📘Last Week's Waverly Place Rezoning Meeting Got Heated

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Hey Cary,

How was your Memorial Day weekend? I hope you had plenty of rest and maybe even made some memories, too.

This is a busy week in the town, especially if you live in South Cary. Waverly Place’s rezoning and new development was approved. I know that many of you have strong opinions on this, so I wanted to conduct a poll and see what people think. Let me know!

Anyway, here’s what you can expect in Today’s issue:

• Memorial Day celebrations recap

• Waverly Place developments

• Restaurant of the week: Tribeca Tavern

• Y2K Pop-Up for 90s shopping

— Jake from Cary Digest

News

🇺🇸 Memorial Day in Cary

On Monday, Cary residents gathered at Veterans Freedom Park to pay tribute to those who gave their lives in service to the U.S. The annual Memorial Day ceremony featured remarks from town officials, a stirring performance by the Cary Town Band, and a keynote address from retired Marine Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Berry.

Despite cool skies, the turnout was strong. Hundreds of American flags—placed throughout the park by Veterans Bridge Home and local scouts—lined the grounds in solemn tribute. Councilman Jack Smith, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, reminded attendees that our freedom is a daily inheritance paid for by sacrifice.

After the formal program, visitors walked the park’s Freedom Tower Monument and shared quiet moments of reflection over refreshments.

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Restaurant of the Week: Tribeca Tavern!

Tribeca Tavern nails the upscale-casual vibe with locally sourced ingredients, house-ground burgers, and Southern comfort classics. Their "pasture-to-plate" approach means everything tastes a little fresher—and a lot more local. Whether you're in for a family dinner or beers with friends, this Cary favorite brings serious flavor with no pretension.

Inside, it’s all wood, warmth, and room to breathe—with private dining spaces if you're feeling fancy. The drink list features craft beers from their own Mash House Brewery and a solid lineup of cocktails to match the hearty mains.

🔥 Must-Try Menu Picks:

• Mastering Augusta – Pimento cheese, bacon, fried green tomato

• Better Than Ted – NC bison, blue cheese, fried avocado

• Shrimp & Grits – Classic Southern with a crispy twist

• NC Bison Meatloaf – Comfort food leveled up

• Local Brews + Cocktails – Straight from their own taps and bar

📍 500 Ledgestone Way, Cary | tribecatavernnc.com | Open daily till 10 PM

Town Updates

📈 Waverly Place Rezoned for Major Redevelopment

Things got tense at Cary’s Town Council meeting last Thursday as members unanimously approved a controversial rezoning of Waverly Place. The new plan? Up to seven-story buildings, including 750 apartments, 30,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, and a new parking garage—replacing two lots and the CinéBistro movie theater.

The developer, Hines (yes, the Fenton folks), says it’s a win for walkability, retailers, and the housing market. Not everyone agreed. Residents booed mid-meeting, prompting the mayor to threaten clearing the room. Critics voiced concerns about traffic, stormwater, and towering buildings disrupting the neighborhood.

At one point, the meeting got so heated that Mayor Weinbrecht had to threaten to remove the audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m going to ask you very kindly,” Weinbrecht said. “Do not make remarks from your seats or anything else that will disturb us. If we do this again, I’ll have to adjourn. And if we do it again, we’ll do it without an audience. Please, don’t make me go there. I’ve never had to do that in all 17 years I’ve been mayor. Please, I beg you ...”

Still, the rezoning passed. Expect changes soon at the intersection of Tryon and Kildaire Farm Roads.

Community Events

Y2K Pop-Up on Chatham Street – May 31st

If you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, this event is basically made for you. On May 31 from 10am to 3pm, swing by 106 W Chatham St in Apex, NC for a handmade market packed with throwback fun.

Expect all the early-2000s nostalgia:

• A Polaroid photo station

• AIM wall chats

• Lisa Frank sticker station

• Friendship bracelets and puffy paint tote bags

• Hot or Not voting board

• Mystery grab bags

Plus:

• 25 local handmade artists

• 7 vintage vendors

• Candy-coated apples from Lizzee’s

• Y2K-inspired drinks from Wanderlust Coffee

Parking is free—either on the street or at the church across the way. Casual, fun, and totally open to the public. Bring your best throwback outfit and prepare to be hit with some serious memories.

Things to Do This Week

Family-Friendly Activities

Board Game Social 
Time: Wed, May 29, 2025 at 4:00–8:00 PM
Location: Downtown Cary Park (Academy St. & Walker St., Cary, NC)
Description: A free drop-in board game night in Downtown Cary Park where families and friends gather for friendly tabletop competition; tables, chairs and games are provided, and food/beverages are available.
Link: downtowncarync.org/may-2025-events-in-downtown-cary

Cary Underground Market 
Time: Sun, June 1, 2025 at 12:00–4:00 PM
Location: Bond Brothers Beer Co., 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC 27511 (Downtown Cary)
Description: A family-friendly monthly market and concert series at Bond Brothers Beer featuring 40+ local artisans, live music by Oak City Music Collective, food trucks and craft beer.
Link: eventeny.com

Film Screenings

A Nice Indian Boy 
Time: Wed, May 28, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: A romantic comedy about Naveen (Karan Soni) who brings his fiancé home to meet his traditional Indian family.
Link: thecarytheater.com/event/a-nice-indian-boy-5

Maya and the Wave 
Time: Wed, May 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: Inspiring surfing documentary chronicling Maya Gabeira, the first woman to surf a giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal.
Link: thecarytheater.com/event/maya-and-the-wave

The Legend of Ochi 
Time: Thu, May 29, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: A family fantasy adventure about Yuri, a shy farm girl on the island of Carpathia, who discovers a wounded baby “ochi” creature.
Link: thecarytheater.com/event/legend-of-ochi

The Ballad of Wallis Island 
Time: Thu, May 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: A comedy-drama about Charles, an eccentric lottery winner living on a remote island.
Link: thecarytheater.com/event/the-ballad-of-wallis-island-2

The Wedding Banquet 
Time: Fri, May 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: A joyful comedy of errors about Min, a gay Asian-American man who agrees to a green-card marriage.
Link: thecarytheater.com/event/wedding-banquet

Michelangelo: Love and Death 
Time: Sat, May 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Location: The Cary Theater, 122 E Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: A documentary that spans Michelangelo’s 88 years, taking viewers on a cinematic journey through Florence, Rome, and the Vatican to explore the Renaissance master’s life.
Link: thecarytheater.com/event/michelangelo-love-and-death

Live Music & Performances

The Music of John Williams (North Carolina Symphony) 
Time: Fri, May 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Location: Koka Booth Amphitheatre, 8003 Regency Pkwy, Cary, NC
Description: The North Carolina Symphony honors legendary film composer John Williams with a concert featuring his iconic movie music.
Link: boothamphitheatre.com/events/detail/the-music-of-john-williams

Infinity Ballet: Steadfast Songs of Friendship 
Time: Sat, May 31, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Location: Cary Arts Center, 101 Dry Ave, Cary, NC 27511
Description: A dance performance celebrating sisterhood; Infinity Ballet’s company presents a lively program where dancers “leap, waltz, swirl and tap” through a portrait of developing friendships, set to classical ballet and musical theatre selections.
Link: downtowncarync.org/event/infinity-ballet-presents

Open Mic Night at Abbey Road Bar & Grill (Weekly)
Time: Wed, May 28, 2025 at 8:00 PM (recurring every Wednesday)
Location: Abbey Road Bar & Grill, 1195 W Chatham St, Cary, NC
Description: A weekly open-mic for local musicians hosted by Tom Teachout; bring your guitar or join in for an appreciative live-music night with great food.
Link: meetup.com – Open Mic – Abbey Road (Cary)

Trivia, Beer & 21+ Events

Trivia Night at Fortnight Brewing (Cary) 
Time: Mon, May 26, 2025 at 7:30–9:30 PM (21+ weekly trivia night)
Location: Fortnight Brewing (Terminal B), 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Weekly Monday trivia night hosted at Fortnight Brewing; test your knowledge over pub-style trivia rounds while enjoying the brewery’s craft beers and food trucks.
Link: fortnightbrewing.com/event-calendar

Trivia Night at Fortnight Brewing (Cary) 
Time: Mon, June 2, 2025 at 7:30–9:30 PM
Location: Fortnight Brewing (Terminal B), 1006 SW Maynard Rd, Cary, NC 27511
Description: Weekly Monday trivia night at Fortnight Brewing; a fun 21+ evening of pub trivia and craft beer (with food trucks).
Link: fortnightbrewing.com/event-calendar

Beer & Cider Stroll: Discovering Cary’s Watering Holes 
Time: Sat, May 31, 2025 at 1:00–3:30 PM
Location: Meet at Bond Brothers Beer Co., 202 E Cedar St, Cary, NC (tour continues to Bull City Ciderworks and downtown park)
Description: A 21+ guided tasting tour visiting Cary’s breweries; the group stops first at Bond Brothers Beer Co. and then Bull City Ciderworks for beer and cider tastings, followed by a stroll through downtown Cary Park
Link: peoplefirsttourism.com/experience/beer-and-cider-stroll-discovering-carys-watering-holes-05-31-2025

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