Dear Cedar Rapids, Get Over the Casino

The City Council approved plans this week to clear the remaining buildings on the site originally intended for a casino in the Kingston Village neighborhood. Mayor Ron Corbett has said that the city isn't in any rush to redevelop the property in the event that a casino could still wind up on the site.

HUH?!?!?

It's been over a year since the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission denied Cedar Rapids' casino proposal. People got mad. Accusations were made. People (including Corbett) vowed not to bow, and take their cause to the legislature, if needed.

I, for one, am sick of it. I was never excited about the prospect of a casino. I think they're pretty boring, and the idea was unimaginative. There are plenty of casinos checkered across the state. Why are we so intent on following the trend?

Plus, the trend is on the decline. Several studies have shown that casinos -- and the municipalities where they're located -- are faltering. (Just take a look at Atlantic City.)

It's time for a fresh perspective. New ideas. Some real action.

The casino is dead. It wasn't a great idea in the first place.

Get over it. Move forward.