Acknowledging that it has been more expensive than anticipated, the City of Cedar Rapids today announced that it is abandoning efforts to rebuild downtown infrastructure to support “Quiet Train Zones.”
Instead, the city will issue large, fuzzy earmuffs to downtown residents.
“This is a way better option for everyone,” said Mayor Paul Barnes in announcing the new plan. “These noise-cancelling earmuffs are portable and fashionable. They’re certainly less expensive and way easier to distribute, compared to trying to coordinate three railroads to make any changes.”
“And they’ll be great in the winter!”
Barnes also indicated that Doubletree Hotel guests would be able to rent earmuffs for a small daily or weekly rental fee. Muffs are currently available in white or pink. Officials said additional colors likely will be available during the next fiscal budget year.
