[YOU PROBABLY NEED TO DIFFERENTIATE NORTHEAST ABILENE (WHERE ACU IS) AND THE BROADER TERM NORTH ABILENE, WHICH GOES ALL THE WAY OVER TO DYESS. COULD ALSO USE “THE HILL” IF YOU JUST MEAN ACU, JUDGE ELY AND THE I-20 EXIT]

[CLEAN UP SYNTAX AND GRAMMAR THROUGHOUT]

The city of Abilene has seen a great amount of growth since I first moved here, especially on the north side of town. I definitely believe that this growth will have a positive affect on the city of Abilene, by causing more people to spend time on this side. I also think that the upcoming events will help weigh out Abilene and bring in more people and activity.

I remember the only eating-places on the north side of town off of I-20 where Abilene Christian University is are Cracker Barrel, Chick-fil-a, Chili’s, Oscar’s, Dairy Queen, and Subway. Off of Jude Ely there were a few more eating choices; Taco Bueno, Arby’s, Wholly Cow, Little Panda, Lytle Land and Cattle Co, Sharons, Sonic, Sharkey’s, etc. Now, four years later there are so many more.

North Abilene now has a Panda Express, Golden Chick, and Heff’s Burgers. To say that Abilene is not growing and expanding its horizons is a false statement. North Abilene is currently undergoing major growth as it is preparing to place a Buffalo Wild Wings, Starbucks, and a full movie theatre with a little shopping district.

Just with the new restaurants alone, this will bring in more people to this side by giving them more eating options rather than driving to the south side of Abilene for more food options.

For some people, driving 15 miles is not an issue or a problem. However, for others it is due to the cost of gas money and time. Especially for college students, adding 30 minutes in to the drive to and from the restaurant can really place a burden on the student. If the student is on a time crunch a midst their busy schedules, or if they are flat out just trying to save money on gas.

Having more restaurants and adding a movie theatre with shops on the north side of Abilene will create more opportunity for students to work and get jobs. I have heard countless of stories where students won’t accept a job across town due to their schedules and for the long drive that it takes to get to the south side.

Now with additional work opportunities, students won’t have to drive far to get to work, and can work normal hours while still going to school.

I also think this growth for north Abilene will be more pleasing and beneficial to travelers on I-20. From Dallas to Abilene, there are not many places to stop. With the additional things to do, eating places to stop at, and a little shopping center, drives will be more prone to stop and visit the area.

These additions to north Abilene are a very smart move for the city. I could not see be more excited to see such a great city grow and attract more people and bring more opportunity to the community around itself.