Story Created:
Jul 8, 2008 at 8:10 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Jul 14, 2008 at 12:00 PM CDT
CEDAR RAPIDS - This was their rallying cry. Free food and a handful of neighborhood and elected leaders to eliminate doubt about the future of the Czech Village.
We're not talking about some far off future, we're talking about tomorrow, and the days that follow.
Each day these businesses don't bring in cash, business owners say they're spending their reserves on dinner instead of rebuilding.
"A month, we know. If it goes two months, three months, I don't know. We just don't know," said Serena Gabrielson.
Looking for answers, just less than 100 people grouped around the bandstand to hear good words. But, with no microphone, words were hard to hear. And the words people here heard, didn't tell them much.
"We understand that they have their hands tied to an extent, but if they'd brought down a few more answers for this meeting, and a microphone, as though they had planned this better, it would have been better for us," said Alex Anderson.
People may have left with unanswered questions. But at least they say they left knowing every neighbor was in the same boat.
"So the quicker we can get these businesses reopened the better off everyone is going to be, both Cedar Rapids and us personally."
Everyone knows that, but no one knows when they'll get there.
Email Justin Foss at Justin.Foss@kcrg.com
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Friday, Jul 11 at 7:34 AM To "City Leadership" wrote ...
I agree with you. They need to realize that #!: They are NOT going to be able to make EVERYONE happy. And #2: They are NOT likely to get re-elected anyway. JUST MAKE SOME DECISIONS for God's sakes, so we can move on with this! Just say "this is the way it is going to be" and do it!
Thursday, Jul 10 at 5:20 PM proud czech wrote ...
i hope they don't take czech village out thats all that was left of my grandma who came here al the way from czechlaslavakia. she used to own part of the czech village a long time ago. after she passed away we had her belongings placed in the czech museum. so i hope they at least rebuild it so theres some sort of memories.
Thursday, Jul 10 at 12:59 PM Tina F wrote ...
My home is staying where she is at, broken and all. She will sit there until someone does something with it or homeowners can recieve a grant to demolish them.
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 2:25 PM resident wrote ...
Is this a news story? It doesn't tell anything...
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 1:54 PM idea wrote ...
how bout the businesses get a business loan and open up their doors! Waiting around for someone to change your diapers isn't going to do any good.
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 1:19 PM VISITOR wrote ...
WANT TO HELP SAVE CZECH VILLAGE? GO DOWN THERE AND VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME TO HELP GUT SOME OF THE BUILDINGS, ALL OF THE BUSINESS OWNERS ARE LOOKING FOR HELP, AS MANY OF THEM DO NOT HAVE FLOOD INSURANCE!
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:40 PM SKM wrote ...
I understand the history and significance of Czek Village, but it is a very small portion the the devistaion the flood inflicted on Cedar Rapids. I work with 100 poeple directly impacted by the flood. Let's hear about what FMEA and the Red Cross are doing to help a working mother of 6 secure housing (eligible for a FEMA trailer)but still with 7 people living with others who are all making the best of the situation and my other co-workers waiting to hear what is going to happen with their homes
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:29 PM City Leadership wrote ...
Hey Cedar Rapids council members....It has been a month since the flood, and I have yet to see you make any kind of decision! DO SOMETHING!
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 11:33 AM kim - CR wrote ...
We need to get these businesses back as soon as possible, I love the Polenas, I'm craving the smoked bacon etc..... please come back POLEHNAS.
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 11:13 AM Anonymous wrote ...
Again the city council is prepared !! Again the "Mayor Pro-tem" no mayor !! Thats ok, nobody wants to see her anyway, why add insult to injury again. Knowing there would be quite a few people gathered, no microphone, imagine that. Another great attempt by the "city council" to help the people of Cedar Rapids ! Again walking away not knowing what was said or any answers. Remember this !!! CedarRapidians at election time !!!
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 10:10 AM Always Learning wrote ...
I grew up visitng Czech Village regularly with my grandparents, and was so sorry to hear about the devastation down there. Moving to higher ground makes sense, but noplace will ever be like 16th Avenue. Esp with the museum there. Best of luck to all of the buisness and home owners as they make decisions as to what to do next. Kosek's has been long gone, and then Sykora's Bakery left not that long ago. I sure hope some of you can find a way to stay. How can we preserve our heritage in CR?
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 9:24 AM Hungry,too. wrote ...
If Polehnas does not open up, my family will never get good barbecued ribs again..ever.
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 9:09 AM LH wrote ...
Cedar Rapids and Czech Village go hand in hand. Czech Village has to come back. Where is the Federal & State Govt????? People need answers to their questions. This disaster is too big for the city to handle alone.
Wednesday, Jul 9 at 8:33 AM Hungry wrote ...
Please come back Polehnas!!!!! I'm craving the smoked pork shops right now.
Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:51 PM Cheryl Balster/Why USA Realty wrote ...
My Daughter lost her first home at 1806 C St SW. It meant the world to a 21 year old girl who had earned her own small way into a house that cost $39,950. It's around the corner from Great Uncle Charlie's Maytag shop that is still in the family. My grandfather was a druggist here in the 40's. We have been here over 100 years. Never rich but happy. My office on 1st st SW took 9 feet of water. We are making payments on places we can't occupy. And we need Answers that you can't give us.
Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:38 PM Hurry!! wrote ...
We need to get these businesses back in business as soon as possible, especially Polehnas. I'm completely out of their wieners! I'm totally serious, I took the last two out of the freezer today!!!
Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:28 PM CR resident wrote ...
They should be able to go back. If not then the city needs to find a new area for the Czechs.
Tuesday, Jul 8 at 9:01 PM Czech Village Business wrote ...
Maybe we all should move this village to higher ground??? I am pretty sure we are gonna buy elsewhere.
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