What:  Downtown Cary Streetscape Unveiling at the Herb Young Community Center , 101 Wilkinson Ave.

 When:  June 3^rd at 6pm-8pm  

I know you've heard the new buzz term "re-development of a historic district".  The term represents really "cool" projects in different areas of the country with the goal to revitalize a community and bring positive economic growth to the area.  Unfortunately, more often than not, you read about historic areas that have been cleared in the name of progress.  Fortunately for my community, which I truly love, the Town of Cary has been very protective of progress for the sake of development.   

A premier goal for the Town of Cary is to transform the quaint little destination point to a place where people live, work, and play. Peoples tastes are changing and families are tired of the 30 minute daily commute.  With gas prices at $4 per gallon I don't blame them!!  Downtown Cary has always been charming, don't get me wrong, with terrific venues like Ashworth Drug Store, Blue Moon Bakery & Café, Vespa, terrific churches, the post office,  library, and even The Flower Cupboard on the corner.      

However, the plans for Cary Streetscape can be found here and they are quite impressive.  The Town Council is investing $3.7 Million on the redevelopment with plans for a complete overhaul including street  lined trees and plantings, sidewalks, lighting, round-a-bouts, and a new town square.  Additional highlights include pedestrian and bicycle friendly initiatives centered at the intersection of Academy and Chatham streets.   

So what do the plans include? 

• Town Center Civic & Cultural arts study which will bring the arts alive in downtown Cary.
• An infusion of $1.1M for the  renovation of old Cary Elementary.  Plans are to require land for the town center park and a future new downtown arts facility.  The town's center park and cultural arts center were also identified as key steps in the town center area plan.    

There's more? Other key developments include:

• Conversion of the old Cary Elementary School into a community arts center
• New performing and visual arts facility
• Digital media arts center
• A sculpture park
• An Arts incubator
• Various mixed use center
• Town Square Park
• And additional parking structure 

Sketches for the new plans are pretty amazing and can be accessed here.   We are all anxiously waiting for the transformation.  Thanks to the Town of Cary for their vision and strategic planning for our community.  This has always been one of Cary's greatest strengths!!