it will do well. My concern is not enough parking. ever seen how much parking riverside, waterloo, or Tama have for the Casino? they dont have half that on the Proposed map. and traffic coming and going in that area could be a problem as well if they ever host any events/live entertainment.

If it were me I would put it out off near highway 30 in the SW side of town, with the highway 100 extention going to be done, New Kohls area, New WestDale mall and shops coming in. Along with the biggest housing boom in Cedar Rapids being off the SW side (30% more population by 2020 Est.) plus easy access to major highways. it would be a better location and less mess.

Thats weird the only time I couldnt find a spot to park close to my destination is on the 4th of july or st patty's day. but yeah Im very curious how they plan to map out the parking for this casino, only thing that crosses my mind is an extra parkade down there, underground parking or something of the sort.

[lenny]

Thats weird the only time I couldnt find a spot to park close to my destination is on the 4th of july or st patty's day. but yeah Im very curious how they plan to map out the parking for this casino, only thing that crosses my mind is an extra parkade down there, underground parking or something of the sort.

If it were me doing it, I would have the Casino north of I380, parking garage on first level (due to flood risk). Secondary parking garage (for valet) south of I380 (the projected site is on the north and the south of I380. Then tunnel or have a shuttle back and fourth...Would be VERY easy to do.

I suppose I could walk into the other room and go ask Pat (he's in the office today), but I'm pretty sure he's in meetings for the ZJF all day today. Plus, I would like to get the hell out of here soon and generally I walk out of his office with a task...
-Dan

[Deimos]

I hate the meat lady and im still voting yes.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

I hate the meat lady and im still voting yes.

Same here. Actually, I wasn't going to vote at all, because I will never use, nor ever had a desire to attend a casino. But, the vote NO campaign has actually pushed me to vote yes.

In the beginning, I had no desire, so wasn't going to waste the energy. Then, I tried to convince myself that no matter the vote, you should be voting every election for everything on the ballot. But, the vote NO people made it easier for me. The vote Yes people said, "the casino will bring in a million people a year." I didn't believe that, still don't. But then the Vote No people came back with a commercial that says, "THEY'RE LIARS, IT'LL ONLY BRING IN 125,000 A YEAR!!!!" So, what they just did was argue FOR vote YES. Ok, so maybe not a million. But still, some revenue that wouldn't come here otherwise. Ok, that helped me vote yes. Then, the vote NO people ranted and raved about the hidden investors, and how there was some conspiracy amiss, and they MUST name them...so they did. No surprise, a bunch of rich people from the CR area that have more money than they know what to do with. Then, the Vote Yes people, after doing what they were asked, asked for the same in turn. The vote NO people absolutely refuse. Guess why? It's because the hypocrites that claim that gambling destroys the moral fabric of our society are the same ones getting money from the Iowa casinos to stop one here in Linn county. The rumor mill says Riverside is giving them 1.2 mill to stop the Linn county casino....It's funny how the Vote No people claim something, then quickly remove it from their own website as soon as it is debunked.
The meat lady commercial actually made me want to vote NO. I mean, who picks out that haggard lady as their spokesman!? The very worst part is that I have basic Pandora, and I listen to it while at the gym...the commercial breaks are constantly the meat lady. It makes me want to smash my phone.

Anyways, long story short, the lies of the vote NO people pushed me to not only be a YES, it pushed me to actually go out and vote YES the day of the vote. Otherwise, I would've not voted at all. So congrats to the vote NO people running a sleazy campaign. End of rant.

[lenny]

Same here. Actually, I wasn't going to vote at all, because I will never use, nor ever had a desire to attend a casino. But, the vote NO campaign has actually pushed me to vote yes.

In the beginning, I had no desire, so wasn't going to waste the energy. Then, I tried to convince myself that no matter the vote, you should be voting every election for everything on the ballot. But, the vote NO people made it easier for me. The vote Yes people said, "the casino will bring in a million people a year." I didn't believe that, still don't. But then the Vote No people came back with a commercial that says, "THEY'RE LIARS, IT'LL ONLY BRING IN 125,000 A YEAR!!!!" So, what they just did was argue FOR vote YES. Ok, so maybe not a million. But still, some revenue that wouldn't come here otherwise. Ok, that helped me vote yes. Then, the vote NO people ranted and raved about the hidden investors, and how there was some conspiracy amiss, and they MUST name them...so they did. No surprise, a bunch of rich people from the CR area that have more money than they know what to do with. Then, the Vote Yes people, after doing what they were asked, asked for the same in turn. The vote NO people absolutely refuse. Guess why? It's because the hypocrites that claim that gambling destroys the moral fabric of our society are the same ones getting money from the Iowa casinos to stop one here in Linn county. The rumor mill says Riverside is giving them 1.2 mill to stop the Linn county casino....It's funny how the Vote No people claim something, then quickly remove it from their own website as soon as it is debunked.
The meat lady commercial actually made me want to vote NO. I mean, who picks out that haggard lady as their spokesman!? The very worst part is that I have basic Pandora, and I listen to it while at the gym...the commercial breaks are constantly the meat lady. It makes me want to smash my phone.

Anyways, long story short, the lies of the vote NO people pushed me to not only be a YES, it pushed me to actually go out and vote YES the day of the vote. Otherwise, I would've not voted at all. So congrats to the vote NO people running a sleazy campaign. End of rant.

If you've ever met the Cobbs, the Skogmans, or the Grays, you would understand IMMEDIATELY why they chose the meat-lady. It's a statement. All three of those families have a ton of money. All three of those families live in the immediate area. All three of those families built a legacy right here in this immediate area and are all down to earth folks. All three families help small business owners flourish and over the past few decades have built very strong relationships with people EXACTLY like the meat-lady. The meat-lady is the EXACT type of person that these investors want to succeed (even without a casino vote). People like the meat-lady are good for jobs, they work hard, they're logical, and they're good for the community. She might not be a supermodel or have the best voice, but it's her points and well-thought out opinions that matter. The meat-lady is very much a statement being made by the Vote yes folks.
-Dan

[SaNdMaNsSi]

If you've ever met the Cobbs, the Skogmans, or the Grays, you would understand IMMEDIATELY why they chose the meat-lady. It's a statement. All three of those families have a ton of money. All three of those families live in the immediate area. All three of those families built a legacy right here in this immediate area and are all down to earth folks. All three families help small business owners flourish and over the past few decades have built very strong relationships with people EXACTLY like the meat-lady. The meat-lady is the EXACT type of person that these investors want to succeed (even without a casino vote). People like the meat-lady are good for jobs, they work hard, they're logical, and they're good for the community. She might not be a supermodel or have the best voice, but it's her points and well-thought out opinions that matter. The meat-lady is very much a statement being made by the Vote yes folks.
-Dan

Well, luckily my vote isn't based upon her....I'm just saying that when I see a commercial that is pushing something, I don't want the spokesperson to make me feel like voting the opposite way....Either way, I'm voting yes. I just thought it was a horrid commercial, and extremely annoying to have it pop up on my Pandora while I'm working out.

[Deimos]

If you've ever met the Cobbs, the Skogmans, or the Grays, you would understand IMMEDIATELY why they chose the meat-lady. It's a statement. All three of those families have a ton of money. All three of those families live in the immediate area. All three of those families built a legacy right here in this immediate area and are all down to earth folks. All three families help small business owners flourish and over the past few decades have built very strong relationships with people EXACTLY like the meat-lady. The meat-lady is the EXACT type of person that these investors want to succeed (even without a casino vote). People like the meat-lady are good for jobs, they work hard, they're logical, and they're good for the community. She might not be a supermodel or have the best voice, but it's her points and well-thought out opinions that matter. The meat-lady is very much a statement being made by the Vote yes folks.
-Dan

The meat lady is my next door neighbor and drinks ALOT. lol if you want to meat (lol) her I can arrange that.

[Chase]

Last thing I want to see downtown is a casino and more traffic.

If it were on the outskirts of town or somewhere I wouldn't have to deal with it I would consider voting yes.

Right in the center of the city? Rather not.

[JacobS]

the outskirts of cedar rapids isn't where the flood zone that needs cleaned up is. i think thats their reasoning. i could be wrong

edit: but i hate traffic just like everybody else, so i hate that traffic would be horrible, but maybe the city will actually pay to have the streets repaved finally.

[derek072887]

but maybe the city will actually pay to have the streets repaved finally.

rofl

[SaNdMaNsSi]

the outskirts of cedar rapids isn't where the flood zone that needs cleaned up is. i think thats their reasoning. i could be wrong

edit: but i hate traffic just like everybody else, so i hate that traffic would be horrible, but maybe the city will actually pay to have the streets repaved finally.

I hope you're going on tour with that comedy.

Our mayor drastically cut the streets budget to force thru his memorandum for the flood wall. Basically, he cut out funding for fixing streets off the current budget, then said "we need funds, part of the new tax will pay for streets..." So basically, we weren't going to get MORE money for our streets, his new tax would just reinstate the money he took away. When the tax didn't pass, he didn't put the money back from where he'd taken it, hoping the second time around we'd be forced to concede. When he lost the vote again, he probably used the original funds for more hair grease and sleazy politician garb. The moneys never went back into the streets account. He is just punishing the city for not giving him his flood walls. Funny thing about that; he claimed we'd all die of a flood within a couple of years....now he's having the City Works department dig wells along the Cedar because of the drought we're having....

[JacobS]

I hope you're going on tour with that comedy.

Our mayor drastically cut the streets budget to force thru his memorandum for the flood wall. Basically, he cut out funding for fixing streets off the current budget, then said "we need funds, part of the new tax will pay for streets..." So basically, we weren't going to get MORE money for our streets, his new tax would just reinstate the money he took away. When the tax didn't pass, he didn't put the money back from where he'd taken it, hoping the second time around we'd be forced to concede. When he lost the vote again, he probably used the original funds for more hair grease and sleazy politician garb. The moneys never went back into the streets account. He is just punishing the city for not giving him his flood walls. Funny thing about that; he claimed we'd all die of a flood within a couple of years....now he's having the City Works department dig wells along the Cedar because of the drought we're having....

it was just supposed to be a little joke since the company i work for does most of the repaving. hardy har har

[SaNdMaNsSi]

it was just supposed to be a little joke since the company i work for does most of the repaving. hardy har har

"Does most of the repaving..." So, you've been out of work for a couple of years? :0

[JacobS]

"Does most of the repaving..." So, you've been out of work for a couple of years? :0

weve been stuck doing parking lots for quite a while. this coming season we will be working on I380 most of the year.

[sparkles]

Is the people behind the money portion of what's pushing this the same people that have casinos in DPort and own the North Liberty Living Center? I can't remember the guy's name offhand, but him and a Saudi guy named Amit are co owners of a company that put up a few senior centers a couple years ago that I was involved in. Crooks to say the least.

[derek072887]

1114

[LT1Dan]

1114

Sounds like he's getting desperate.

[SledgeWS6]

Sounds like he's getting desperate.

Sounds like he thinks the people of Linn County are dumbass'. It'll never get zoned for that. A vote 'no' is officially an insult to your own intellgence Linn County. :D

[derek072887]

Sounds like he's getting desperate.
Just trying to protect the jobs of his current workers while still providing Linn county with additional jobs...

[LT1Dan]

Just trying to protect the jobs of his current workers while still providing Linn county with additional jobs...

I understand he is trying to protect his investment and his employees. There is no way a water park is going to provide jobs comparable to a casino though.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

Simple desperation....And since we could use a waterpark about a week a year, and a casino year 'round, It's a no brainer. The more vote No commercials I see and hear, the easier the vote is for me. Nothing but lies and propaganda from one side. I'd rather not know the details of the vote yes people than listen to any more idiotic drivel from the Vote No crew. Their latest commercial is ridiculous. "We don't know the details of the sale of city owned land to the casino.." SO WHAT. It's really none of your business. The federal govt bought the land from landowners, and gave it to the city or sold it to the city. The city must follow federal guidelines for any sale, and cannot give the land away for free, there is a price the fed has already put on the land as a minimum. This is an argument for dumb people. Besides, if the city gave it away for free, so what? Who cares? The landowner were already paid, and the ones still there will be paid much more than their homes are worth.
The next quote is, "how are we going to regulate the traffic from potentially millions of visitors a year..." First of all, in your last attack ads, you claimed the city will only see "120,000 a year, not a million." Now in the newest ad, they say a million. Make up your minds. The inconsistent arguments just make them look like amateurs.
Then they go on to say, "Who is going to pay for a flood wall for the casino...." hinting taxpayers will have to. No, just like the other businesses down there, they will either have to pay for their own or get none like what is currently going on.
Do the vote no people really think voters are stupid? Their whole campaign is ridiculous.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

http://www.kcrg.com/news/local/Riverside-Casino-Offers-a-Waterpark-as-alternate-to-a-Cedar-Rapids-Casino-194280491.html

There's the KCRG story. More proof that a casino will bring good money to CR....
"The reason: He said his Riverside Casino and Golf Resort stands to lose more than 30 percent of its business if a Cedar Rapids casino is built, and he said such a loss in casino revenue would prevent him from having the money to pursue his water park plan for Cedar Rapids."
So, he'll lose 30% of a crapload of money...sounds good for Linn county to me....

[LT1Dan]

http://i639.photobucket.com/albums/uu119/LT1Dan/20130301_153428_zps109151e1.jpg

[SledgeWS6]

Here is my response to the Water-park: Chapman's Fun World. Enough said.

[Domestic Disturbance]

So... Vote no?

[SaNdMaNsSi]

Here is my response to the Water-park: Chapman's Fun World. Enough said.

Vote "Kinda." That will cover any indecision.

[SledgeWS6]

So... Vote no?

I'm saying it was a shit-hole b/c there isn't a market here for that stuff with Adventureland relatively close to CR.

[Chase]

I don't want a Casino or a god damn water park downtown.

Whats wrong with a nice park, or do something like new bohemia. Bring some culture to cedar rapids.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

Where have you been? CR has been importing culture from Chicago for about a decade now...

[Batwood]

Where have you been? CR has been importing culture from Chicago for about a decade now...

HA! Sad but true.

[Scott]

Where have you been? CR has been importing culture from Chicago for about a decade now...

What he said, no more culture please.. Put in a drag strip so the Chicago guys have a place to bet on grudge racing

[SledgeWS6]

Whats wrong with a nice park, or do something like new bohemia. Bring some culture to cedar rapids.

Go to Waterloo if you want that.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

Go to Waterloo if you want that.

Don't we already have enough "nice parks" that no one uses? Greene square is only used now because of the market...before that, no one really even looked at the place. Noelridge is nice enough....So is the park up there on Wilson....now that I'm thinking about it, we have plenty of "nice" parks in CR on both sides of town. Besides, this is the city of CR. If you were to go hang out on any of that "green space" that the city owns, you'd probably be arrested for tresspassing.

[Scott]

Might as well just face the fact that nothing fun lives in CR, water park "Chapmans fun world" Go-Kart track "indoor one off of 33rd" tilted kilt "basically hooters" hawkeye downs is the only race track around and no one goes to watch that or takes interest in racing there. but dam bingo sure does do well.

If CR wants to put something in that WILL make money and provide jobs I find it very hard to argue with the casino.. Yes there are parks all over the dam place around here, even a skate park, that is comical to look at it as a comparison to a casino.

Just saying this place isnt going to change very much by trying stuff that has already failed.. I dont have very high expectations for CR changing very much, I expect casino will be able to stay alive but thats about it.

Shit look at hawkeye downs, the place is obviously going down hill.. Its painfully obvious dirt tracks in this area is where the show is at NOT paved tracks, and dirt tracks actually bring alot of spectators and racers "money". What do they do about it? nothing, let it die.. I know that last statement has nothing to do with this topic really but Im just venting LOL

[JacobS]

i couldnt agree more scott.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

Chapman's was actually highly profitable. I know the guy that owned it. It was just significantly MORE profitable to sell all of that land to developers, as the money offered was INSANE, and the guy that owned it was/is in very bad health. It was a win/win for the owner instead of trying to find a buyer. I wish that it wasn't gone, but I understand the motives. I'm just surprised no one has come in and tried to fill the niche.

[derek072887]

1118
Whats wrong with water parks?

[SledgeWS6]

1118
Whats wrong with water parks?

If I wanted to see half naked women I'd go get myself a fully naked one.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

This isn't Cali, this is Iowa. Most people going to water parks can't fit into a 1, 2, 3, or 20 piece suit.

[SledgeWS6]

To stir the pot and make people cry who voted "no"....its a go for the casino! :D

[slow ride]

As long as everyone can stand the quaker smell you're gold :) Only two times I've been to the Waterloo one was to eat for free ha. I suppose we need to get some of that social security money back into the economy anyway.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

To stir the pot and make people cry who voted "no"....its a go for the casino! :D

I can smell the buffet already.

[derek072887]

To stir the pot and make people cry who voted "no"....its a go for the casino! :D

nothing is a "go" yet... did you forget about the gaming commission? I didn't vote either way because I can't but now you may not get a casino and deff won't get a water park :( lol

[SledgeWS6]

nothing is a "go" yet... did you forget about the gaming commission? I didn't vote either way because I can't but now you may not get a casino and deff won't get a water park :( lol

It is a 'go' locally and in the off chance this plan fails, another can take its place now that the door is open. I'm not too worried about the gaming commission...those are Branstad's boys. They'll follow the capitalism route.

[SaNdMaNsSi]

nothing is a "go" yet... did you forget about the gaming commission? I didn't vote either way because I can't but now you may not get a casino and deff won't get a water park :( lol


Well, luckily the guy from Riverside that will try to grease the commission won't have the combined resources of the guys from CR that will try to do the same. I wish the % was higher than it was for "yes," but there's a good chance. And if not, no one will miss a waterpark anyways.

[derek072887]

Well, luckily the guy from Riverside that will try to grease the commission won't have the combined resources of the guys from CR that will try to do the same. I wish the % was higher than it was for "yes," but there's a good chance. And if not, no one will miss a waterpark anyways.

Do you personally know "the guy" from Riverside that will try to "grease" the commission? Look up Kehl Management... resources are endless for this company....

[SaNdMaNsSi]

Do you personally know "the guy" from Riverside that will try to "grease" the commission? Look up Kehl Management... resources are endless for this company....

I don't need to personally know someone to know what they are about. He tried to bribe CR to vote no, he'll try to bribe the commission to do the same.

[derek072887]

Im not saying he won't try, but don't think just because he is the only one you know about doesn't mean he is the only one behind the waterpark/greasing. He is backed by a very large company that owns and operates many casino's and other business'.

[derek072887]

Also washington county voted FOR the riverside casino by a land slide... and they were still worried about the gaming commission... just saying

[SledgeWS6]

Also washington county voted FOR the riverside casino by a land slide... and they were still worried about the gaming commission... just saying

Comparing apples an oranges. A developed area VS non-developed. Not to mention the social issues played a lot more into Riverside with the Amish near-by than it ever will in Cedar Rapids. When Waterloo got the Isle, they didn't even blink.

[Scott]

Slot machines, cold beer, buffet, concerts... mmmm I cant wait, might even have to enter a hold em tourny too

[derek072887]

bumpity bump

[sLoWnStEaDy]

4 > 36k+... luckily