Kermit the Frog sings a song that says "it's not easy being green."

Board members of the Sunrise Preservation Group would probably concur with that assessment, but happily, after many months of negotiation, the SPG announced Wednesday that the board has finalized the purchase of the undeveloped property directly adjacent to the Sunrise Theater at 250 NW Broad Street, Southern Pines.

"We are calling the space Sunrise Preservation Green," said David Young, board president of SPG. "We have no immediate plans for its use, other than continuing to host First Fridays, SpringFest, and other activities that will benefit the community.

"The board considers the purchase of the green space next to the theater as a necessary move to accommodate the long-range growth of the theater and the organization. Given the popularity of the theater, we will, no doubt, have to expand our operations, and we will eventually develop a long-range plan for the use of the property. In the meantime, we are seeking benefactors and foundations who will assist us in retiring the mortgage."

For more on the story, see Friday's print edition of The Pilot.