After 2016 ended with a slew of negativity and people discussing the political divisiveness, waves of celebrity deaths and other sour things that seemed to dominate national headlines, it’s worthwhile to take a moment and acknowledge that many good things are going on in Austin.

Now before you get your pessimism pants in a bundle, recognize that we said good things and not perfect things.

It’s only a few days into the year, but 2017 is already developing into a big year for Austin.
The key word for the year: development. Two multi-million projects are moving toward spring completion in the new Hy-Vee at the former Oak Park Mall site and the new  $7 million interpretive center at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center.

Then two additional projects are still in the planning and discussion phases: the $35 million Austin Community Recreation Center to be built at the former downtown municipal plant and the long-discussed expansion of the Austin Paramount Theater.

Plus, we can’t forget The Hormel Institute expansion and new Spam Museum completed last year.

You can dislike each of the projects mentioned, but remember this: It’s progress.

Will these projects cure all Austin’s ills? No.

We could spend hours debating the long-term effects these projects will have Austin and every person is sure to have his or her own opinion. But what these projects will do is help improve quality of life and help make Austin more appealing than it was in, say, 2010.

We’re not saying these projects are perfect. For example, some residents spoke out against the rec center project at the downtown Austin plant, and some people are likely to wish Austin still had a mall. Those opinions are valid.

People should at least appreciate that many communities would be envious of such major development projects going on in such a short time frame, and they should appreciate the work it took to get them there.

Many issues still face Austin: poverty, a housing shortage, crime and drugs, and many more. And, again, we acknowledge these projects — like all projects — are not perfect. But it’s progress.

We simply encourage people to pause for a moment, appreciate the good and look at Austin’s glass as being half full.