This was a slow week due to the Labor Day Holiday.
Cary #3 Safest City in USA that Promise a Peaceful Vacation
Tuesday I was notified that Travel Diary ranked Cary #3 in the nation for Safest City that promises a peaceful vacation. Here is what they said:
“Cary, a Raleigh neighborhood, has been recognized for its high standards of living and safety. This is one of the safest cities in the United States and provides a tranquil environment with attractive neighborhoods and plenty of green space. The city is a great place to visit for both solo and family travelers because it offers a wide range of cultural and recreational activities. Visit the lovely Bond Park to spend some moments in peace. You can also explore some of the independent stores and eateries in Cary’s downtown.”
Sadly, they think we are a Raleigh neighborhood which hasn’t been true for more than 25 years. We continue with our branding efforts to be recognized as the mid-sized municipality that we are.
Cary Tennis Classic Board Meeting
I attended a meeting of the Cary Tennis Classic Board on Tuesday night. This was our first meeting since the tournament in August. This was the tenth year we have held the Cary Tennis Classic (formerly the Atlantic Tire Championships) and our first tournament with both men and women.
Almost all the players in the tournament went on to New York for the US Open. The lowest ranked men’s player was #142 compared with #392 last year. The lowest ranked women’s player was #147.
Ticket sales increased 57% and we had our largest single day attendance. We had a 38% increase in volunteers and a 64% increase in ball people.
Based on information and feedback received this was our best tournament and the Cary Tennis Classic is recognized as one of the best challenger tournaments. We look forward to hosting this tournament again next year.
Environmental Symposium
Wednesday evening I provided opening remarks at the Environmental Symposium held at the Cary Arts Center. This was the first of several weekly talks to be held through October 9th. The following are my remarks:
“As the Mayor of Cary, I am proud to be a part of a community that prioritizes sustainability and is an environmental steward.
Cary has long been a leader in preserving and protecting our finite natural resources. We are committed to ensuring that our land, water, and air are responsibly managed, and we strive to serve as a model for other cities in North Carolina and throughout the United States.
Our mission is to implement long-term sustainable practices that minimize negative impacts on our environment while protecting the quality of life for future generations.
Development has an impact on our environment and our development is guided by the Cary Community Plan. Currently we are updating this plan. The 2040 Community Plan includes a critical addition, the Enrich Chapter, which reaffirms our commitment to environmental sustainability.
As I mentioned, one of our key values is respecting nature and the environment by preserving and protecting our vital natural resources. This includes conserving water through smart metering and alternate day watering, protecting our watersheds and water supply by having the largest stream buffers allowed by the state, protecting our natural land assets by purchasing and permanently preserving 200 acres, protecting our trees by hiring and urban forester to grow our canopy, and reducing emissions to improve air quality by increasing our electric fleet including one of the first electric fire trucks and garbage trucks in the nation.
Cary is a community that leads by example. We have done an inventory of town facilities and will be adding solar to all facilities that will support it.
In closing, we are committed to using sustainable and environmentally approaches to ensure that Cary continues to be a leader in sustainability, working toward a greener, more resilient future for all. Thank you for being here and most importantly your commitment to our environment. Enjoy the program!”
The featured speak was Larry Zoller who taught science and environmental education for 40 years in the Maryland public school system. He is the past President of Wake Audubon and is the current Wake Audubon Educational Outreach Chairperson. His focus was on why birds are disappearing. It was a great talk, and he provided information about things we can do to help the bird population. To find out more about future symposiums go here.
Turner Creek Elementary
Friday I had the pleasure of talking to two of Turner Creek Elementary’s third grade classes virtually. The classes have been learning about state and local governments, responsibilities of government leaders, and how government helps solve community problems.
I talked about the council, the town, and my duties as mayor. We followed this with about ten minutes of questions. I look forward to talking with more Turner Creek students next week.
Town Manager’s Report
Danna’s Message
Education on the 2024 Cary Community Bond Referendum is in full swing as citizens prepare to vote this November. At these events, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed engaging with citizens and discussing Cary’s future. It’s inspiring to listen to the thoughts, ideas, and considerations informing their decision-making process. Cary citizens are truly the best and I’m honored to serve in our community! Bond education efforts will continue through September and October, leading up to the General Election on November 5th. Next week includes discussions at several advisory board and commission meetings as part of this initiative.
Wishing you all a wonderful weekend and great weather!
Danna
Cedar Street Parking Deck Construction Update
Starting Wednesday, Sept. 11, contractors for the Cedar Street Parking Deck Development will close and fence off the sidewalk in front of the development site. Additionally, they will install scaffolding on the north side of E. Chatham Street at Rogers Alley to create a pedestrian detour (see map). These measures are necessary to ensure pedestrian safety during the continued construction of the parking deck and streetscape improvements. The sidewalk, along with the new streetscape, is expected to be completed by spring 2025.
Wake County and USDA Seek Public Input for Bond Lake Dam
Wake County and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service are seeking public input on rehabilitation needs of Bond Lake Dam, part of the Crabtree Creek watershed. Bond Lake Dam is one of nine sites in Wake County identified as needing alterations to meet current federal classification standards. Options shared could involve raising of the structure six inches, adjustments to the intake pipe, and topographical alterations to the spillway field. Final plans are proposed to be complete in 2025, with no funding or construction timeline at this time. A public meeting was held in August at the Cary Senior Center on proposed plans for Bond Lake Dam and public comment closes September 13. Stormwater and PRCR are monitoring this potential project.
Cary Night with the North Carolina Courage
This past Sunday, Cary, in collaboration with the Cary Chamber and NC Courage, hosted the second annual Cary Night at WakeMed Soccer Park. The event was a fantastic opportunity for Cary employees and their families to unwind and experience top-tier soccer. Cary attendees were treated to complimentary tickets to the match, t-shirts, food and drink vouchers, and exclusive Cary swag. It was a memorable evening filled with fun and Cary spirit!
USABMX Regional National Event 2024
The energy was high last Saturday as Cary Action Sports hosted the third stop of the USABMX Regional National Series. Athletes from across the East Coast competed in Cary for points toward a national title and bragging rights. Eight talented local athletes competed for Cary Action Sports, with six earning podium finishes in their divisions. Olympic coach Ryan Nyquist and action sports film star Dan Foley kept the excitement going as MC and head judge. Cary Action Sports also received an award for supporting the USABMX Amateur Series in 2024.
Upcoming Meetings
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, September 9
5:15 p.m.
Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, September 9
6:00 p.m.
Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, September 9
6:30 p.m.
Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 10
6:00 p.m.
Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Task Force
Tuesday, September 10
6:00 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, September 11
6:30 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, September 12
4:45 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, September 12
6:30 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A request to try hot sauce for wings.
- A complaint about 22-REZ-19 rezoning proposal at Regency.
- A complaint about 22-REZ-25 rezoning proposal near Crossroads.
- A request for information about Cary Bonds.
- A complaint that we are misleading the public about Cary Bonds.
- A complaint about the future Optimist Farm Greenway.
- A question about future development near Chatham County.
- A complaint about a dangerous crosswalk at Davis Drive Elementary.
- Two complaints about a plan for future maintenance of Bond Lake.
- Support for a future Walker Street rezoning.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, speaking at a conference, talking with 3rd graders at Turner Creek Elementary, a council work session with Wake County Commissioners, a regularly scheduled council meeting, and welcoming remarks at a sister city event.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 15th, 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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