🧭 Here’s what’s in today’s issue:

• 🧠 Trivia Challenge: Spotlight Hook
• 📰 News: Town of Cary Reviews Rezoning Proposals
• 📰 Scrollback: Survey Shows Gaps in Cary’s Hurricane Readiness
• 😄 Meme of the Day – Just for laughs
• ❤️ Some stories are worth revisiting: Show Your Support
• 📅 Events: Upcoming Events (Top Picks)

👉 Browse the highlights. Click your favorites.

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Question: What is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea?

(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter.)

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Town of Cary Reviews Rezoning Proposals

Video Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgnfpznamUo

At its September 25 meeting, the Cary Town Council recognized the town’s fleet team for national achievement, heard public calls for greater transparency, and reviewed three proposed rezoning cases, including a contentious plan for development along Weston Parkway.

Brandon Pazinski, Cary’s Fleet Manager, was honored as the National Fleet Manager of the Year by the American Public Works Association. The award acknowledged the team’s innovation with electric vehicles and its ability to sustain operations despite budget limitations.

Several residents raised concerns during public comments. They urged the town to expand video streaming to include all public meetings, not just council sessions. One resident reported repeated flooding issues due to poor drainage and asked for town support in resolving the problem.

Major Public Hearings

1. Weston Parkway Development (2414 Weston PDD Amendment)

Proposal: Highwoods Properties seeks to rezone 8.7 acres at 701 Weston Parkway from office to allow:

• 275 multifamily units (up to 75 feet/5 stories)

• Up to 22 townhouses OR parking (Pod 2)

• 1,500-5,000 sq ft commercial space

• 5% affordable housing at 80% AMI for 20 years

Community Opposition: 32 written comments and multiple speakers opposed the plan, citing:

• Density incompatible with surrounding single-family neighborhoods

• Traffic concerns on Weston Parkway and cut-through streets

• Privacy loss from multi-story buildings overlooking homes

• Property value impacts

• Inadequate buffers and screening

Conflict of Interest: Residents highlighted that Highwoods both owns the master HOA (funded by resident dues) and is the developer seeking approval - creating a fundamental conflict.

Council Concerns:

• Lack of adequate transition between high-density development and single-family homes

• Need for balloon test to assess visual impact

• Insufficient detail on building placement and massing

• Preference for guaranteed townhouses rather than potential parking lot

• Request for stronger evergreen buffers

• Desire to see Weston corridor study before final decision

2. Fairbanks Road Rezoning (2509)

Proposal: Simple lot split from R20 to R8 conditional use at 1505 Fairbanks Road to create two single-family lots with 8,000 sq ft minimum.

Status: Minimal opposition, proceeding to Planning & Zoning Board.

3. Bandelier Lane Rezoning (2501)

Proposal: Rezone from Office/R&D to R20 conditional use at 6708 Bandelier Lane for single detached dwelling in historic Carpenter district.

Status: No opposition, includes historic preservation conditions, proceeding to Planning & Zoning Board.

Key Council Dynamics

• Strong emphasis on maintaining Cary's high development standards

• Extensive discussion about trusting developers vs. requiring detailed conditions

• Clear commitment to protecting existing neighborhoods from incompatible development

• Recognition that all zoning runs with the land permanently, not just current owners

Next Steps

All three rezoning cases will go to the Planning & Zoning Advisory Board for review and recommendation before returning to Council for final decisions in coming months. The Weston development faces significant hurdles given community opposition and council concerns about transition and compatibility.

Just curious…

We’re rewinding the feed to spotlight a standout moment, story, or snapshot from Cary’s past. Let’s scroll back and see…

Survey Shows Gaps in Cary’s Hurricane Readiness

A recent Cary Spotlight poll suggests that most residents are aware of hurricane risks but have not completed their emergency preparations. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they had made some progress, often by gathering basic supplies. About one-third admitted to doing very little, and only a small fraction said they were fully prepared with both a plan and supplies.

Comments from readers underscored the uncertainty many still feel. Some said they lacked essentials such as batteries and nonperishable food. Others expressed confusion about where to go in case of evacuation, pointing to a broader need for clearer communication about local emergency protocols.

Experts warn that partial preparation may not be enough in a crisis. While many households begin stocking up ahead of storms, incomplete plans can leave families vulnerable. Clear guidance on evacuation zones and shelter options remains a crucial piece of readiness.

Officials urge residents to make use of available resources:

1. Wake County’s Emergency Hub: ReadyWake.com

The best place to start is ReadyWake.com — it’s the official emergency preparedness site for Wake County.

What You’ll Find:

• ✅ Sign up for emergency alerts via phone, text, or email

• ✅ Interactive tools to help you build an emergency plan and checklist

• ✅ Guidance on local risks, including flood-prone zones and hurricane routes

• ✅ Special needs registry if you or a loved one need assistance evacuating

Direct link to evacuation planning: Make an Emergency Plan

2. NC Department of Public Safety – Know Your Zone

North Carolina has a statewide initiative to help coastal and inland residents understand evacuation zones:

• Use the tool: Know Your Zone Map

• Plug in your address to find out whether you're in an evacuation zone and what to do if one is issued

3. Google Maps + Local Flood Data

You can also use Google Maps along with the Wake County Flood Mapping Tool to:

• Check if you're near a stream, creek, or floodplain

• Identify higher ground and secondary roads near your home

Tool: Wake County iMAPS Flood Tool

4. Cary-Specific Info & Contacts

While Cary doesn’t publish citywide evacuation routes (because needs vary by neighborhood and storm), here’s what you can do:

• Contact Cary Emergency Management at 311 or (919) 469-4000

• Ask specifically: “What are my evacuation options from [your address] during a hurricane or flood?”

• Bookmark the town’s services page:
  https://www.carync.gov/services-publications/new-to-cary
  

Meme of the Day.
Brought to you by Cary's Daily Newsletter.

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.

🎉 Weekend Events Preview (Top Picks)

Outdoor events may be changed due to weather, so click the links to see latest event information. Here are a few great ways to enjoy the weekend:

• Today: Cary Farmers Market 8AM-Noon
• Today: Backspins and Beyond with Cary Tennis Park 11AM-3PM
• Today: Cary Players presents GREASE 7:30PM
• Sunday: Cary Players presents GREASE 3PM
• Monday: Downtown Cary Park Diwali Celebration 7PM-8PM

To save space in your inbox, we’ve moved the full list of events online — now you can plan ahead with access to this week and next! See Full 2-Week Calendar