This was a slow week as the town prepared for Labor Day observance.
HRID Interviews
Tuesday and Wednesday I joined council member Bush, the HRID (Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity) chair, and the HRID staff liaison in interviewing three candidates for the open spot on the newly created board. We had three incredible candidates which made choosing extremely difficult.
NC Courage Taping
Thursday I taped a message for the post game ceremony celebrating the Olympians on the NC Courage. We are so proud of our players as they represented several countries. I hope we will have further opportunities to recognize them.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
As highlighted in the report below, this was another productive week filled with meaningful accomplishments in Cary. As we – most of us – prepare for the Labor Day holiday, I’m reflecting on its origins and how underappreciated workers in the 1800s must’ve felt prior to President Cleveland signing Labor Day into law. And while challenges remain in many places today, I am proud that here in Cary, we have co-created a culture that puts people first.
For us, it’s not just about dignity and respect in the workplace – it’s about showing gratitude and appreciation for the collaboration and individual expertise that each employee brings to the workplace, a workplace where you are encouraged to bring your whole self to work.
This culture, Council, would not be possible without your thoughtful leadership and unwavering support.
To those who will be working this weekend and, on the holiday, as always, I remain grateful to you for doing your job in the very best way, which helps ensure Cary remains Cary.
Sean
Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon on Walnut Street at Cary High School Installed
The Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) installation in front of Cary High School was completed earlier this week and became operational on Tuesday, the first day of school. Staff was on-site to ensure the device operated smoothly, assist the school with its use, and answer any questions. Staff has been monitoring the PHB’s performance and coordinating with the school’s principal to make any necessary adjustments to the beacon’s timing.
Additionally, Cary’s consultant has finished the initial engagement with students to gather ideas for the median landscape design and other features. This collaborative effort is progressing toward preliminary designs and concepts.
Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – September 11
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will hold a quasi-judicial hearing in Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 11 to review a certificate of appropriateness (COA) application submitted by the new owners of the Guess-White-Ogle House, a local historic landmark property, to install an uncovered deck and vertical lift to the rear of the house.
The HPC agenda with the COA staff report and supporting documents will be available by close of business on Thursday, Sept. 5. Information on Cary’s twelve local historic landmarks may be viewed on the interactive map.
48th Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival
Lazy Daze 2024 was an outstanding success! With perfect weather in the 80s, we welcomed an estimated 50,000 attendees, making it one of our best festivals yet. Our green initiatives were particularly impressive: we introduced compost bins at all 60 waste and recycling stations, collecting over 4,000 pounds of compostable material and 1,400 pounds of recyclables. This effort diverted more than half of the festival’s waste from landfills, exceeding expectations and reinforcing our commitment to sustainability.
Our family-friendly activities were also a hit, featuring live music, interactive art, and the new Kid Collectors Market, where children ages 6-12 could buy their first piece of art for just $5. Logistically, our partnerships with Cary PD, emergency services, and Public Works ensured smooth operations, with flawless traffic management and public safety plans contributing to a positive experience for all.
Senior Center Hosts Coffee, Cops and Conversation
The Cary Senior Center recently hosted a successful Coffee with Cops event, bringing together senior residents and members of the Cary Police Department for a morning of conversation and connection. The seniors enjoyed discussing safety and community concerns with the officers, further strengthening the positive partnership between the Cary Police Department and our community.
Ridgecrest Road LED-Enhanced Crosswalk
New pedestrian safety enhancements have been added downtown, including push-button-activated, LED-enhanced warning signs. As part of a traffic calming project focused on intersections in the western part of downtown, high-visibility crosswalks were installed this week. Additionally, two pairs of LED-enhanced signs were placed at uncontrolled crosswalks on Ridgecrest Road at Knight Avenue and S. Dixon. These devices, which are just the first of many planned around Cary, are paired with Audible Information Devices (AID) to improve accessibility for the visually impaired.
Installation of EV Charging Pedestals
Two new electric vehicle (EV) charging pedestals were recently installed at the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF). With this addition, all of Cary’s water and wastewater treatment facilities now have EV charging stations, expanding the town’s fleet charging infrastructure. Each of the new pedestals features two Level 2 charging ports, allowing up to four vehicles to charge simultaneously.
Cary’s Annual Wastewater System Performance Review 2024
Cary has released its annual wastewater report, highlighting the exceptional performance of its collection and treatment system, which serves Cary, Morrisville, Wake RTP, and RDU Airport. The report includes quick facts, details about our treatment facilities, system metrics, and tips for preventing sewer spills to protect the environment. Additionally, citizens can learn about Cary’s newest pump station, Winding Pine.
Ongoing Community Outreach Part of the Greenway Safety Campaign
Community engagement continued into late summer with two pop-up events along greenways in August as well as an engagement with a youth cycling group in western Cary. Sharing key greenway rules and safety messages directly with the community fosters greater awareness and a safer experience for everyone on Cary greenways!
Wake County Clash Football Kickoff
This past weekend, Cary and the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) teamed up to host the highly anticipated second annual WCPSS Football Kickoff at WakeMed Soccer Park. The event featured teams from four local high schools—Garner Magnet, Holly Springs, Broughton, and Cary High Schools—providing these young athletes with the exceptional experience of playing in a premier stadium. The evening featured two high-energy games and drew enthusiastic crowds, celebrating local talent and strengthening community ties.
Upcoming Meetings
Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, September 4
12:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Three complaints about the tax rate.
- A request to volunteer in the town.
- A complaint about my comments that apartments in Cary don’t have more crime than single family.
- A question about address having a different city (a postal address and city is determined by the post office that is responsible for delivering your mail. The municipality of where you live can be found in your tax records on the Wake County Web site).
- A question about construction of affordable housing on SE Maynard.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the Labor Day holiday, a Cary Tennis Classic Advisory Board meeting, and an Environmental Symposium.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 8th, 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@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.
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