Your downtown: The work is done and the ribbon is ready; come support your neighbors

It is not about whether or not you think the fountain belongs downtown or whether you think the artwork would look better somewhere else.

It doesn't even matter if you think it is weird -- and a little disconcerting -- that the city used your phone number to send you a robocall to invite you.

The ceremony planned for Monday to cut the ribbon on the completed Streetscape project is not about anyone but the citizens of Goldsboro.

That's right -- this is our ceremony because this is our downtown and our dollars are what made those streets, roundabouts and everything else happen.

And if we can be, we should be there.

There will be time to debate what to do next -- and how to make sure we have a vibrant and prosperous downtown -- later.

But right now, this is not about all that.

As we have said in every editorial we have written about the new project (including the one in which we questioned the placement of the artwork and the fountain) -- there are a whole lot of businesses that have waited patiently for this project to be completed, weathering what can only be described as challenging conditions.

They deserve our support.

So come on downtown Monday, bring the children, and be a part of the unveiling of your new downtown.

You will get a chance to see that there are some great things going on in your city -- fun places to eat or to enjoy a drink or a cup of coffee or tea with friends, a beautiful spot to see a show and, with Christmas just around the corner, lots of spots to find just the right gift.

There is more work to be done in the downtown area, that's for sure. There is always work to be done in a city. It is the nature of the beast.

But for now, there is a ribbon to cut -- and from the robomessage we received, there will be an opportunity for the community to be part of that as well.

The rumor is that there will be fun for the children, too, as well as some bargains and other specials to enjoy.

The holiday season is coming.

Why not start it off with a little fun -- before all the stress kicks in.

The important thing to remember is that no matter who decides what or who agrees or disagrees  -- Goldsboro belongs and always has belonged to the people.

And that is always worth celebrating.

Published in Editorials on October 31, 2015 11:29 PM