I don't know the actual numbers but the general perception around Greensboro is that the East Greensboro site where I'm proposing the Greensboro Performing Arts Center be built is in a very high crime area.
It is true that businesses refuse to move to the shopping center because they fear the crime rate is too high. That's why we lost the grocery store deal that left the City in possession of a shopping center with only 1 Dollar Store and nothing else. Well, except for a beautiful library with a shortage of books. (There is something so wrong about empty shelves in a new library.)
If that is indeed true, then a local gem like a multimillion dollar performing arts center would require the City of Greensboro to step-up the pace and do something to protect their/our investment. Building a performing arts center outside of downtown would require the City of Greensboro to become as vested in the rest of the city as they are vested in downtown Greensboro-- something many Greensboro residents have long complained the City does not do.
Build it and they will come? No, build it and they will stay-- vested.
You see, while it might only be a matter of perception, the City doesn't care enough to change the perception right or wrong.
Can you think of a reason why downtown will be a better location than East Greensboro for a performing arts center? I doubt it but don't be afraid to try and convince me.
Continue to article #4 Greensboro Performing Arts: Public Or Private
