Remember back in 1985 when the box office smash, “Back to the Future” was released? Who could forget the young energetic Marty McFly racing across the screen in a modified DeLorean. The storyline was perfect because there’s something captivating about traveling in time. Having the ability to alter your past to reshape your future. Ironically, I’ve reached a cross road in my life that allows me to have a nostalgic view of the past, while staring at the promising and optimistic possibilities of the future.
Whenever I’m in Greensboro, I often travel the same roads I did as a child, which brings back good memories. But it also leads to thoughts of frustration. Nothing has changed besides a few new buildings here and there, and things are mostly the same on our side of town. I can’t accept that it’s a “black thing” because I live in Atlanta where new construction is the norm. But I also can’t blame anyone other than myself because I was blessed with the means to make a change. In fact, God often reminds me of my purpose with visions of progress, and productive conversations with my peers. The future looks bright and it includes everyone regardless of race and gender.
I envision a convoy of Toyota EV’s traveling up and down Highway 421 for the 15 mile stretch towards the Guilford-Randolph Mega Site. Electric roads will power the travel, while charging autonomous vehicles carrying students to and from NC A&T and UNCG safely in the right lane. Highway 62 from Burlington will be widened and Pleasant Garden will experience growth similar to Summerfield in Northwest Greensboro. But most of all, East Greensboro will experience developmental growth never seen before in our city. This growth includes a reservoir surrounded by beautiful homes and commercial property. Smart roads that twist through a Championship Golf Course, lined with Dogwood trees painting a canvas so beautiful that only Bob Ross himself could capture it.
This isn’t wishful thinking, for it’s happening right now. Last week, I spoke to a surveyor who was hired to stake 100 acres near the mega site. He also stated that there’s a lot of buzz in the air from major developers inquiring about opportunities near the site as well. Meanwhile, local politicians are methodically working behind the scenes, supporting nonprofit organizations focused on developing East Greensboro. There’s a lot of momentum on their side, especially with the development of Bailey Village at New Downtown East, and the $60 million Resurgent Project on East Market Street by the NC A&T Real Estate Foundation.
But this is just the beginning. Once East Greensboro creates a CID (Community Improvement District), to convince businesses that support EV technology to move to the city, additional development will follow. Honestly, I’m not quite sure if I’m ready for an autonomous vehicle to pull up beside me at a traffic light. I’ll probably speed past it like when I see a compact car with a “Student Driver” sign on top. But one thing is for certain. We can’t go back in time for that moment has passed. But we have the ability to shape our future for the better.
Now that's good wisdom! Keep moving foward for a better and brighter future.