• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 🧭Discover: Esteamed Coffee
• 📰 News: Cary Road Project Could Force at Least 12 Businesses to Relocate
• 📰 News: Could Your Property Taxes Change?
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Start Your Day with a Smile
• 🎁 Support the businesses that support Cary: Make your gift
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

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Esteamed Coffee is one of the local food places nominated by Cary Spotlight's readers for our Discover Cary project. If you've had a chance to sample their food, feel free to share your opinion below.

Esteamed Coffee in downtown Cary is a nonprofit coffee shop where adults with disabilities run the counter with pride, serving up local favorites like the Esteamed Latte, a cozy mix of vanilla and salted caramel topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Check out their menu on their website: Esteamed Coffee

Address: 114 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511 | Get Directions

A major road project near downtown Cary is back under consideration, with state transportation officials proposing an overhaul of the intersection at Northeast Maynard Road and East Chatham Street.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation estimates the project will cost nearly $84 million. The proposal would change how drivers cross the railroad tracks, expand portions of both roads and add sidewalks.

While transportation officials say the improvements could make the area safer and reduce traffic congestion, nearby business owners are concerned about construction disruptions and the possibility of having to relocate.

The centerpiece of the proposal is a railroad grade separation, which would lower Maynard Road beneath the existing railroad tracks.

Instead of vehicles crossing the tracks at street level, traffic would pass underneath the railroad. NCDOT says separating trains from vehicles and pedestrians would reduce the risk of collisions.

The project would also shift part of East Chatham Street away from the railroad tracks.

According to NCDOT, the proposed improvements would affect approximately half a mile of Maynard Road, slightly less than half a mile of Chatham Street and nearly a mile of railroad corridor.

The plans also call for additional travel lanes and sidewalks along both roads, with the goal of improving traffic flow and pedestrian access.

The proposed changes could have significant consequences for businesses near the intersection.

Preliminary plans suggest at least 12 businesses could be required to relocate, although NCDOT has not finalized the project's property impacts.

One business watching the proposal closely is Cooper's Furniture, which has operated at its current location since 1949.

Owner Alex White first learned about the project years ago, before it was put on hold in 2020. He said he received notice of the renewed discussion shortly before the latest public meeting.

White recognizes that the improvements could benefit traffic and railroad safety over time. His concern is how construction and potential property changes could affect his ability to continue operating.

NCDOT says it will continue evaluating property impacts as engineering work progresses, including design considerations involving drainage and utilities.

Transportation officials say railroad crossings create potential conflicts between trains, vehicles and pedestrians.

By rebuilding Maynard Road beneath the tracks, the project would eliminate that conflict at the intersection.

NCDOT also expects the proposed road improvements to increase traffic capacity and provide additional space for people walking or cycling through the area.

However, the project remains in the planning stage, and its final design, property impacts and construction schedule have not been established in the information released so far.

NCDOT held a public meeting in Cary on Tuesday, Oct. 6, to present the proposal and gather community input.

Residents and business owners who could not attend can still review the project information and submit feedback online.

Project information and public feedback: NCDOT Public Input Portal

The proposal presents a significant decision for one of Cary's established commercial corridors, balancing potential long-term transportation improvements with the effects on businesses that have operated in the area for decades.

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Just curious…

Wake County is preparing for its next property revaluation in 2027, a process that will update the assessed market values of more than 460,000 residential and commercial properties. Commissioners are reviewing the Schedule of Values, which establishes the guidelines county appraisers will follow.

The county last reassessed properties in 2024. The upcoming revaluation will reflect market conditions as of Jan. 1, 2027. Following that assessment, Wake County plans to begin conducting revaluations every two years to better account for growth and changing real estate prices.

For homeowners, an increase in assessed property value does not automatically mean an equivalent increase in property taxes. Tax bills depend on both assessed values and the rates set by local governments. Those rates can change independently of the revaluation.

Some residents have expressed concerns about affordability and transparency, particularly when rising home values create higher assessments without increasing household income. Property taxes represent nearly 75% of Wake County's general fund revenue, making the process significant for both residents and county finances.

Commissioners are scheduled to vote on the Schedule of Values on Oct. 19. That decision will establish the framework for determining property values during the 2027 reassessment.

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What’s faster than word of mouth? Cary Spotlight! Keeps you updated on what is going on locally and connects businesses to our vibrant community.

North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few ideas for the week, so plan ahead:

• Thursday: Art Cart 2PM-5PM
• Thursday: Town Council Regular Meeting 6:30PM-8:30PM
• Thursday: Movie Night Under The Stars 7PM-9PM
• Friday: The Music of James Taylor Featuring James Gedeon 7:30PM-9PM
• Saturday: My Tree, Our Tree All Day
• Saturday: Hum Sub Diwali 9AM-9:30PM
• Saturday: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-12PM
• Saturday: Barkitecture 1PM-5PM
• Sunday: Shakespeare Live!: Twelfth Night 11AM-12:30PM
• Sunday: Tricks & Treats: Dog Training 2PM-3PM
• Sunday: Sunday Sound Bath 4PM-5:30PM
• Monday: Children’s BINGO 4:30PM-6:30PM

But wait! There’s more. To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead: See Full 2-Week Calendar