We are fortunate to live in a city where so many citizens are passionate about the past, present and future.
According to Savannah Morning News news researcher Julia Muller, I’ve written more than 1,500 columns for the paper over the last 12 years.
How’d that happen?
It doesn’t feel like I’ve written more than 1,100.
At this time of Thanksgiving, I’d like to thank the many regular readers of my columns both in this section and in Do on Thursdays. Twelve years ago, I would never have guessed that there was so much demand for these newsy updates about city life.
And I never would have expected that so many readers would tolerate my wonky, occasionally tedious, delving into data about the job market, real estate and other vital but less-than-exciting sectors.
I generally try to connect a few dots in these columns — to put specific developments in the context of larger trends.
Are there any trends for which we should be thankful this year?
We are fortunate to live in a city where so many citizens are passionate about the past, present and future.
Sometimes those passions conflict with or even completely contradict each other. But vigorous discourse might be the best path for a communal vision to emerge.
Consider recent discussions about crime in the city. As we hash over different strategies, we create chances for changes that will make life better for law-abiding citizens.
As I’ve said here before, I’d put the emphasis on eradicating obvious street level crimes. I’ve never understood why Savannah has allowed the same corridors to be plagued by drug dealing and prostitution for decades.
We should be thankful that Savannah’s economy seems to be rebounding from the doldrums of the weak recovery.
Sure, there are many uncertainties, and many hardworking citizens continue to struggle.
But we’ve seen steady improvement in our local employment data. And the housing market probably bottomed out a few months ago.
If you’re suspicious of data, just look around at all the major developments in and around Savannah’s core.
There are active plans for new hotels, new apartments, our first Whole Foods and myriad other projects that should generate jobs and improve quality of life.
We’re seeing significant underutilized parcels of land in the heart of the city converted to more appropriate uses.
Last weekend even brought word that investors are again looking at mixed-use development on Hutchinson Island. That’s a tall order, mainly because of the poor vehicular access, but the effort is another sign that the city is emerging from the long slump.
Whatever you’re thankful for, I hope you have a pleasant Thanksgiving.
City Talk appears every Sunday and Tuesday. Bill Dawers can be reached via billdawers@comcast.net and http://www.billdawers.com. Send mail to 10 E. 32nd St., Savannah, GA 31401.