A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring the 2012 great places in north carolina.
Whereas, North Carolina is filled with great places that embody its history, charm, creativity, resourcefulness, and vitality; and
Whereas, in 2012, the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association (NCCAP) sponsored an initiative known as "Great Places in North Carolina," a program that is similar to the "Great Places in America" program sponsored by the American Planning Association, which celebrates places across the country that are of exemplary character, quality, and planning; and
Whereas, the "Great Places in North Carolina" initiative was the first of its kind for state chapters of the American Planning Association and the first theme was designed to recognize great main streets across North Carolina; and
Whereas, in 2012, an expert panel selected the following winners representing the mountains to the coast: Asheville's Lexington Avenue, Hillsborough's Churton Street, Charlotte's Tryon Street, and Edenton's Broad Street; and
Whereas, the panel also named Gastonia's Main Avenue as a "Great Place in the Making" and voters selected Mount Airy's Main Street as the People's Choice in an online contest in which 1,700 votes were cast; and
Whereas, in 2012, the American Planning Association also recognized downtown Salisbury as a Great Place in America; and
Whereas, the great places are vibrant centers of commerce and community; and
Whereas, these great places are the result of thoughtful community planning and partnerships between government, business, and citizens; and
Whereas, behind each of these great places is a story of North Carolinians working together to improve their communities; and
Whereas, these great places embody the spirit of citizenship, enterprise, and service that makes our State great; and
Whereas, these places also portray the stories of the people who have lived and worked in them, such as Mount Airy native, Andy Griffith; and
Whereas, Andrew Samuel "Andy" Griffith grew up in Mount Airy and graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; and
Whereas, Andy Griffith became an actor starring in a number of movies, television series, and Broadway productions; and
Whereas, between 1960 and 1968, Andy Griffith portrayed the folksy sheriff of the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina on the "Andy Griffith Show;" and
Whereas, the "Andy Griffith Show" has remained a fan favorite for generations, bringing about nostalgia and memories of the great main streets we grew up on and the great places in this State; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The House of Representatives honors the memory of Andy Griffith, a great actor and ambassador for the State for over 50 years, and expresses its appreciation for his many talents and gifts that have entertained generations.
SECTION 2.  The House of Representatives recognizes the 2012 Great Places in North Carolina named in this resolution and downtown Salisbury as a Great Place in America.
SECTION 3.  The House of Representatives joins the North Carolina Chapter of the American Planning Association in commending the community leaders, volunteers, staff, and partners who have worked to make these places great.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.