Grapple with Growth

Water supply, roads and schools were among the top issues raised during the survey conducted as part of an education program on growth management.

Management of growth remains a hot topic in Cary, which has been the focus of recent Town efforts.

The survey confirms that citizens continue to place a high priority on alleviating the undesirable effects of growth.

"As a whole, Cary residents are supportive of what we’re doing; they want managed growth," said Susan Moran, Public Information Officer. "They also want to know more about what we’re doing and where we’re having success. Fortunately, we have a lot to tell them."

Cary’s population grew 4 percent from July 2000 through June 2001, down sharply from a high of 13 percent in 1995. Town leaders want Cary to grow between 3 percent and 4 percent a year.

Three-quarters knew that Cary had adopted a long-range plan for managing growth. Most were aware that Cary has:

• Speeded road construction to improve traffic flow
• Worked with other Triangle communities on regional solutions
• Required adequate school space before giving additional development the green light.

But the phone survey and focus groups of citizens showed mixed results on awareness of Cary’s growth management initiatives:

For example, 60 percent did not know of Cary’s requirement of 100-foot buffers along streams.

The survey report and other growth management information is available at townofcary.org.

In the coming months, the Town will provide more information on management efforts. Look for reports in Bud and elsewhere.

Making Marvelous Music

As one of America’s leading pianists, Leon Bates is accustomed to performing in some famous places—Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and the Hollywood Bowl.

His performance schedule includes Canada, Europe and Africa.

Folks in Cary will get a chance to hear him on Saturday, Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m. as part of the 2001-2002 Marvelous Music Series at Herbert C. Young Community Center on Town Hall campus.

Sertoma Sunday in Song

Singer/songwriter Kate Campbell counts Emmylou Harris, Guy Clark and Buddy Miller as admirers and collaborators.

A preacher’s daughter from Mississippi, she recently performed on National Public Radio’s "Morning Edition" and is traveling the country on her Wandering Strange tour.

Campbell will perform in Bond Park’s Sertoma Amphitheater at 4p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 21 as part of the Fall 2001 Sunday in the Park with Music series.

The series lineup includes Triangle Wind Ensemble on Sept. 30 and Banjo in the Hollow on Oct. 7.

For more information on concerts in the 350-seat amphitheater, call 919-469-4061.

road test

The Town hires an independent firm to evaluate streets each year to ensure that those in the worst shape get repaved first.

And citizens are encouraged to report unsafe conditions so that the Town may investigate. Safety is paramount.

Ordinarily, crews put a new layer atop the pavement as long as it’s not more than 2 1/2 inches above the top of the gutter. If it is, workers pave into the gutter, raise the curb and gutter, or mill down the old pavement before resurfacing.

The Town is studying the costs and benefits of going beyond the 2 1/2-inch standard to allow even less difference between the pavement and top of the curb.

A Town Council committee plans to review a report this month.

Bud Bits

The Cary Downtown Farmers Market has locally-grown fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers and other products in the Cary Depot Parking lot through November. Hours are Saturdays, 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, 3-6 p.m. … The fifth annual Play with the Pros concert features amateur musicians sitting with the N.C. Symphony on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The free concert is in a new place this year—The Amphitheater at Regency Park. … Exceptions to the Alternate Day Watering Ordinance are possible for those who are seeding lawns this fall. Call 919-469-4090 to register. Choose fescue varieties that tolerate drought such as Confederate blend, Enviroblend or Triblend. … Find Cary Town job listings at www.townofcary.org or call 919-319-4500, code 283.

curveballs that fire can’t hit

That’s why Cary firefighters are teaming with the National Fire Protection Association during Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7-13. Baseball provides the theme this year as firefighters across the country tell homeowners how they can "Cover the Bases and Strike Out Fire."

Cooking, heating and electrical fires account for nearly half of home fires and almost one-third of associated deaths.

Firefighters encourage parents and kids to complete a home safety inspection together to strike out potential causes of fire. Checklists are available at all Cary fire stations and on the Web at www.firepreventionweek.org.

"People think they are safer from fire than they really are, particularly at home," said Wayne House, Cary’s Fire Chief. "As a result, they often lack basic information about how to prevent them. "By learning where home fire dangers exist and taking some simple precautions, Town of Cary residents can greatly reduce their risk."

happy trails

Are You Ready for Some Basketball?

It’s tough to think of anything but football when you’re waiting in the drive-through for fried chicken on a muggy September Saturday and stadium traffic is starting to congeal. But dribbling days draw near.

Registration occurs in October for Winter Youth Basketball for ages 11-18. Practice starts in December with games January through March. New players and those changing teams must attend a team placement session in November.

Call 919-469-4062 for a registration form. Children who played last year will get a form automatically through the mail.

The cost for 11 year-olds and 12 year-olds is $27 for Cary kids and $47 for others. The fees are $39 and $59, for Cary residents and others,respectively, for players who are 13 or older.

• Oct. 1-5 Mail-in only (Postmarks Sept. 26-28 receive priority) For Cary residents and non-residents returning to the same league

Oct. 15-19 Walk in only For Cary residents and all non-residents

helpful ones

You know to call 911 for help right away and 411 for the number of that new restaurant to find out if the grand opening 2 for 1 dessert coupons are still good.

Now the Triangle United Way has a new number for you to put in the speed dial.

211 is the number to call for affordable housing resources, child care, consumer credit counseling, family support programs, or services for senior citizens. 211 is the United Way free, non-emergency information number for health and human services in the Triangle area. Bilingual caseworkers answer the line 24 hours a day.

  workshops

"Gardening with Native Wildflowers" Learn from Laura White at Stevens Nature Center about attractive wildflowers that use less water. Tuesday, Oct. 2 from 7-8:30 p.m. Register at 919-469-4090.

Outdoor Water Conservation Tip: Fall is the best time of the year to plant trees, shrubs, and perennials because root systems have all winter to prepare for the next hot, dry season. Select native or drought-tolerant plants and save between 30 and 80 percent of the water you would need otherwise. Talk to a plant nursery expert or visit the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service Web site at: