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 By  Staff Reports Published 
7:54 am Saturday, April 20, 2002

Around town good attitude abounds

By Staff
April 14, 2002
Like the happy horses of the Around Town Carousels Abound public arts project, the positive attitude expressed in recent days by so many people in Meridian is refreshing.
We believe, like many of you, that downtown revitalization efforts are good for our community and a solid sign that things can get better in the future. We believe our economy can grow stronger. We support such projects as the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center, including the Grand Opera House, and the Southern Arts and Entertainment Center because they can add to Meridian's appeal.
Residential and commercial construction activities are picking up as hospitals, churches, banks and a variety of other private interests build or renovate. Lowe's has opened, Montana's will open soon and Chunky River Harley-Davidson/Buell will soon embark on a huge relocation and expansion project.
While these projects provide short term jobs for engineers, architects and construction trades, they offer tremendous benefits over the long term, too. Commercial Realtor Larry Dudley brought a group of colleagues from other parts of Mississippi to Meridian last week and they liked what they saw and heard.
On so many levels, Meridian is a city on the move. Let's remember this positive attitude when someone, as they will before too long, seriously suggests construction of a civic center or new school. The reservoir of good will can be as deep as we make it, just as our community can be as good as we make it.

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