While it's sometimes difficult not to dwell on the area's many problems and the gloomy economic forecast, we believe that it's important to also remember the positive things happening in and around Auburn. So, as we begin a new year, we'll turn away from the seemingly endless stories about state and local fiscal woes and continuing job losses, to look ahead to some things we have to look forward to in 2009.

#&149; In what promises to be a big boost for area tourism, the National Park Service continues to make progress on a plan to develop a national park in Auburn dedicated to Harriet Tubman. Under the proposal, the Tubman Home on South Street, Thompson Memorial AME Zion Church, the Seward House and Tubman's grave site in Fort Hill Cemetery would all become part of the nation's first national park developed to honor the achievements of a black woman.

#&149; Major renovations to several buildings on State Street in Auburn have progressed from plans to actual brick-and-mortar work as the Stardust Foundation of Central New York and its partners move ahead with a $5.5 million project. The refurbished city block will be a mix of offices, commercial space and residential units and could be just the shot in the arm downtown Auburn needs in the continuing revitalization efforts there.

#&149; Summer will once again bring minor league baseball to Auburn, as the Doubledays have a newly signed agreement to continue to play ball at Falcon Park, and manager Dennis Holmberg will be returning for his eighth season. We must never take for granted that America's favorite pastime takes place right in our backyard. The ballpark is an inexpensive family outing that provides as much casual conversation as terrific sports action.

#&149; And 2009 will be the first year in many that there will be no major construction projects on Genesee Street in Auburn. East and West Genesee Street have both seen great improvements in surfacing and landscaping, making the major corridor through the city smoother to drive on and nicer to look at.