Cedar Rapids Flood Memorial Construction Begins

While many say a flood protection system in Cedar Rapids should be a priority above all else, work on a flood memorial project begins work just in time for the 10th anniversary of the most devastating flood in Cedar Rapids' history.

The area hit the hardest by that devastation was on the Northwest side of Cedar Rapids and in the Time Check neighborhood. There, part of O Ave. and Ellis Blvd. NW is closing for construction as work begins on the Northwest Gateway and Memorial Plaza. It will consist of green space and a memorial wall that will mark the flood level and serve as a symbol of hope and recovery for that neighborhood and the community. It is expected to officially open and be ready on the 10th anniversary date, June 13, 2018.

I lived in that area on the Northwest side as the flood hit in 2008, and it just barely missed my street. Certainly, this flood memorial will generate mixed reactions and open old wounds for many that went through it.

[Via CBS2]