In this Chapel Hill Insider Issue…

⛅Chapel Hill Local Weather- High 86^o and Sunny! Stay hydrated and have fun out there!

📰Construction Delays Stall VinFast’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Plant in Chatham County

🛣️River Park's Free Concert Expected to Draw Thousands to Downtown Hillsborough, Expect Traffic Delays

📰Grand Opening: Carrboro's Newest Sports Bar, Bru Public House, to Open Doors This Weekend

❎New Poll: Where Do You Like to Go To Hear Live Music?

📢 We Want to Spotlight Local Businesses! Want Your Business to Be in Focus? Apply Here! Want to nominate a business? Email us at [email protected]

🗓️Upcoming Events (Updated)

Construction Delays Stall VinFast’s Multi-Billion-Dollar Plant in Chatham County

Nine months ago, the announcement of VinFast's ambitious plans to build a multi-billion-dollar automotive plant in Chatham County was met with widespread enthusiasm. However, as of April 2024, the site in Moncure remains untouched, and no construction has commenced. This delay has caused investor confidence to wane, evident from a significant decline in VinFast’s stock prices following underwhelming sales and earnings reports for the first quarter of the year.

The primary reason for the stalled progress is attributed to pending permit revisions. A crucial permit initially approved for a much larger assembly building, has been substantially downsized. This adjustment has not only delayed the project but also raised concerns among local residents. Many fear the potential disruptions and increased traffic that the factory might introduce to their peaceful, rural community.

Despite these challenges, the project still holds the potential to generate at least 7,500 jobs, pending the resolution of the permitting issues. The local community remains in a state of hopeful anticipation, eager for the economic boost that the completion of this large-scale manufacturing facility would provide.

River Park's Free Concert Expected to Draw Thousands to Downtown Hillsborough

Celebrate community and music at the free River Park Concert this Saturday, April 20, from noon to 7:30 p.m. at 140 E. Margaret Lane in Hillsborough, hosted by Triangle Music Alliance. This volunteer-driven event supports local nonprofit WHUP through its Sustainer Event, with part of the proceeds from tickets and sponsorships aiding the cause.

Attendees should expect downtown traffic delays and can find free parking at the Eno River Parking Deck, accessible from West Margaret Lane or Nash and Kollock Street. Learn more about the concert and how you can attend the April 19th Sustainer Event at the concert website here.

Carrboro's Newest Sports Bar, Bru Public House, to Open Doors This Weekend

Carrboro is set to welcome a new dining and entertainment venue, as Bru Public House prepares to open its doors at the former Hickory Tavern location. Scheduled to launch on April 20, the sports bar will occupy the ground floor of the Hampton Inn & Suites at 370-110 E. Main Street. Following the popularity of its original Raleigh establishment, which began serving patrons in 2021 near Wade Park close to the PNC Arena, Bru aims to duplicate its winning formula.

The owner, Denise O’Dwyer, is thrilled about expanding into Carrboro's lively and friendly hospitality market. The new location is designed to cater to up to 300 guests, featuring an impressive array of large-screen TVs positioned to provide an excellent view from any seat. The menu, mirroring its Raleigh counterpart, will present a range of culinary delights from hearty sandwiches and nibbles to artisan pizzas and fresh salads, complemented by an extensive selection of cocktails and twenty-four distinct beers on tap.

New Poll: Live Music to Live By

Your feedback is helping us highlight local businesses! While we understand new chains are coming into the area and appreciate the commerce and growth, we still want to highlight and elevate the long-standing and new local businesses that have anchored our community and are giving our area its culture, life and charm!

So, sound off and let us know what you know! Share with your fellow Insiders your favorite haunts and your trusted spots. And let’s get ready for the weekend!

Don’t see your “GoTo” Spot listen? We love comments and write-ins! Email us at [email protected]!

Orange County residents will have multiple opportunities to safely dispose of unused or expired medications at several drive-thru events scheduled for this April. On April 18th, from 1 to 4 pm, the Passmore Center in Hillsborough will host one such event, providing a convenient way for locals to rid their homes of unnecessary medications. Following this, on April 27th, there will be two additional opportunities: Wegman’s Grocery Store in Chapel Hill will offer this service from 10 am to 2 pm, and the Walmart in Hillsborough will host a morning session from 9 am to 12 pm.

For those unable to attend these events, Orange County provides a year-round solution through several permanent drop boxes located throughout the area. Residents can find the nearest drop box location by visiting the Orange County website at www.orangecountync.gov/dropboxes. These initiatives are part of the county's commitment to public health and safety by ensuring medications are disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

Flyleaf Books

Cat’s Cradle