The location of the proposed Ottumwa casino (Rippling Waters — great name) should be in the 100 block of Main Street. Level the south side of the block and build the casino there. The existing parking lot would accommodate the new casino, and the downtown north side of the street would have an opportunity to be revitalized.

The current downtown area is a disgrace when compared to other Iowa cities. Even smaller towns of Oskaloosa, Fairfield, Albia and Bloomfield have far superior downtown areas.

I’m sure there are many reasons for the decline in the last 50 years, but here is an opportunity to make Ottumwa a great city with a vibrant downtown.

SJ Ullman

Former Ottumwan

Lone Tree, Colo.