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Predicting Jackson County's future
Since it's been five years since we gazed into Jackson County's future and ventured a guess as to what it might hold, we'll seize the opportunity provided by this year-end edition to update our forecast.
As the new century dawned, we focused in on Sylva, predicting that by 2010 we'd see a new library and downtown greenways. Since we still have five years to go before that prediction is inaccurate, and with a site selected for a library and a timeline that says a new library will be ready in 2009, we'll stay with our original forecast.
The Greenways Commission shares our optimism for walking trails connecting Sylva and Dillsboro by the end of this century's first decade. Their plans call for that first greenways section to be completed by 2009 as well.
We correctly predicted the complete renovation of the Hooper House. Completed in 2002, that project shows what can be accomplished when the community gets behind a goal. Transforming the crumbling Victorian into a welcoming hostess for our town was a significant achievement led by Julie Spiro and the Hooper House Foundation.
But enough of past successes. It's time to turn our attention to the events now appearing through the swirling mists of our newsroom's crystal ball, the one that former News Editor J.D. McRorie bequeathed to us when he left in 1993.
Looking specifically at 2005, here's what we see happening:
– A business boon, which will include announcements regarding a nationally-known home improvement chain on N.C. 107 and a super Ingles in the former A&P location.
– Several new restaurants, possibly including an Outback Steakhouse or Red Lobster, will look to locate here once Sylva moves ahead with liquor by the drink.
– Significant changes in the athletic program at Western Carolina University as the Cats pursue their dream of powerhouse Southern Conference teams.
– An outdoor wedding at a local historical site will attract visitors from across the state and nation.
– Improved fiber-optic infrastructure, courtesy of cooperation between BalsamWest FiberNet and Metrostat Technologies.
– Sylva and Webster will proceed with growth plans and expand their respective city limits, despite the objections of residents in both of the soon-to-be annexed areas.
– Given the inevitability of major growth at WCU, Summit Apartments will find a way to move forward with another building, despite the objections of Forest Hills officials. As a corollary to that growth, Forest Hills will have to become more accepting of college students and more willing to accommodate their needs.
As to the weather, we're leaving those forecasts to Bob Caldwell. After all, who last December could have predicted the wrath Mother Nature had in store for Western North Carolina in 2004?
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