Cary #2 for Most Affordable Remote Workers
On July 22nd CoworkingCafe ranked Cary #2 most affordable city in the nation for remote workers. Here is what they said about Cary:
“A significant 41% of Cary’s workforce is remote, which is the highest share among the cities analyzed. What’s more, this green, suburban-like North Carolina city boasted the second-lowest unemployment rate of only 1.6%. It’s also generally known for its affordable living, which is supported by the median yearly income in this area of almost $63,000.
Here, workers benefit from one of the best broadband coverages and can also easily travel in and out of the area due to the city’s proximity to two airports. As a result, this helps support an overall healthy work/life balance and accessibility for digital nomads and business travelers.”
Cary continues to be recognized nationally being business/worker friendly.
Council Meeting Prep
Monday I attempted to contact each council member to hear of any questions or concerns about the upcoming agenda. There was a question about the Hometown Spirit Award changes, a concern about the lack of affordable housing on rezonings proposals that were having a public hearing, and rules for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units).
Later in the day I met with staff and went over the agenda and the questions by council members.
Manager One-On-One
Monday evening, I met with the town manager and Mayor Pro-Tem for my weekly one-on-one. Topics included historic preservation, controversial rezonings, and council members’ interactions with the public.
5 West Magazine Interview
Thursday morning I interviewed with a reporter for 5 West Magazine. The interview’s focus was Cary’s downtown. I talked about the last 20+ years in downtown planning and development, and what can be expected downtown in the coming years. Our interview was about 30 minutes.
Meeting National Spelling Bee Finalist
Thursday afternoon, I joined Council Member Bansal in meeting a National Spelling Bee Finalist. Ananya Prassanna, who attends Davis Drive Middle School, finished 3rd nationally. In talking with her and her parents we found that it took her hours per day and many years of training to be at the level she was on. She previously finished in the quarterfinals. Her daily training included her mother researching words during the day while she was at school. When I asked if she would try again, she was unsure. She expressed an interest in turning her focus towards the sciences. It was an honor to meet such a remarkable young lady.
Town Council Work Session
Thursday evening, the council held a work session on the Cary Community Plan 2024 update. The update was posted on the town’s website from January 23rd to March 31st and was viewed 1900 times. Of the 115 comments received there were requests to update demographics, housing affordability, environmental impacts related to population growth, policy on native species, and preserving existing habitats and urban forest.
Here are some of my takeaways from the presentation:
- Cary will remain primarily suburban
- New walkable mixed-use forms in strategic locations
- Maintain attractive physical setting – natural and built environment
- Influx subsidy period is ending (new growth won’t be subsidizing costs)
- LIVE Chapter updates:
- Continue to be a community of choice by ensuring high-quality and diverse new housing development
- Ensure that Cary residents can enjoy the full benefit of Cary’s high quality of life
- Pursue regional partnerships to meet housing needs.
- ENRICH Chapter (new):
- Include environment focus moved from the SERVE chapter
- Include the Urban Forest Master Plan completed in May of 2024
- Cary sustainability and climate action plan
- Open space plan
- Should be completed by winter 2025
- ENRICH Chapter (new policies to go with 7 existing policies):
- Involve the Community in Environmental Stewardship Strategies for a Sustainable Future
- Implement and Promote Green Building Principles
- Support Soil Regeneration, Use of Native Plants, and Increased Biodiversity for Pollinators and Wildlife
- SERVE Chapter (new policy to go with 5 existing policies):
- Provide Equitable, Inclusive, and High-Quality Services to Support Citizens and Development
- Future plans and Updates:
- PRCR Master Plan
- Historic preservation Plan
- Bike Plan
- Stormwater Master Plan
The final draft of this update will be in August, and this will be followed by a public hearing this fall. It will also be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board with adoption sometime in the beginning of next year.
Town Council Meeting
The council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of July on Thursday night. The agenda included six consent items and six public hearings. There were no items under discussion.
Approved under consent without discussion were a new policy for the Hometown Spirit Award, Opioid Litigation Proposed Settlement with Kroger, a bid award for a sewer rehabilitation project, a call for a public hearing for the annexation at 4000 Green Level West Road, a bid award for Harrison Elevated Water Tank Coating Improvements, and a call for a public hearing for the Courtyards at White Oak.
The public hearing for the Holt rezoning in Regency 22-REZ-19, had several speakers and many in attendance. Speakers complained about the density and traffic mostly. Council members also complained about density and traffic as well as a lack of vision. Council members mentioned that it was an ideal parcel to create a mix of restaurants, retail, etc., that would complement the Koka Booth Amphitheater.
A public hearing for the proposed rezoning for the Alston Yards PDP 23-REZ-01, had mostly speakers in favor with one concerned about the lack of road updates which staff explained later are starting in 2025.
Two properties on Holly Springs Road that belong to the adjacent church had a public hearing 24-REZ-01, that would make one property an office building. There was concern expressed by the size of the office building (5000 square feet for medical). The council asked questions about connectivity to the road at the adjacent townhome subdivision.
The fourth public hearing was for ADUs, Accessory Dwelling Units, in ACT 32 of the Land Development Ordinance. Council members discussed and debated at length the height and size of ADUs that would be allowed. Many places in Cary are under HOAs which will not allow ADUs.
The fifth public hearing was a proposed change for Cary’s Method of Election. This would make Cary elections plurality which means that the most votes win regardless of whether they are more than 50%. That will make Cary like all other municipalities in Wake County and eliminate runoffs. In addition, it will save money. We spent an extra $690,711 in the last Cary municipal election and runoff. The council is expected to adopt the ordinance at the August 22nd meeting.
The last public hearing was the third step in holding a bond referendum. The council held a public hearing, adopted each of the two bond orders, and passed a resolution which establishes details of the referendum including the date of November 5, 2024. By new state law the bond will be listed on the ballot with details including interest rates. According to our estimates the interest rates listed about twice as high as the actual rates.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
This week was busy, and I enjoyed spending time with you, Council, during our one-on-ones, the work session, and last night’s Council meeting. As always, I appreciate your leadership and hope you enjoy the latest updates from the week. Have a great weekend.
Sean
Public Speaks Out – Petty Farm Road
The right-of-way referenced in last night’s Council meeting is regarding a former NCDOT road located outside of Cary’s corporate limits. Staff have been in contact with the citizen over multiple years, has directed the citizen to NCDOT for assistance, and believes the citizen and NCDOT has been in discussion regarding the right-of-way. Staff will explore the buffer issue, but all other issues are NCDOT related.
Cary Public Service Academy
Twenty-four high school students formed the inaugural cohort of the Cary Public Service Academy, a pilot program inspired by Cary 101. This week-long initiative provided a behind-the-scenes view of local government operations, including hands-on activities, facility tours, and volunteering with Dorcas Ministries. The program concluded with a panel discussion led by Cary employees, encouraging participants to consider the many diverse career paths in public service. Councilmembers Lori Bush, Sarika Bansal, and Michelle Craig joined in celebrating the program’s successful completion on Friday afternoon.
Green Level West Road Renaming Community Meeting
A community meeting will be held virtually on Tuesday, August 13 at 6:30 p.m. for the Green Level West Road Renaming Study.
The purpose of this meeting will be to share information and gather community feedback on the proposed renaming of a portion of Green Level West Road to High House Road, from NC 55 Hwy to Green Level Church Road. Following the community meeting, staff will present the findings at a future Town Council public hearing.
For more information and to register, please visit the Green Level West Road Renaming Study page.
Future Road Extension – Street Stubs
In our ongoing efforts to clearly define future road extensions and infrastructure connectivity, staff have upgraded 40 street stubs as future road extensions. There are now 116 out of 150 street stubs in Cary signed as future road extensions. We are now focusing on standardizing these existing signed future road extensions.
The remaining street stub locations will be reviewed for community outreach, appropriate approaches, and signage needs. Any modifications and upgrades to our street stubs will be added to our Street Connectivity GIS Dashboard.
Howland Avenue Water Main Replacement Complete
With the resurfacing of Howland Avenue, the water main replacement project is now complete. This project, which replaced 3,000 feet of water main and renewed all water services, was expedited due to frequent breaks and was finished ahead of schedule and within budget. Utilities and Transportation staff coordinated the pavement restoration as part of both the Annual Water Main Replacement Project and the 2024 Street Improvements Project. Later this year, the Annual Water Main Replacement Project will return to the Oakwood Heights neighborhood to complete additional water main replacements.
Byrum Street Sidewalk Project
The new sidewalk along Byrum Street is nearly complete. This project fills in the gaps between private developments that are currently underway. Once all the projects are finished, there will be a continuous sidewalk running from Kildaire Farm Road to Walnut Street. This new sidewalk will offer a safe pedestrian path between two major downtown thoroughfares, complete with high-visibility crosswalks.
Christmas in July
New decorations are arriving in Cary for our 2024 downtown display. This week, we received three angels and a 10-foot-tall lighted ornament. We are also finalizing locations and timelines for the display. The holidays will be here before you know it!
Manchester City & Celtic FC Open Training
Cary welcomed two of the world’s best soccer teams to WakeMed Soccer Park on Tuesday for an exclusive open training session. Manchester City and Celtic FC gave fans a unique glimpse into the training routines of elite athletes. The event, featuring the reigning Premier League Champions (Man City) and Scottish League Champions (Celtic FC), drew over 5,000 attendees, providing a memorable experience for soccer enthusiasts in Cary.
Upcoming Meetings
Economic Development Committee
Wednesday, July 31
5:15 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Several complaints about the Regency rezoning 22-REZ-19.
- A concern about a “big project” between the church and Park Street disrupting the Farmer’s Market. Council has yet to see this proposal.
- Two complaints about the new tax rate. One said, “something needs to be done to end what I see as mismanagement of the Town’s finances.”
- A request for help with charges for freight (this is a civil matter).
- A request to do something for the needy.
- Two requests to support changes for ADUs.
- A safety concern of a contractor performing a water main replacement.
- A request for GoCary to provide service to the West Regional Library.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, Diwali dance practice, an Economic Development Committee meeting, and a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, August 4th, 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.
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