Wake County Mayors Association Outing
Monday night I, along with my wife and two friends attended a Carolina Hurricanes game hosted by the Centennial Authority. Mayors from Raleigh, Morrisville, Zebulon, and Rolesville were also in attendance. The Wake County Mayors are blessed to be hosted by the Centennial Authority each year. It was a great time and the Canes won 6-3.
Tour of South Hills Mall
Tuesday afternoon I joined council member Smith, the town manager, and the chief development officer to meet with officials who will be redeveloping the old South Hills Mall. We talked about the vision for the area and the obstacles that would have to be overcome. Phase one of their development will depend on the Center that the council is discussing for that area. The developers plan to make the area a mixed-use development with a focus on walkability. Their concepts showed lots of trees and outdoor areas. Other council members will also be visiting this area in the coming days.
Town Manager One-On-One
I met with the town manager briefly Tuesday evening for our weekly one-on-one. Our topics included the future of town parades and future town elections.
CAMPO
Wednesday afternoon I participated in a meeting of the Executive Board for CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization). This board has 31 voting members from municipalities in Wake, Johnston, and Harnett counties as well as members from NCDOT. The agenda included three consent items, two public hearings, and four discussion items.
The Consent Agenda, approved unanimously, included minutes, 3rd Quarter Wake Transit Work Plan Amendment Requests, and Mobility Management Program Funding Agreements to allow the implementation of a regional Mobility Management Program.
The first public hearing was for the CAMPO fiscal year 2025 Unified Planning Work Program which had no speakers and was approved unanimously without discussion. The second public hearing was for the 2025 LAPP (Locally Administered Projects Program) which also had no speakers. The LAPP program divides up about $25 million each year among members of CAMPO. Criteria previously approved by the board ranks each submittal from municipalities. The discussion centered around a Raleigh project that didn’t seem ready to move forward which would mean the next ranked project would move forward. The Raleigh representative assured the executive committee that they were moving forward, and it was unanimously passed.
The four discussion items were for information only and included information about the US 401 corridor study, an amendment to Fiscal Year 2024-2033 TIP (Transportation Improvement Program), a draft of the 2055 MTP (Metropolitan Transportation Plan), and a draft memorandum of understanding for the MTP.
As a result from a discussion at the meeting, CAMPO staff transmitted a letter Thursday afternoon to Wake County and GoTriangle outlining the Notice of Significant of Concern called by CAMPO, through the Executive Board, in accordance with the Wake County Transit Governance Interlocal Agreement (ILA) and in response to Wake County’s Notice of Significant Concern. The letter also notifies Wake County and GoTriangle that Vice Chair Lawter and Mayor Cawley have been appointed to serve on the Conference Committee that will be convened by Wake County to discuss the Significant Concern(s) raised by Wake County and CAMPO. Here is a copy of that letter:
“February 21, 2024
VIA U.S. Mail & email: david.ellis@wake.gov
David Ellis
County Manager
Wake County
P.O. Box 550
Raleigh, NC 27602
VIA U.S. Mail & email: clattuca@gotriangle.org
Charles E. Lattuca
Chief Executive Officer
GoTriangle
4600 Emperor Boulevard, Suite 100
Durham, NC 27703
Re: Appointment of Conference Committee Members & Notice of Significant Concern
Dear Mr. Ellis and Mr. Lattuca,
In response to the Wake County letter dated February 21, 2024, the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Board (Executive Board) has appointed two members to serve on the Conference Committee being convened by Wake County to address the Significant Concern issued by the County in relation to the Vehicle Rental Tax (VRT) funds allocated to the Wake County Transit Plan and the Wake County Transit Work Plans. The two members of the Executive Board appointed to serve on the Conference Committee are:
Vice Chair and Johnston County Board of Commissioners Chair R.S. “Butch” Lawter
Email: butch.lawter@johnstonnc.com
Member and Town of Morrisville Mayor T.J. Cawley
Email: tjcawley@morrisvillenc.gov
In addition, pursuant to Article X of the Wake Transit Governance Interlocal Agreement (ILA), this letter serves as formal notice that CAMPO, through its Executive Board, is issuing a Notice of Significant Concern relating to the portion of the Vehicle Rental Tax (VRT) funds allocated to the Wake County Transit Plan and Wake County Transit Work Plans.
The items of Signfiicant Concern to be addressed are as follows:
1. What “portion” of the Vehicle Rental Tax collected by GoTriangle will be allocated to Wake Transit in Fiscal Year 2025?
2. What “portion” of the Vehicle Rental Tax collected by GoTriangle will be allocated to Wake Transit in the ten-year period from Fiscal Year 2026 to Fiscal Year 2035, effectively setting capacity assumptions for the next update of the Wake Transit Vision
Page 2 of 2
One Fenton Main Street, Ste. 201 | Cary, NC 27511 | Phone: (984) 542-3601| http://www.campo-nc.us
Plan?
3. The financial outlook for GoTriangle’s Authority-controlled Funds, including the actual Fiscal Year 2023 financial results, Fiscal Year 2024 Budget, and long-range financial projections, which CAMPO understands as the driver for GoTriangle’s plans to recapture all Vehicle Rental Tax Revenues.
This Significant Concern will be addressed in tandem with the Significant Concern from Wake County through the Conference Committee convened by the County in accordance with Section 10.02 of the ILA.
We understand that the Wake County Transit Planning Advisory Committee (TPAC) is in the process of publishing a draft Recommended FY 2025 Work Plan and the decisions made through the Conference Committee process will be timely and helpful in this process.
The Executive Board understands that the duty to engage in dispute resolution is a material part of the ILA and the Board’s joint commitment to implement the Wake Transit Plan. The Board is hopeful the Conference Committee process will result in meaningful discussion and resolution of the concerns outlined herein.
Sincerely,
Chris Lukasina
Executive Director”
Economic Development Committee
Wednesday evening, I attended a meeting of the Economic Development Committee. The agenda included an Imagine Cary Community Plan Interim Update Overview by the Assistant Town Manager, a Quarterly report from the Vice President of Economic Development, a Management Update from the Chief Strategy Officer, and a Development Update from the Chief Development Officer.
An interim update of the Imagine Cary Community Plan was presented to the board. The board was asked to review the plan in detail and provide comments. The plan is available for review and comment to everyone and can be found here.
In the summary of Economic Development activity, I made the following notes:
- Class A Office has a 12.4% vacancy rate and is expected to peak at 16.4% by 2025.
- Regency has a 30% Class A Office vacancy rate compared to 17% in the triangle and 23% in the Raleigh-Durham area.
- Office tenants are looking for more amenities.
- It appears that most companies are using an average of 3 days in the office and 2 days hybrid.
- There is a tremendous amount of interest in the Cary and the Triangle area.
- Verizon may be expanding in Cary.
- Garmin is doing well and may expand into aviation, leveraging co-ops and internships.
- Costs are increasing rapidly, and some projects are 30% to 40% under budgeted.
- There are currently 31 active projects that could result in 6491 jobs, $3.3 billion in capital investment. Our biggest weakness is not having buildings or sites that meet immediate needs.
- North Carolina is the #1 state for Female tech.
The Chief Strategy Office gave a brief update of council-staff activities including our former Director of Economic Development’s move to become the President of Lee and Associates.
Cary’s Chief Development Officer provided a fiscal year 2nd quarter update (October – December 2023) of activity within the town, and I noted the following:
- 30 rezoning cases came through to staff. The Viridis development was the only one approved.
- There were permits for 174 single family homes, 75 townhomes, 306 apartments, 175 hotel rooms, and 66,000 square feet of commercial space in the 2nd quarter.
- An application has been submitted to tear down an office building in Weston to build multi-family units.
- Multi-family is very hot in Cary and surrounding areas.
- The entire rezoning process in Cary is taking about a year to complete.
The committee discussed various trends and observations before adjourning. The meeting lasted a little over two hours.
Order of the Long Leaf Pine
Saturday night my wife and I attended a celebration for Dr. Subhash Gumber receiving the Order of the Long Leaf Pine which is the highest honor in North Carolina. In attendance were Congresswoman Deborah Ross, NC Attorney General Josh Stein, NC Secretary of State Marshall, Sheriff Rowe, Cary Council member Bansal, Morrisville Council member Rao, and several former elected officials. The event was attended by several hundred. I along with about half a dozen others provided remarks.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
It’s been a very productive week, especially in terms of getting ready for the retreat. And speaking of the retreat, we’ll be sending out the agenda and supporting materials on Monday.
Given that we’ll all be together on Friday, there will be no weekly report on March 1.
Have a great weekend.
Sean
Downtown Cary Park Neighborhood Meeting
Last night, the Downtown Cary Park hosted its first neighbor meeting since the park’s opening. We welcomed nearly 50 neighbors to answer questions and provide information about park operations. Topics of major interest included parking, upcoming programming, and food and beverage. Park staff were joined by Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton, Police Officer Ed Ross, and the team from Cary Park Ventures (the food and beverage operators for the park). The overall sentiment from attendees was very positive.
Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility Annual Disinfection Process Change
The Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility will begin its annual disinfection switchover on March 1. In accordance with state and federal recommendations, each year, the treatment facility switches from its normal disinfection mixture of chlorine and ammonia to free chlorine, which is more potent. This change, combined with the flushing of Cary’s water lines, cleanses the system and helps ensure safe, high-quality water throughout the year. During the switchover period, which will last until April 11, residents and customers may notice a minor increase in chlorine odor. In areas near active hydrant flushing, water may also appear slightly discolored.
Proactive Data Collection for Stormwater Planning
In keeping with our adaptive approach to stormwater management, we are utilizing light detection and ranging, LiDAR, technology to collect geographic information within Cary’s urban service area. Through a contracted service, a plane equipped with LiDAR is flying over Cary this week to collect topography, impervious surface, and building footprints data. As our current data is over 10 years old, this proactive initiative will benefit Cary staff and the community. From this collection effort, new datasets will be developed to inform future Cary projects, enhance basin flood modeling, and support community resiliency.
Presentation to Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau Board
On Tuesday, the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Board had their quarterly meeting in downtown Cary. Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Director John Collins provided an overview of Cary’s sports and entertainment venues, as well as other exciting information about Cary. After the meeting, Downtown Cary Park Manager Joy Ennis provided the Board with a tour of the Downtown Cary Park.
Three Federal Grants Awarded to Cary
Cary has successfully secured federal grant funding totaling $5,520,709 to enhance greenway and transit infrastructure within our community. The grants, approved last week by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board, represent benefits to citizens and also a vote of confidence in Cary’s transportation vision and commitment to sustainability.
The three projects include Optimist Farm Greenway, which is currently under design and will improve bike/pedestrian connectivity in south Cary. This project will receive $3,250,000 in grant funding towards construction. Additionally, GoCary will receive $270,709 to upgrade the communications equipment on their vehicles, thereby improving communication efficiency and safety. Lastly, GoCary’s Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility project is currently under design and will receive $2,000,000 towards construction.
Statewide Minority and Business Owned Business Enterprise Board Convenes in Cary
Cary’s Office of Business Inclusion welcomed the North Carolina Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise Coordinators’ Network Board to Town Hall Campus on Tuesday for its Annual Board Retreat. Discussion topics included recruitment and retention of diversity talent, collaboration with the NC Department of Administration’s Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses, and organizational programming for 2024. Cary staff, Denisha Harris, Assistant Finance Director, and Diamond Branch, Business Inclusion Specialist, both represent Cary on the Board of Directors.
Polar Doubles and Wheelchair Event
Last weekend, the Cary Tennis Park and the Western Wake Tennis Association hosted the Polar Doubles Adult Tennis Tournament. Registration for the event was the highest in almost 20-year history. The tournament also included, for the third straight year, the Up/Down Wheelchair Divisions. These divisions have doubles teams with a wheelchair player and a standing player paired together. There were 21 wheelchair players from across the state that competed in this event.
Citizen Science and Wildlife Protection
Cary’s Great Backyard Bird Count inspired more than 300 residents to join in this international citizen science initiative last weekend. Participants of all ages enjoyed nature education through informational sessions, guided walks, and bird box building events at Hemlock Bluffs, while many others accessed bird watching supply kits at five other facilities in Cary. Along with understanding the valuable role that birds play in our ecosystem, this project provides data that scientists will use worldwide to better understand bird populations, migration patterns, and climate change.
Blasting at Hidden Creek Subdivision
Mid South Drilling has applied for a blasting permit at Hidden Creek Subdivision, located at Yates Store Road and Mother Teresa Drive. The application has been reviewed, and the first blast is planned for Feb. 26 at 11 a.m. Mid South is proposing two blasts per day (morning/afternoon) Monday through Friday for the duration of the permit; however, weather, and other factors could change the proposed plan. The blasting permit is from Feb. 26 through March 26. Sauls Seismic will be providing written notification to neighbors about the upcoming blasting and has offered voluntary pre-blast inspections to all structures within 500 feet of the proposed blasting. Sauls will also be monitoring the blasting with five seismographs located around the site. A representative from the Fire Marshal’s Office will be on-site for each blast to ensure compliance with the applicable requirements.
Black History Month Programs
Each February, Cary celebrates the contributions that African Americans have made to our community, state, nation, and world during Black History Month. For a full list of events, click here.
In-Person Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Rap Session Resume
For the first time in four years, Cary’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted an in-person Rap Session on Monday at the Herb Young Community Center guided by facilitator Tru Pettigrew. Leading the group in a deep dive discovery on inclusive leadership, participants came away understanding that an inclusive leader shows commitment to meeting people where they are to ensure they feel a sense of belonging while providing them with what they need to maximize their full potential. Acknowledging Cary’s cultural tenet that anyone can lead, the two-hour discussion focused on the “Five Cs of Diamond Leadership” – Competence, Confidence, Commitment, Consistency, and Care and inspired all present to carry these inclusive concepts forward in their work.
Upcoming Meetings
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, February 26
6:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, February 28
6:00 p.m.
Council/Staff Retreat
Friday and Saturday, March 1 -2
8:45 a.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A concern about permitting for a business.
- Invitations to several events.
- A question about how fast pickleball courts would be built if there were a bond and it passed.
- A complaint about no overhead cover between the parking deck and the downtown library (Wake County oversees this and is reviewing).
- A complaint about future Christmas parades having the “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” and that it is child pornography. (Cary Jaycees, not Cary, has authority to decide who is in the parade).
- Best wishes for the annual staff-council retreat with a request to focus on people and not political parties.
- A concern about a potential future connection of South Harrison and Kildaire.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, council pictures, and the annual council-staff retreat.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, March 3rd, 2024. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@townofcary.org and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
Harold's Blog 