Vote YES for Cary Bonds!
[DISCLAIMER – the following are my thoughts and opinions on the bond and do not represent the council or the town. The town, by law, cannot advocate or use its resources for or against any bond.]
Cary has been viewed as one of the best communities in the nation for many years. Past decisions were made with a goal to be the best of the best which was a values choice and the choice to continue to be the best of the best (what we call “top of the arc”) is a Cary citizen values choice that will be decided by the bond vote in November.
The November bond is a $590 million bond with most of the cost attributed to new community/senior center projects. Using bond money for these centers makes financial sense, as large capital projects like these are best financed through bonds. That way future residents will also pay their fair share of the cost. Currently Cary has three community centers and one senior center. These centers are decades old, require a LOT of maintenance, and don’t come close to meeting citizens’ demands. And that demand is increasing with Cary being the oldest populated municipality out of the top fourteen populated municipalities in North Carolina.
What is a bond?
The bond on the November ballot is a General Obligation (GO) bond. Citizens vote on these types of bonds and if approved have the lowest interest rate. Because Cary has the highest rating from all the major bond rating agencies, we will get the lowest interest rate on all bonds that will be used to fund these projects. GO bonds are a reliable, cost-effective, and fair way to finance important public projects, while ensuring that the costs are spread out, like a mortgage, and that citizens have a voice in the process.
Are bond votes a vote on projects?
Technically no. Bond votes are votes on project funding. However, if this bond fails then it is highly unlikely that many of these projects will be considered again for several years, and some may be scrapped forever.
What projects are in the bond and what are their costs?
- Sports and Recreation Community Center: $300 million
- Mills Park Community Center: $150 million
- Cary Tennis Park and Pickleball Expansion: $60 million
- Walnut Creek Greenway: $30 million
- Asia Garden Master Plan: $10 million
- Nature Park Master Plan: $10 million
- New Housing Projects and Programs: $30 million
The state requires us to use highly conservative estimates in my opinion. They make us post 5.34% interest for the park’s bonds and 5.59% interest for the affordable housing bond. I believe Cary will do much better than those interest rates given that our history has been that we have beaten those rates each time. If not, we can wait until the interest rates go down.
The timing of the proposed tax rate change is also pessimistic: 2026, 2028, and 2030. The timeline used in our bond materials is the earliest date that these bonds will be sold and would then impact the tax rate. Keep in mind that Cary doesn’t have the manpower and resources to take on all these projects at one time. Delays are common when planning large projects, and I believe that accomplishing all these projects in the timeframe listed is a stretch.
Sports and Recreation Community Center ($300 million)
The Sports and Recreation Community Center will have three components: Community Center, Senior Center, and Competitive Space. The competitive portion of this project is estimated to generate an annual economic impact to our area of $37 million which will more than double the annual economic impact of all current Cary sports venues (WakeMed Soccer, USA Baseball, and the Cary Tennis Park). In addition, the county has committed $75 million to the cost of this project. If the “competitive space” were in existence today it is estimated that it would be booked out most of the year with other times used for transitioning between sports.
The community center and senior center will be large enough to accommodate people that live nearby as well as all Cary residents. The senior component will have areas dedicated to senior activities. This is desperately needed, especially in this part of Cary.
The area outside the Community Center will be a park-like setting. People will be able to enjoy and experience the entire grounds without ever going inside the center. In addition, the proposed Walnut Creek greenway will connect from it to Fenton and Downtown, providing a way to get to this space without driving. In the future, the developers of South Hills vision is to connect to a redeveloped Crossroads via a pedestrian bridge.
Mills Park Community Center ($150 million)
The Mills Park Community Center will include community center and a senior center. Many of our Cary residents live in western Cary and are currently underserved by public spaces. This will allow programming to help meet the needs of an aging population and the rest of the citizenry. Is this the crown jewels of community centers? No. As plans were originally developed with citizen input, I saw a LOT of features that I would love to see in the center but are just cost prohibitive. Nevertheless, this will be one of the nicest in the region if not the state.
Cary Tennis Park and Pickleball Expansion ($60 million)
The Cary Tennis Park benefits our citizens by providing recreational opportunities, but it’s also a venue for top college and professional tournaments. As I write this there is a national tennis tournament with colleges from all over the country in our town. These tennis tournaments generate millions of dollars of economic impact each year. Expanding our facilities will meet requirements that will allow us to draw bigger tennis tournaments and have an even bigger economic impact.
In addition, the expansion will create 30 pickleball courts on land that Cary owns as part of the Tennis facility. This will not only allow for recreational play in a rapidly growing sport but also allow us to hold future pickleball tournaments.
The expansion will also allow Cary to be home to the North Carolina Tennis Hall of Fame.
Whether or not you play tennis or pickleball it makes good sense to support this expansion just for the economic benefits, which will help keep our taxes low.
Walnut Creek Greenway ($30 million)
The Walnut Creek Greenway project will allow citizens to go from downtown to Fenton, WakeMed Soccer Park (via Fenton) and eventually to the redeveloped South Hills on a greenway. Connecting destination centers makes sense especially given our citizens’ interest in our downtown area. Cary is known for having an excellent and well-used greenway system of over 90 miles, and this investment will continue the connectivity and IMHO be our crown jewel.
Asia Garden Master Plan ($10 million)
The Asian Garden master plan is about adding a botanical garden and beautiful quiet space in Cary on land owned and shared with Wake County. This project brings several valuable benefits of green space and beauty, where people can relax, walk and enjoy a calming environment while also celebrating our rich cultural diversity. The idea is to master plan the area and provide a space for a 1 to 2 acre set of gardens. There are few, if any, gardens like this in the Triangle area, and over time, it will provide educational opportunities and space for events to create a sense of community and likely become a destination that creates an economic impact.
Nature Park Master Plan ($10 million)
Cary purchased 200 acres to preserve its natural beauty for future generations. The current plan is to save historic structures on the site, create parking and restrooms, and create a path around the entire property. I think this nature preserve will be a fantastic amenity that keeps us the best of the best and a huge benefit to our community, families, grandkids and future generations.
New Housing Projects and Programs – Affordable Housing Bond ($30 million)
By law, Housing Bonds are separate questions on the ballot. The Affordable Housing bond is a way to work to implement our already approved Cary Housing Plan. (https://housing.carync.gov/cary-housing-plan/) If approved, the Housing bond will support housing initiatives in ALL four primary strategic areas contained in our plan, such as building housing and supporting residents with low and moderate incomes across Cary. Affordable Housing is a nationwide challenge, and Cary is not immune to this trend. Our staff is the best of the best, and although we have made investments, our community has asked us to do more. Our recently launched Stable Homes Cary Program in partnership with Dorcas Ministries- is working to support people staying in their homes and helping with relocation support when moving may be necessary. The funds provided in this bond would provide funds to create or preserve more affordable housing options, including purchasing property, providing housing development gap financing, homeownership programing and working to preserve affordable housing and helping residents age in place. Our goal is to ensure that people of all income levels can live in our community, and I believe that this bond referendum is a critical investment in Cary’s futureand a significant part of our community’s efforts to address affordability and the growing need for affordable housing.
Town Manage One-On-One
Monday, I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Topics of discussion included the Urban Land Institute event, a rail crossing issue, the manager’s review, and the Wake Stone Quary which will begin work next week.
Cary Tennis Classic Board
I participated in a meeting of the Cary Tennis Classic Board on Monday night. We spent time going over the data from the professional combined men’s and women’s tournament we held in August. We will be meeting with the USTA soon in hopes of having a combined event next year. Other topics included sponsorships, events for existing sponsors, and the Cary Bond.
ULI Event
Tuesday afternoon I joined Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry and Lee and Associates President Ted Boyd in a ULI (Urban Land Institute) event. We held a panel discussion on the history of downtown development and its future. Ted Boyd was Cary’s Economic Development Director for over a decade until he moved to Lee and Associates.
In our discussion we talked about early plans, how they changed, and some of the challenges over the years. In future years I stated that I believed downtown, and Fenton would become more integrated, and we would see increased density downtown.
CAMPO
Wednesday afternoon I was part of an Executive Board for CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization). The agenda included two consent items, one public hearing, and four discussion items.
The public hearing was an update on the Congestion Management Process.
Presentations were made to the committee on GoTriangle’s audit and findings, Amendment #6 to the FY2024 – FY2033 Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), an update on SPOT 7 (Strategic Transportation Prioritization) division needs, and an update on the Regional Multi-Modal Safety Action Plan.
WakeMed Public Hearing
Thursday morning I spoke at a public hearing on behalf of WakeMed Cary Hospital’s request for 24 additional acute care beds. North Carolina is one of eight states that require a certificate of need for hospital beds.
NC Metro Mayors
The NC Metro Mayors met Friday, and the featured speaker was former Governor Pat McCrory. Here is the executive director’s summary of his comments:
- RightCount is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission to help fortify and protect the rule of law in the tabulation of voting across the United States.
- There are concerns from both sides of the aisle that citizens will not trust the results of the election. RightCount is calling on mayors and other civic leaders to help educate their citizens on the well-run and secure nature of elections in North Carolina.
- Mayors Sandy Roberson (Rocky Mount) and Vivian Jones (Wake Forest) have joined the RightCount coalition. If any mayor is interested – please contact Patrick Sebastian – patrick@tarheeltargeting.com.
- Actions by the North Carolina General Assembly over the last couple of years have led to three major changes to this year’s elections that can help overcome some public skepticism:
- Voter ID will be required for the first time during a presidential election.
- Each voting machine will be required to have a paper backup. In cases of a recount, there will now be a paper backup to count as well.
- It is now illegal for voting machines to be connected to the internet.
- As a coalition, Metro Mayors (and mayors in general) you do an excellent job educating your constituents on topics such as public safety, transportation, economic development, etc. It is important to be just as diligent in educating them on election security.
- As mayors – you should consider contacting your local county Board of Elections Director and ask how you can help. Ideas include holding media events and a press conference with other local leaders (county, business and civic groups) to thank local election workers, and help explain how the electoral system works. EDUCATE the public on the process and what to expect as results are tabulated. An educated public is less likely to “distrust” the results. The process is complicated and at times confusing, so the more our civic leaders can shed light on the process NOW, the better.
- Patrick Sebastion mentioned that they have talked with other state-wide programs dedicated to supporting the electoral process in NC, such as www.nctrustedelections.org which can also be a valuable resource.
- After the election, lawyers are being lined up on both sides for legal challenges. So, be prepared for a drawn out and public battle – further reason to share facts NOW about how the process works and what the public should expect, serving as a counterbalance for potential “disinformation.” It will be helpful for you to coordinate with your local election board and other civic leaders to bring calm and thoughtful public dialogue to your cities.
Town Manager’s Report
Russ’ Message
This was another full week with several meetings, including two information sessions on the 2024 Cary Community Bond referendum. I enjoyed attending both sessions, where Sean presented and answered questions about the bond.
The third information session is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m. at Middle Creek Community Center.
I hope you enjoy the beautiful weather this weekend and throughout the coming week.
Russ
Cary Continues Support to Western North Carolina
Cary staff continued to support the relief and recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina this week. Fire, Police, Utilities, Public Works, and 311 provided personnel, equipment, and transportation to assist hard-hit departments and utilities.
Hum Sub Diwali 2024
More than 14,000 people, including Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson, gathered at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, October 12, to celebrate the 24th annual Hum Sub Diwali. Attendees enjoyed vibrant music, dance performances, a vendor bazaar, and authentic Indian cuisine.
The ceremonial diya lighting featured Mayor Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Bansal and Craig, the Hum Sub Board of Directors, Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Congressman Wiley Nickel, Senator Jay Chaudhuri, and local leaders from Morrisville and Apex. Later, Weinbrecht, Bansal, Bush, Craig, and Kohn-Johnson joined Morrisville Mayor T.J. Cawley, Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert, and Cary staff members in on-stage dance performances.
Fire Station 9 Hosts Save a Life Event
On Wednesday, October 16, the Cary Fire Department hosted the 21st annual Operation Save a Life event in partnership with ABC11, Kidde, and The Home Depot. Fire Station 9 served as the venue and distribution hub, where more than $125,000 worth of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were provided to local fire departments for distribution to those in need.
Last year, North Carolina saw 146 fire-related fatalities, and this year has already reported 92, highlighting the critical importance of working smoke alarms.
Early Voting Begins
Early Voting began on Thursday, October 17, at two locations in Cary: the Herb Young Community Center and the Cary Senior Center. The Board of Elections reported an overwhelming turnout on the first day. Staff is actively working with the Wake County Board of Elections to help address any traffic and parking issues near these sites.
These locations are open to any Wake County voters for early voting. Given the high demand, we encourage voters to check the Early Voting Wait Time Tracker before heading out.
Reedy Creek Road Receives Recognition with the NCDOT Mobi Awards
Cary’s Reedy Creek Road project earned third place in the Large Urban category at the N.C. Department of Transportation Mobi Awards, which recognize outstanding multimodal transportation projects across the state. It also won second place for MVP (Most Voted Project), receiving 1,896 votes. This marks the first time Cary has been honored at the Mobi Awards.
Transportation Project Managers Sammy Wood and Amir Nezarati accepted the awards on Oct. 11 at the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)/NC NCDOT Joint Transportation Conference, held at the Raleigh Convention Center.
New Neighborhood Improvement Grant Project Completed
In their Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program application, Cary Woman’s Club cited their passion for reading and the idea of building a little free library in downtown Cary. With no property of their own, Cary Woman’s Club set out to find another partner in this endeavor, and Bond Brothers Beer Company enthusiastically joined the team. Jeremy Bond constructed the Hobbit-themed library, located at the brewery on E. Cedar St. using an old whiskey barrel, while the Cary Woman’s Club worked to landscape the area and stock the shelves with books for all ages. The new addition quickly captivated downtown visitors, with one of the library’s first users sharing, “This is hands down the most unique little library I’ve ever seen!” This collaborative project truly embodies the goals of the Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program and showcases the power of partnerships in enriching the Cary community.
Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting November 6
The following neighborhood meetings will be held virtually on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
24-REZ-13 227 & 309 Barbee Road Rezoning
24-REZ-14 Weston PDD Amendment – O&I Tract 4
For more information and to register visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.
Upcoming Meetings
Athletic Committee
Monday, October 21
6:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Tuesday, October 22
4:45 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Tuesday, October 22
6:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, October 23
6:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A complaint about the coverage of the SAS Championships by the N&O.
- A complaint about the lack of a traffic light at Bond Park (it is funded and scheduled).
- Comments about the Imagine Cary update.
- Complaints about Cary tax rates and the bond.
- Multiple requests for interviews and attending events.
- A complaint about the town’s education efforts on the bond.
- A complaint about pesticide uses in Cary.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Diwali proclamation at the Downtown Cary Park, a council work session, a regularly scheduled council meeting, and a special event to honor someone.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, October 27th, 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.
Harold's Blog 