News-Record.com

A new ACC museum in Greensboro? Great idea. And what better city in which to build such an edifice? Rumor has it that the whole concept for the conference was hatched over hot toddies at the Sedgefield Country Club just down the road. Such a museum would certainly be a hit if done well, drawing scores of "rabid" fans from all over the Southeast and introducing these otherwise reluctant travelers to our fair city.

But here's one problem that for some reason gets overlooked by most everyone: The main gateway for these scores of happy (though frothing) ACC-ites would be the Lee Street/High Point Road corridor.

What a truly scenic and welcoming gateway it is! When my wife and I have visitors from out of town, the first thing we love to do is rush them back into the car for a nice, leisurely drive down High Point Road (or "Le Boulevarde") as we like to put it. Cruising along, we take in the sights -- the tranquil seas of aged asphalt, abandoned or scarcely occupied big boxes, the occasional tree or scrubby bush, the mish-mash of dated signage and the not-to-be-missed "retro" overhead utilities, just to name a few.

Even now, in my mind's eye I can conjure up those misty visions. Ahh.

For thousands of visitors this corridor is their only contact with Greensboro. No wonder the city can't attract more big business when urban blight is what the high rollers see when they come to town via this corridor. Across the state, other communities have recognized the need to better "package their wares" to present a more inviting and welcoming atmosphere to both visitor and prospective business leaders.

In Raleigh, most notably, a sizable stretch of Glenwood Avenue was revitalized by burying utilities, removing and revamping dated signage and adding sidewalk amenities such as street plantings and decorative surface treatments. Instant success. Glenwood Avenue is now one of the most happening places in downtown Raleigh.

Winston-Salem has recently completed another phase of its street beautification efforts and interestingly enough, the particular street was one of the corridors leading to its coliseum.

So, what are you waiting on, Greensboro? For Winston or Chapel Hill to steal away the museum idea like the Dell facility or other lost opportunities?

I believe that many citizens would love to see Greensboro's image improve. Monies spent with such a goal in mind would be well worth it.

Timothy L. Daniel
The writer is a Greensboro resident and an N.C. State fan.