Silver Diner Still Subject of Controversy in Cary

But, at long last, it appears the warring factions may have reached acompromise.

The dispute started many months ago when the Town of Cary saidit couldn't live with silver aluminum. Gyspy Gilliam, who owns the diner, couldn't live with the beige brick Cary demanded. Now, it seems bothhave decided theycanlive with greenery.

So it might all be settled by simply allowing bushes to grow threefeet tall, as high as the town wanted the bricks in the first place.

Gilliam and council member David Brooks worked out the deal, butit still must meet with the approval by the remaining council members attheir Thursday night meeting.Will the council go along? Council member David Brooks says he'soptimistic.

And Gilliam can live with a foot of her precious metal being coveredby plants.

It does seem kind of obvious. How could this have been so difficult?Brooks says there were many people involved.

The diner could open as early as September 21, which is also Gilliam's50th birthday, but opening the diner's doors, maynotclose theissue. Gilliam says she may run for town council as a write-in candidate.And these months of debate over a diner, may have left a sour taste inpeople's mouths.

Both sides agree that this is the most economical solution. Gilliamestimates that to tear up the facade and add one foot of brickswould have cost nearly $9,000.

Photographer:Terry Cantrell