Veterans Day Event
Monday I joined five other council members as part of the Veterans Day event held at the Veterans Freedom Park. Approximately one hundred people attended. Dignitaries attending included Congresswoman Ross, NC Representative Cervania, Morrisville council member Rao, and six of seven Cary council members. Jack Smith, the council’s only veteran, emceed the event. The national anthem and patriotic music were played by the Old North State Brass Band.
Colonel Bret Batdorff was the featured speaker and gave a very inspirational speech. In one part of his speech he said that the constitution starts with “to form a more perfect union” and noted that democracy and politics were messy then and it is messy now. But we have a common bond of being US citizens. I thought that was a great message especially after such a divisive election.
Thank you to all the veterans who served and are serving for your sacrifices. We all know freedom isn’t free and we are blessed to have men and women who serve to protect our freedom.
Taping for Downtown Cary Park Birthday
Tuesday afternoon I did a brief taping as part of the opening for the Downtown Cary Park birthday celebration. It was a one liner and took about five minutes.
Town Manager One-On-One
Tuesday I had a brief weekly meeting with the town manager. We mostly talked about impacts of the bond vote.
Staff Annual Reviews
The council spent Tuesday night reviewing all three direct reports, the town manager, town attorney, and town clerk. We heard from each of them, evaluated their performance, and set the annual salary. The process took us over six hours.
Cary Tennis Classic Board
Wednesday night I participated in the Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting. Our topics included sponsors, activities prior to next year’s event, and the failure of the bonds and what that means for future events.
Council Work Session
Thursday evening the council held a work session that was mostly about the rezoning proposal at Alston Yards 23-REZ-01 and our potential partnership with them. This property is located across Parkside Commons on Highway 55. Here are some of the takeaways from the session:
- The site is impacted by stream buffers, topography, tract geography, and access to Highway 55.
- The Cary Community Plan calls for this site to be part of the destination center.
- There is a potential land swap with Cary to allow a greenway from town owned property to O’Kelly Chapel Road.
- Some of the key elements of the proposal include variation in rooftop height, stepback on upper levels, projecting balconies, and covered rooftop terrace.
- The parking deck will be screened with evergreen plantings, vegetated green walls, architectural screening, and art banners.
- There will be a main street with a commitment to vertical integration.
- There will be 40,000 square feet of public park space. The park will be linear with a greenway connection to the park.
- Proposed office of 200,000 to 400,000 square feet with a minimum of 140,000 square feet.
- Proposed multi-family of 815 to 1120 units with a minimum of 525 units.
- Proposed commercial of 55,000 to 100,000 square feet with a minimum of 45,000 square feet.
- There is an affordable housing commitment of 5% at 80% of the AMI (Area Median Income).
- There is space reserved for a pedestrian/bike bridge over highway 55.
- This is a $590 million development with a projected first decade of operation 2027-2036 which is expected to generate over $45 million during that time.
The remainder of the meeting included manager comments and a calendar review.
The council’s next meeting is December 12th. Our next quarterly meeting will be May 1st. We will have our annual staff-council meeting from Friday February 21st through Saturday, February 22nd.
Council Meeting
The council held its only regularly scheduled meeting of November on Thursday night. The agenda included six consent items and three public hearings.
The consent agenda was unanimously approved and included allowing E-bikes on greenways permanently (it was in trial), an agreement to maintain a portion of the American Tobacco Trail, updating the interlocal agreement with Apex and Morrisville for emergency dispatch services, leveraging ARPA funding for sidewalk projects, and annexing Alston Yards.
The first public hearing was on the proposal to rename a portion of Green Level West Road to High House Road. There were speakers for and against this proposal. Impacted property owners would be reimbursed for costs associated with the renaming. The Council will vote on this in the next month or two.
The second public hearing was for a proposal to rezone property on Medcon Court (off Kildaire Farm Road) to allow government offices, business or professional offices, and trade school (with a maximum of two classrooms and 20 students). It is a building that used to be occupied by the Cary EMS which is now part of the Wake County EMS. This proposal will go to the Planning and Zoning Board for their review and come back for a vote in a few months.
The last public hearing was a proposal to rezone approximately 19.36 acres located at Batchelor Road and 1009 Knotty Oaks Drive which is mostly in Chatham County. This would allow 30 detached dwellings. This proposal will go to the Planning and Zoning Board for their review and come back for a vote in a few months.
Chinese Lantern Festival Media Night
Friday night I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Robinson, council members Smith, Kohn-Johnson, Bush, NC Representative Liu, and Wake County Commissioner Shinika Thomas at media night for the 9th Chinese Lantern festival at Koka Booth amphitheater. I made a few remarks and then we flipped the ceremonial switch to turn on the lights, which of course was spectacular.
This year’s festival has a theme of oceans, dinosaurs, and Chinese culture. The main feature is a castle that weighs about 5,500 pounds. There are many more interactive exhibits this year than in previous years.
The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival in Cary is a must see. It is running now until January 12th.
Downtown Cary Park Anniversary Event
Saturday night I joined all but one council member, who was sick, at the first birthday celebration for the Downtown Cary Park. I welcomed the capacity crowd, introduced council members, and introduced Dupresha Townsend who sang Happy Birthday. I cut the enormous cake of several layers while council members held small cakes with sparklers on them. Afterwards we were treated by an incredible drone laser light show by Sky Elements. They have done drone laser shows for the Grammys and several movie premiers. The night continued with music from the Bittersweet Band, food, and fun.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Since last Thursday’s Quarterly Meeting, several items have required follow-up. Going forward, any follow-up items from meetings will be listed below my message.
I hope to see you tomorrow at the Downtown Park’s one-year birthday celebration.
Have a great weekend.
Sean
Quarterly Meeting Presentations (November 7th)
E-Bike Pilot and Ordinance Update
Development – Quarter 1 FY 2025
Work Session (November 15th)
Staff are gathering conceptual photos to illustrate potential streetscape designs and building mass for the N.C. 55 area.
Regular Meeting (November 15th)
Staff will be researching traffic study requirements in the Town’s Land Development Ordinance (LDO) and will report back.
Staff Correspondence:
Citizen email re. pedestrian access easement from Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton
2024 Veterans Day Observance
On Monday, citizens gathered at Veterans Freedom Park to observe Veterans Day and honor those who have served our country. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Jack Smith participated in the program alongside Congresswoman Deborah Ross. Also in attendance were Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Sarika Bansal, and Michelle Craig, as well as State and County elected officials.
The featured speaker, Colonel Batdorff, a Cary native, delivered the primary address. Drawing from his 30-year military career, he focused on the connectedness of the veteran community and our nation’s ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. Patriotic music was performed by the Old North State Brass Band, adding a moving touch to the event.
Veterans Luncheon
On Friday, November 8, Cary honored our veterans with a special luncheon and live entertainment at Prestonwood Country Club. Councilmember Jack Smith served as the master of ceremonies, and Russ Hughes, a veteran and Cary employee, delivered a moving and powerful speech. The event brought together over 350 veterans from all branches of service, spanning multiple decades, to celebrate and recognize their invaluable contributions. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmember Sarika Bansal were also in attendance, showing their support and gratitude for veterans.
Trimble Avenue Tree Planting with Habitat for Humanity
On Tuesday, Councilmembers Lori Bush and Michelle Craig teamed up with Cary staff, Habitat for Humanity, and AmeriCorps to plant 14 trees around the stormwater management pond on Trimble Avenue.
Councilmember Bush emphasized Cary’s dedication to enhancing neighborhood quality through sustainability and affordability, while Councilmember Craig expressed gratitude to the volunteers whose efforts made the initiative possible. Leslie Moorman, Cary’s Urban Forester, provided guidance on best planting practices and oversaw the planting process, ensuring the project’s success.
Cary’s Election Cycle
On August 22, the Town Council adopted an ordinance, changing Cary’s method of election to the plurality method. No citizen petitions were received requesting a referendum on this change; therefore, the change is now effective for the 2025 election cycle. The Wake County Board of Elections has updated their website with the date of Cary’s next municipal election – November 4, 2025.
Waldo Street Accessible Parking
Earlier this week, parking stalls along Waldo Street were restriped in collaboration with representatives from the First United Methodist Church of Cary. The project created new handicap-accessible parking spaces near the church entrance and re-aligned several spaces near South Walker Street. This redesign accommodated the wider accessible stalls without reducing the overall parking inventory.
Rose Park Manor Development Utility Work
Beginning November 19, contractors working on behalf of the Rose Park Manor Development will implement temporary traffic modifications on SW Maynard Road through November 27 to support water and sewer tie-in work for Doug Ledson’s private development.
Weather permitting, traffic will be reduced to a single lane in both westbound and eastbound directions between Kildaire Farm Road and Griffis Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should anticipate delays and are encouraged to seek alternative routes.
Boyd Street Infrastructure Renewal
Boyd Street, located just north of Town Hall campus, has undergone several maintenance projects this year, which were recently completed. Cary replaced aging infrastructure, including a water main, sanitary sewer main, and associated connections. In coordination with Kingswood Elementary, located at the end of Boyd Street, the roadway was also resurfaced upon the project’s completion.
Triangle Bicycle and Pedestrian Workshop
Last Friday, staff attended the Triangle Bicycle and Pedestrian Workshop in Durham, hosted by the Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO). Staff shared updates on ongoing projects, discussed regional planning opportunities and challenges, and learned about initiatives from Triangle-area bike and pedestrian advocacy groups. The workshop also featured an overview of the Safety Action Plan currently underway in the region.
This annual event offers a valuable opportunity to network, collaborate with neighboring municipalities, and advance shared goals for active transportation.
Recycling Presentation to Lochmere HOA
This week, Cary’s Solid Waste team presented to neighborhood residents as part of Lochmere’s Environmental Education Series. The presentation highlighted Cary’s recycling program and its continuous efforts to achieve our long-term goals, creating a more sustainable future. The residents enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and left the meeting feeling empowered to recycle right.
2024 NC One Water Awards
The 2024 NC One Water Association annual conference held in Raleigh marked another year of accolades for Cary’s water and wastewater utilities. Not only did Cary receive 3rd place in the Best Tasting Water Contest, 2024 marked the sixth consecutive year receiving the Wastewater Collection System of the Year award. Staff is proud to receive these recognitions and continues to be inspired to do their best in managing and maintaining our water and wastewater services.
Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy Open House
Cary’s Climate Action Advisory Group, in collaboration with the Environmental Advisory Board, will have an opportunity to review the draft Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy at the Page-Walker on Thursday, Nov. 21 from 4 – 6 p.m. The consultant will showcase the visions, goals, and actions within the draft Strategy allowing stakeholders the opportunity to indicate what role they might play in future implementation. Public review of the plan is planned for this winter and Council consideration is anticipated in spring 2025.
Upcoming Meetings
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, November 18
6:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, November 20
6:00 p.m.
Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, November 20
6:15 p.m.
Greenway Committee
Thursday, November 21
6:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A complaint about the proposed Franklin Condos and parking downtown.
- A request for an Eagle Scout proclamation.
- A question about 2019 bond projects (they are currently on hold).
- A complaint that Cary is out of hand and to stop spending money (in all caps).
- A request to help with Folds of Honor.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the Hometown Spirit Award Program and Reception, a CAMPO executive board meeting, the Cary Police Department Promotion Ceremony, the Waverly tree lighting, and the Fenton tree lighting.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, November 24th, 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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