Good morning Cary! Wanted to share that next week we will be taking a quick break while we update some stuff on our website, how we send out emails, and review feedback on the newsletter.
Look forward to a few updates to the website and branding the following week, just in time to get Halloween details prepped and ready.
Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:
A big plan for Maynard and Chatham
Plan an escape just down the road
Rising fuel costs hit the town
A rainy weekend with plenty to do
— Mason from Cary Digest
News
Maynard Road May Be Relocated Under the Tracks
Source: NCDOT Public Input Website
If you've ever sat at the railroad crossing on Maynard near Chatham waiting on a train (we’ve all done it), you might be in luck with some proposed changes. NCDOT seems to be moving ahead with a plan to drop Maynard under the tracks, getting rid of the street-level crossing for good.
The design NCDOT is backing would also shift the intersection south, out of the rail corridor (seen below). The price tag is estimated at about $83.8 million ($37.3M for property and $46.5M for construction and utilities), here are some quick notes:
Buying property would start around summer 2027, with construction around summer 2030. Both dates are subject to change.
Some nearby businesses may need to relocate. A 2018 estimate put it around 12, but NCDOT says the number could be higher and a final list isn't ready yet but would affect neighbors of this intersection.
The public meeting was this past Tuesday, but public comments are open through October 27th. You can leave your input at the link below or at the contact info listed on that same page (phone or email).
This is a long-term project, but now is the time in which you have a say, so be sure to leave your feedback if you have anything to add.
Partnered with Whole Brain Escape!
There's a fun adventure waiting right next door at Whole Brain Escape!
Owner Heather Chandler and Designer Rafael Chandler spent their careers making video game worlds before opening up Apex's first escape room. You and up to nine others get one hour to solve puzzles and escape rooms they designed themselves.
Visit the Weird & Wild West, travel back thousands of years to the Tomb of the Pharaoh, or even escape Blackbeard’s hideout off the Carolina Coast!
Great for family night, a birthday, or finally getting your co-workers together. Leave the phones out of it and enjoy a device-free hour as you work to solve puzzles and find clues.
Check them out at 410 Upchurch St in Downtown Apex, just down the road from Cary!
P.S. Want to advertise in Cary Digest this month? Reply to this email or reach out at [email protected]!
Town Updates & Tip Line
Town Fuel Costs Up 54%, Despite Using Less
The town spent $663,393 on fuel last quarter, up 54% from a year ago, even though it actually used 1.4% fewer gallons. Diesel jumped from $2.74 to $4.67 a gallon, and the town now projects ending the year about $376,000 over its fuel budget.
UNC Health Breaks Ground in Cary
UNC Health broke ground on its 48-acre Cary campus near Durham. The first phase is a six-story medical office and parking deck, expected to open in summer 2028. It will offer cancer care, heart and vascular, orthopedics, OB-GYN, imaging, lab, and pharmacy services. A community hospital is planned for 2032.
Moving Forward Dashboard Reminder
Just as a reminder, keep up with findings related to the towns organizational structure and governance practices at this website (best viewed on desktop).
Cary Digest Tip Line
Share your own tips, city rumors for us to dig into, or questions for us to investigate. Leave your (anonymous) thoughts below if you have something you’d like to share:
Things to Do This Weekend!
Saturday afternoon and Sunday are looking wet and windy, due to possible remnants from Hurricane Isaias. Double-check outdoor events on the organizer's page or social media before you go as things may change last minute.
Friday
Friday, October 9th: Coming Home: The Music of James Taylor - 7:30PM · Cary Arts Center hosts James Gedeon and his solo tribute to James Taylor.
Friday, October 9th: Queen Budapest - 8PM · The Cary Theater screens a remaster of Queen's 1986 show in Budapest, one of the last tours with Freddie Mercury.
Saturday
Saturday, October 10th: Cary Downtown Farmers Market - 8AM to 12PM · Cary Downtown Farmers Market sets up at 160 E. Park St. next to Downtown Cary Park. Get there in the morning ahead of the rain but keep an eye on the radar.
Saturday, October 10th: Family Storytime - 9:30AM & 10:30AM · Cary Regional Library hosts storytime for ages 0 to 5. Free, but space is limited so snag a ticket.
Saturday, October 10th: Hum Sub Diwali - 9AM to 9:30PM · Koka Booth Amphitheatre hosts the 26th annual Diwali festival with performances, shopping, food, and fireworks. Free admission, requires paid cashless parking.
Saturday, October 10th: Triangle Barkitecture - 1PM to 5PM · Downtown Cary Park is home to the architect-designed pet houses, the costume contest, and the Kitten Cuddle Room we spoke of on Tuesday. Get there closer to 1 to hopefully avoid the rain and support a great cause.
Saturday, October 10th: The Irish Session - 2PM to 5PM · Bond Brothers Eastside hosts its free second-Saturday traditional Irish music jam. Bring an instrument or just listen in with some snacks and food.
Saturday, October 10th: The Magic Faraway Tree - 2PM · The Cary Theater screens this PG fantasy based on the Enid Blyton book series.
Sunday
Sunday, October 11th: Meet the Artist: Embroiderers' Guild of America - 2PM to 3PM · Cary Regional Library welcomes people of every level to talk cross-stitch, needlepoint, beading, and more with this educational event.
Sunday, October 11th: Bluegrass Open Jam - 4PM to 7PM · Bond Brothers Eastside hosts its weekly free bluegrass jam, so make sure to bring an instrument or grab a beer.
Sunday, October 11th: Six: The Musical Live! - 6PM · The Cary Theater screens the filmed Broadway hit about the six wives of Henry VIII, tickets at the link.
Heading into Raleigh instead? Check out our sister newsletter at The Raleighwood Inbox for a full list of things to do over there as well.
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