Good morning, Concord.

Concord leaders debated the need for 15,000 new homes while PulteGroup announced a 1,111-home Carolina Ridge project in Cabarrus — featuring both traditional and 55+ communities that will break ground in spring and open in fall.

Cabarrus officials explained that recycling issues persist in local parks due to container contamination and staffing limits, NCDOT studies show that roundabouts cut crashes, and the Eastern Cabarrus Historical Society will host a seed exchange in Mount Pleasant on Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Due to forecasts of rain and thunderstorms this weekend, the Concord International Festival is postponed and will now take place Saturday, October 11 from 12 to 6 p.m. in Downtown Concord along Union Street, Barbrick Avenue, and Market Street—promising a free, family-friendly day.

The City of Concord, Cabarrus County Government, and Goodwill Industries will host a Fall Safe Disposal Event on October 25 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Village Shopping Center parking lot on Concord Parkway S — residents can drop off paper, electronics, and expired medications using a drive-thru method.