The opening of the new Salamander Resort and Spa has already changed Middleburg in ways residents from the 1960's (or even the 1980's) would never have imagined.

Happily, many if not all those changes . . . increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic, expanded water and wastewater treatment requirements, the impact of event-related noise and light, parking issues, security issues, land and viewshed preservation and more . . . have been anticipated, planned for, and in many cases, already addressed.

Better still, over the past decade, relationships have been established between Salamander and the Town that should allow calm, rational, and effective approaches to addressing the inevitable surprises that will emerge in the years ahead.

Best of all, Town Government has already begun to take steps that will allow Middleburg to stay ahead of the curve as those changes occur.

Particularly noteworthy are the new formal guidelines adopted by Council to preserve and enhance what's best about Washington Street, to protect its priceless water supply, and to provide expanded police protection for the town, its businesses, its visitors and citizens.

Town staff and the Town Council have been both protective of what's best about Middleburg and its traditions and open to suggestions for change and improvements.

The coming year will no doubt bring with it many surprises, problems, issues and opportunities. Rather than fearing them, we look forward to addressing them all, with a firm belief in both the professionalism and quality of our staff, the dedication and commitment of our Town Council, and a partner/stakeholder in the Salamander organization that has already demonstrated its commitment to the highest standards of corporate good citizenship.