Cary Spotlight | Issue #066

NC's 6 New Laws | Wake County's Housing Hope | Raleigh-Cary's Retail Shift

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

☀️ Cary NC Weather

📅 Lots Of Events This Week!

📰 Building Homes, Building Hope: Wake County’s Fight Against Housing Insecurity

📰 North Carolina's 6 New Laws Set for New Year That You Might Have Missed

📰 The Retail Paradox: Raleigh-Cary's Stores Increase Amidst Digital Surge

🏆 Raven Newsom: From North Carolina to the World Stage in Disc Golf

🏆 Eleven Sports Legends to Join NC Hall of Fame in 2024

😀 Viral Meme

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

Question: Which innovative zoning method did Cary, North Carolina, introduce in 1971, becoming a model for future community planning?

A) Industrial Performance Districts

B) Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning

C) Residential Growth Management Plan

D) Sustainable Green Initiative Zones​

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Credit: HabitatWake

Building Homes, Building Hope: Wake County’s Fight Against Housing Insecurity

Wake County is witnessing a remarkable transformation as Habitat for Humanity's largest project in the area takes shape.

This new community, located in the southeastern part of the county, is a direct response to the pressing need for affordable housing. With an army of volunteers and future homeowners working side by side, the project is rapidly turning raw land into a neighborhood of hope and permanence.

The involvement of future residents in the construction process creates a deep sense of ownership and community, marking a significant step in their journey toward stability and independence. As the neighborhood grows, with plans to expand to over a hundred homes, it not only addresses the physical need for shelter but also fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit, particularly resonant during the holiday season.

This initiative is a vivid illustration of the potential for collective action to address fundamental societal challenges, providing a blueprint for how communities can come together to support their most vulnerable members.
Read Full Story

North Carolina's 6 New Laws Set for New Year That You Might Have Missed

North Carolina is set to implement sixteen new laws as the new year begins, affecting voting procedures, online pornography, license plate tracking, addiction treatment advertising, electric vehicle fees, and teen driving rules.

These laws, some controversial, are set to reshape the state's legal landscape.

Voting Laws:

  • The state's voting system is undergoing changes with Senate Bill 747, which now requires that voter applicants be ineligible if a single mailed notice to their address is returned as undeliverable.

  • The deadline for mail-in voting is now set at 7:30 p.m. on Election Day.

  • The bill also enhances the authority of poll observers.

Online Pornography Restrictions:

  • The Pornography Age Verification Enforcement Act mandates age verification systems for sites distributing pornography, ensuring users are 18 or older.

  • Companies must not retain any information obtained through age verification.

  • Internet providers are not liable for age verification breaches solely for providing access.

License Plate Readers:

  • Senate Bill 409 introduces a pilot program allowing the North Carolina Department of Transportation to collaborate with the State Bureau of Investigation on using license plate readers.

  • Data from these readers can be utilized for various criminal investigations, except for enforcing traffic violations.

Stop Addiction Fraud Ethics Act:

  • House Bill 415 increases regulations for addiction recovery and treatment centers, demanding transparent and understandable advertising.

  • It also criminalizes patient brokering and kickbacks in patient referrals, making these actions a Class G felony.

Electric Vehicle Registrations:

  • Electric vehicle registration fees will rise from $140.25 to $180 annually, with a further increase to $214.38 expected by July 2024.

  • A new registration fee for plug-in hybrid vehicles is set at $90 annually, rising to $107 by 2024.

Teen Driving Laws:

  • The law extends the time required for teen drivers to hold their Level 1 Limited Learner Permit from six to nine months before advancing to a Level 2 Limited Provisional License.

  • Requirements for Level 2 license include being at least 16, logging 60 hours of driving time, passing a road test, and presenting printed proof of insurance.

The Retail Paradox: Raleigh-Cary's Stores Increase Amidst Digital Surge

Amid the busy holiday season, a deeper trend is affecting the U.S. retail sector, particularly in areas like Raleigh-Cary, NC. Detailed analysis reveals a 16.0% per capita decline in brick-and-mortar stores, signaling a significant shift in consumer behavior and the impact of e-commerce.

Despite this per capita decrease, the total number of stores in Raleigh-Cary has risen by 213, indicating a complex interplay of growth and digital transformation in the region's retail landscape.

This scenario is reflective of broader national trends, underscoring the changing dynamics of shopping and the challenges and opportunities it presents for local economies. Read Full Story

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Raven Newsom: From North Carolina to the World Stage in Disc Golf

As a NC State University business administration student, Raven Newsom transitioned from a casual player to a world-ranked professional disc golfer. This North Carolina native's decision during his university years to pursue disc golf professionally led him to tournaments across the globe.

Despite severe injuries, his resilience propelled him to a strong comeback in the 2023 season. Now preparing for his upcoming tour, Newsom is focused on athletic success and personal milestones, embodying the ambition and spirit fostered at NC State University. Read full story

Eleven Sports Legends to Join NC Hall of Fame in 2024

The North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame's 2024 induction will honor a spectrum of sports excellence, from Olympic champions to NFL icons, with eleven new members like Randolph Childress and Steve Smith Sr.

This 60th annual event not only highlights individual triumphs but also showcases North Carolina's broad impact on various sports arenas. It's a celebration of the state's rich sports history and the influence these athletes have had, reaffirming the Hall's role in preserving and honoring their legacies for future generations. Read full story

On December 29, 2023, the Town of Cary will host its Kwanzaa Celebration at the Cary Arts Center, inviting the community to partake in a cultural event dedicated to celebrating and reflecting on African-American heritage and the values of Kwanzaa. Learn more here before you go.

Upcoming Local Events

December 28th (Thursday)

December 29th (Friday)

December 30th (Saturday)

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇
B) Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning. Cary introduced this in 1971, and it allowed developers to plan entire communities before beginning construction, marking a significant shift in urban planning and development in the area.