As 2012 draws to a close, we leave you with a view of a little bit of open space, Greensboro's version of big sky country, on Old Battleground. The white clouds hover above the old, leafless trees. Down the road is Guilford Courthouse National Miliatry Park. Just beyond is the Yadkin-Atlantic Greenway. This view has remained unchanged since Greensboro became a city in 1808. However, behind us is a new apartment complex and the Battleground/Horse Pen Creek Harris Teeter parking lot. The beauty on the ridge butts up against encroaching modernity. Through programs like the Piedmont Land Conservancy, we are finding ways to preserve land for future generations while building facilities to enhance our city.
One of the biggest changes to downtown in 2012 was the infill development of 4.2 acres on the edge of Fisher Park. The Greenway Apartments opened on property that had been an auto dealership for the last five decades. Deep Roots Co-op should open in 2013, bringing a much-needed grocery store downtown. Locally, 2012 was also a growth year for the building that several mini-businesses under one roof. Hopefully, the News and Record will feature one of their year-in-review articles.
Thank you for your faithful readership in 2012. Please continue to read in 2013. As you ring in the new year tonight, do not drink and drive. If you see someone who has been drinking, insist they take AAA up on their free Tipsy Tow service. AAA will get you and your vehicle home, members and non-members, as long as you are 7 miles or less from home. Happy New Year's Eve!