Cary Spotlight | Issue #505

Multiple Rail Crossings to Close, Magical Memories at Cary’s Family Fun Times, What Does Affordable Housing Really Mean for Cary?

In this Cary Spotlight Issue…

💭Spotlight Hook Trivia

📰 Multiple Rail Crossings to Close for Repairs—Here’s What to Expect

📰 Create Magical Memories at Cary’s Family Fun Times Series

📰 What Does Affordable Housing Really Mean for Cary?

🚨 The Cary Police Department Crime Data

😀 Meme of the Day

❤️ Thank You, Maureen!

☀️ Cary NC Weather

🏛️ Support Cary Local Businesses

📅 Lots Of Events This Week (The Week at a Glance)

Question: What action by Rosa Parks sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

Discover Bee Banhmi, a local business sponsor of Cary Spotlight. They do catering, online ordering, home delivery and in-store. Great food made with quality ingredients.

“Dined with you today and had forgotten how fresh your ingredients are and how tasty the food is! Thanks for making me feel like I am visiting Family when I come in to eat. Friendly staff welcomes you in and eagerly share their knowledge about the choices to ensure you get exactly what you want/need! Love Bee BanhMi!” ~Lorraine Cross

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Multiple Rail Crossings to Close for Repairs—Here’s What to Expect

Railroad crossing. Credit: Google image

A major rail infrastructure project is set to begin this week across Wake and Chatham counties, with over 20 railroad crossings scheduled for temporary closures as crews work on behalf of CSX Rail. The project will primarily affect Apex and nearby areas, with closures beginning March 10 and work expected to continue through March 21, weather permitting.

Each crossing will be closed for several days, though in areas where the road provides the only access route, crews will aim to reopen within 24 hours to minimize disruptions.

The first closure will take place on Bonsal Road on March 10, followed by Shearon Harris Road on March 11, New Hill Holleman Road on March 12, and High House Road on March 17. Other significant closures will impact Old Apex Road, Laura Duncan Road, and S. Harrison Avenue.

In Chatham County, closures will affect BB Chipmill Drive and a private road near Rush Road. Officials have advised that all scheduled dates are subject to change due to weather conditions and construction progress.

Residents and commuters should prepare for potential delays and use alternative routes where necessary. Up-to-date road closure information will be available through local traffic updates and county transportation alerts. Read Full Report

Create Magical Memories at Cary’s Family Fun Times Series

Families looking for engaging, interactive activities can enjoy a lineup of fun-filled events as part of Cary’s Family Fun Times series. Designed for children ages 4 and up, these events provide an opportunity for families to connect, learn, and celebrate creativity together.

The series begins on April 17 with Yoga & Drum Jam (6:30-8 p.m.), an event blending movement and music to encourage relaxation and rhythm. On May 22, families can experience Nature is Nuts (6-7:30 p.m.), an educational adventure exploring the quirks and wonders of the natural world. The grand finale, the Enchanted Fairytale Garden Party, takes place on July 30 (6-8:30 p.m.), transforming the evening into a magical, storybook-inspired celebration.

With a mix of active play, nature exploration, and imaginative storytelling, this series offers something special for everyone. Registration is now open, and families are encouraged to secure their spots early for these popular events.

What Does Affordable Housing Really Mean for Cary?

Cary’s reputation as a great place to live comes with a challenge—housing affordability. In this episode of Cary Matters, Councilmember Lori Bush and Housing & Community Partnerships Director Heather Whelehan break down what affordable housing means, why it’s critical to our community, and how Cary is taking action.

From skyrocketing home prices to innovative solutions like Healthy Homes Cary and Stable Homes Cary, learn how the town is working to create, preserve, and support housing options for all.

📺 Watch now to see how these efforts impact you and your neighbors:

Key Takeaways from "Cary Matters: Affordable Housing 101"

  1. Housing Costs in Cary Are High

    • The average home price in Cary is $625,000, requiring a household income of $180,000+ to afford.

    • The average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $2,200/month, which requires an income of $80,000/year to be considered affordable.

    • Many essential workers, including teachers and first responders, struggle to afford housing in Cary.

  2. Defining Affordable Housing

    • Housing is considered affordable when a household spends no more than 30% of its income on housing costs.

    • If a family spends more than 30% of their income on housing, they are considered housing cost burdened, which can lead to food insecurity, housing instability, and lower generational wealth.

  3. Cary's Approach to Affordable Housing

    • The Cary Housing Plan (adopted in 2021) focuses on creating new housing, preserving existing homes, and supporting residents facing housing challenges.

    • Cary recognizes that housing is critical infrastructure, just like roads and parks.

  4. Current Affordable Housing Efforts in Cary

    • 400+ new affordable housing units are in development.

    • 126 units are being built on town-owned land.

    • 81 affordable senior housing units are planned near downtown Cary.

Just curious…

Affordable housing is a growing concern in Cary. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Which of the following do you believe is the biggest challenge to affordable housing in Cary?

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Credit: Cary NC Police Dept. (10 Mar 2025)

The Cary Police Department Crime Data

The Cary Police Department emphasizes accuracy in its crime data reporting, despite challenges inherent in the process. Daily updates and adherence to privacy laws are central to their approach, though the dynamic nature of crime data means information can change over time.

The crime data presented by the Cary Police Department spans the last decade, plus the current year, reflecting a commitment to transparency over an extended period. View Cary NC Police Incidents

Meme of the Day.
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Thank You, Maureen!

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Upcoming Local Events

Looking ahead to events happening in Cary, NC for the rest of the week.
Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information.

March 11th, 2025 (Tuesday)

March 12th (Wednesday)

March 13th (Thursday)

March 14th (Friday) HAPPY PIE DAY (3.14)

March 15th (Saturday)

March 16th (Sunday)

March 17th (Monday) Saint Patrick's Day

The Answer to the Cary Spotlight Hook Trivia Question 👇👇👇

On December 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks, an African-American seamstress, was arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger on a segregated bus. This act of defiance sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a pivotal event in the U.S. civil rights movement. The boycott lasted 381 days, leading to a Supreme Court ruling that declared segregation on public buses unconstitutional.

For more information, you can read this article: Rosa Parks and The Montgomery Bus Boycott