Bonds & Taxes Questions
There has been a lot of confusion (and misinformation) about three separate issues that were linked together by time and taxes. Those were 2024 property reevaluations by Wake County, the fiscal year 2025 tax rate which started on July 1st, and the 2024 Cary parks bond. In addition, there is now misinformation about the 2019 remaining bond projects. I will attempt to address these below with my thoughts and understanding. These include my opinions which may not necessarily represent the town’s position.
Property Reevaluation
Property revaluation occurs every four years and is set by Wake County. Revaluations used to occur every eight years, but Wake County changed because property values were increasing very rapidly. I have heard that the county is now considering revaluation every two years, but I don’t know that for a fact. I believe that if the next revaluation isn’t for four years we will have another significant increase in property values.
It is important to understand why property values are increasing rapidly. The Raleigh Metro Area, which includes Cary, is one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play in the nation which drives up demand. When something is in high demand people are willing to pay more and that in turn drives up costs. I believe Cary is the most desirable out of all the municipalities in the Raleigh Metro Area. That means the demand is even higher in Cary. And if the demand is high and housing is in short supply, which is true for Cary, then the costs go up even more. That is why I believe there was a significant increase in property values in Cary. My property value went up by 63% in the last four years. BTW, high property value increases were true with all municipalities across Wake County.
Tax Rate for FY 2025 that started on July 1st
As of July 1st, the Cary Tax Rate moved to 32.5 cents per $100 of value from 34.5 cents. However, the revenue neutral rate would have been 24.5 cents. A revenue neutral rate is the rate where the municipality takes in the same amount of revenue as the previous year.
So why 8 cents above revenue neutral? 3 cents due to inflation, 2 cents to program expansion (parks and environment), 2 cents to debt service, and 1 cent due to General Fund replenishment. Also, in past years we have been able to subsidize taxes with growth. We are now a mature community, and that kind of growth is basically over.
What are some examples of inflation? Project bids are coming in about 50% above estimates, some with one bid, or sometimes we get no bids. Materials have skyrocketed. For example, sidewalk costs have doubled in the last four years and asphalt has increased by 40% in the same amount of time.
What are some examples of Parks and environment? Downtown Cary Park was one of the biggest additions to operating costs. Also, the McCrimmon Park and the Carpenter Fire Station Park. Miles of greenways were also added. Some environmental initiatives included electric vehicles such as one of the first electric fire trucks in the nation, one of the first electric garbage trucks in the nation. These initiatives have capital and operational costs. The good news is that these are investments.
Downtown Cary Park has been the catalyst for downtown development generating millions of dollars in economic benefit. That is, new businesses and residents generate more tax base which keeps your taxes lower. The electric vehicles save money on fuel costs and after two or three years the additional costs have been recovered. I believe these are good investments in addition to fulfilling a need.
Why did debt service increase? The biggest reason is the sale of a portion of the 2019 GO (General Obligation) bonds. GO bonds, which are voter approved, are debt at the lowest interest rate possible. This is possible because we have the highest rating of all bond rating agencies. A good portion of the 2019 bonds have not been sold yet so that debt has not occurred. The future sales of the remaining portion of the bonds will also increase debt service.
Why was money from the general fund spent? It was a strategic move to use extra reserves rather than debt. It should be noted that our General Fund balance is well above requirements, and we want to keep it that way because it helps keep our highest rating with the bond rating agencies. So, we need to replenish the General Fund.
What is the issue with sales tax revenue? Since Covid, sales tax revenue has been increasing by 8% to 9% annually. Last year, however, the increase was less than 1%. This is significant since sales tax is the second largest revenue source at 21.1%. Our biggest source of revenue is property tax at 59%.
2024 Parks Bond
The 2024 parks bond was about funding parks for the next ten to fifteen years. Since the bond was close to property revaluation and the new tax rate, a lot of people viewed this as a funding question for now. I believe that is one of the main reasons the bond failed.
It is important to understand that the council and the staff heard everyone loud and clear about the bonds. We have stopped all bond projects due to lack of funding. While I can’t predict what future council will do, I believe some of them, like the center at South Hills, will never happen. What does this mean? The following is my best guestimate:
The Center
The community center, senior center, and competitive space will not be built. The $75 million promised by Wake County will be rescinded. The $30 million annual increase in economic benefit, which would help keep our taxes low, will not happen.
Mills Park Community Center
This community center and senior center project has also been stopped. We have been planning on having a community center and senior center at this location for about a decade. IMHO, it would be almost another decade IF it was ever built. Why? Historically bonds are at least five years apart. With large projects taking two years of planning/design and two years of construction that is another four years added to the five years IF everything is on schedule.
It is important to understand that we will now need to spend significant resources to maintain our existing community and senior centers, which are all over twenty years old. IMHO, expanding programs will be difficult due to lack of space. A future bond to build a center would be a question for a future council.
Tennis and Pickleball Expansion
I don’t believe the pickleball courts will be built at the tennis center. That expansion would have allowed more recreational opportunities for sports in high demand and more professional tennis and pickleball tournaments. This is a loss of millions of dollars in economic benefit, which again keeps our taxes low. The NC Tennis Hall of Fame will probably not be located here.
Walnut Street Greenway
The Walnut Creek Greenway from downtown to Fenton, to WakeMed Soccer Park, Triangle Aquatic Center, and the new South Hills redevelopment has been stopped. If future councils decide to do this, it might have to be funded with another bond. Again, I think that is years away. Not connecting all these destinations is a huge, missed opportunity not only for recreation but for quality of life.
Nature Park Master Plan
Cary has 217 acres of farmland that it is maintaining. Unfortunately, there are no trails, restrooms, or parking. It will be up to a council in the future to decide what to do with this property. For now, nothing will happen.
Asian Garden Master Plan
This idea of a one-to-two-acre Asian garden is stopped. I doubt it will ever be considered again.
Why was this bond vote significant? Even if you don’t use a facility, it creates value for you. Like the 911 center, fire, and police, you may not ever use it. Hopefully, you won’t. But having the best of the best in services enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community. Great municipal services make your property in Cary more valuable.
2019 Bond Projects
Cary has moved into “maintenance mode” in this current period of the fiscal year 2025 budget (which began on July 1, 2024) for the following reasons:
- Unprecedented Construction Cost Climate
- Downward Pressure on Sales Tax Receipts
- A desire by the Town Council to minimize any potential fiscal year 2026 Budget Property Tax Increase
This is causing a pause on the 2019 bond projects. The pause on these projects is not because of the 2024 bond vote. Here is a list of remaining projects:
- Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening
- Louis Stephens Drive
- Veterans Freedom Park
- Tryon Road Park
- Walnut Creek Greenway
- Dutchman’s Branch Greenway
- Green Level Church Road Widening
- NC 55 Pedestrian Grade Separation
- O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening
- Action Sports Park
The length of time for the “maintenance period” is currently unknown. Staff are currently re-estimating projects for council reprioritization at our annual meeting in February.
Current Capital Projects
The following is a memo from the town manager about current capital projects:
“To clarify the discussion from last week’s Council Quarterly meeting, all capital projects that are not yet under construction are paused while staff updates cost estimates to reflect escalating construction costs. This pause allows time for the Council to prioritize projects based on current and projected construction costs over the next year.
As mentioned during the meeting, construction cost inflation has outpaced budgets, with costs reaching record highs, including in some cases an escalation of over 200% in the last few years. Staff will re-estimate all active capital projects based on recent construction prices and will apply best estimates of additional potential escalation over the next few years. This information will be prepared for Council evaluation, including a prioritization exercise at the February annual meeting. A similar exercise was done with the Council in 2009 when budgetary pressures and cost escalations were also high.
There are currently 377 active general capital projects within the Downtown, Fire, General Government, PRCR, and Transportation categories. A total of $768 million has been budgeted for these projects. Their current available balance is $265 million.
On the utility side, there are 222 active water and sewer projects with a total budget of $462 million and a combined available balance of $128 million.
Between February and June as part of the annual budget process, our focus will be on refining the capital improvements program to align with the current economic climate while remaining flexible to accommodate future financial and priority changes. Below are examples of projects that have been paused in preparation for the February discussion. These were shared during last week’s Quarterly meeting.
Sidewalks:
Chatham Street
Small Segments
Old Apex Rd west of W Chatham Roundabout (Bid Rejected 11/14/2024)
Old Apex Road north of Young Landing Ct
Louis Stephens Drive
Green Level Church Rd Streetside Trail
Jenks Carpenter Rd Streetside Trail
Roberts Road
Norwell Blvd
Johnson St
Johnson St (E) north of Chapel Hill
Sorrell Street
Nottingham Drive
Cary Pkwy (NW) at Sheldon Dr
Highfield Avenue
Maynard Rd north of Chapel Hill
Laura Duncan Road
Cary Parkway (NW) at Norwell
Chatham Street
Lake Pine Drive (Phase 1)
Ryan Road
Lake Pine Drive (Phase 2)
2019 Bond Projects:
Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening
Louis Stephens Drive
Veterans Freedom Park
Tryon Road Park
Walnut Creek Greenway
Dutchman’s Branch Greenway
Green Level Church Rd Widening
NC55 Pedestrian Grade Separation
O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening
Action Sports Park
Examples of Other Budgeted Capital Projects:
Street Improvements FY25
Optimist Farm Greenway
Lake Grove Dam Maintenance
Cary Tennis Park Improvements
Western Cary Community Facility
Parking Deck Technology
Highcroft Drive Extension
South Hills Community Center
Sidewalks FY25
Downtown Ped Improvements
Mobility Study
Cary Tennis Park Clubhouse Design
We remain focused on preparing for the February Annual Meeting and the FY 2026 budget and will provide you with timely updates as we move forward with our work.”
Hometown Spirit Award
Monday night I joined the entire council in the Hometown Spirit Award presentation. The Hometown Spirit Award is presented annually to a Cary citizen who enhances the quality of life in Cary by preserving, promoting, and carrying out positive and quantifiable, small-town community values and traits.
This year we had three amazing nominees:
Brent Bandow
Brent is a Cary native, dedicated and passionate about serving our community. Over the past six years, Brent has made significant contributions as a member and Chair of the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Advisory Board, leading impactful initiatives like the Play It Forward Scholarship Program.
He has been a long-standing volunteer at Cary’s festivals, helping them to run smoothly and engaging attendees. His community commitment extends to coaching youth basketball for over 20 years through various local programs, shaping both the skills and character of countless young athletes.
As President of the Cary High School Imp Club and announcer for the Miracle League of the Triangle, Brandow’s leadership supports athletic programs and brings joy to athletes with special needs.
His role as an ambassador team leader for the Cary Chamber underscores his drive to improve his community, while his professional work in disaster mitigation reflects his dedication to helping others. Known for his warmth and humor, Brandow makes everyone feel valued and welcomed, embodying selflessness and community spirit.
Dan Pike
Dan Pike has been a steadfast volunteer and a leader in the community for over two decades. Dan has been an influential volunteer, notably serving as President of the Cary Downtown Farmers Market, where he oversees operations, supports vendors, and fosters a welcoming environment. Under his leadership, the Cary Downtown Farmers Market has implemented impactful programs like the SNAP-approved market and the Produce 2 Pantry partnership with Dorcas Food Pantry.
Dan has been a dedicated announcer for the last 20 years for the Cary High School baseball team and serves as a host parent for USA Baseball players during major events. His involvement volunteering for town events, including festivals and celebrations, such as the Lazy Daze and Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festivals, shows his commitment to fostering community and ensuring success.
Dan’s kindness extends to his neighborhood, where he helps others in times of need, embodying the true spirit of a selfless, caring neighbor. His tireless service, humility, and warmth make him an invaluable asset to Cary.
Sallie Jones
Miss Sallie Jones embodies dedication to preserving the town’s African American history. Descended from some of Cary’s earliest African American families, Sallie discovered after she returned home to Cary after her retirement that the graves of her ancestors had been lost to development. Driven by this realization, she made it her mission to protect the cemetery at Cary First Christian Church, which dated back to 1868 but faced neglect and development threats.
Sallie led efforts to survey the cemetery, hired archaeologists who identified over 160 unmarked graves, and tirelessly researched records to name those buried there. Sallie registered the site with the State of North Carolina making it the first cemetery to be designated as a historic landmark in Cary and in all of Wake County.
Several years ago, Cary First Christian Church, which Sallie is part of, partnered with the Town of Cary and the Friends of the Page-Walker to produce a walking tour brochure that recounts the lives and impact of members of the African American Community in Cary.
Sallie’s commitment over 25 years secured the cemetery’s recognition as Cary’s first historic landmark, ensuring its legacy and highlighting her invaluable contribution to the community’s heritage.
With three outstanding nominees I am sure the committee must have had a difficult time choosing a winner. I was proud to present this year’s Hometown Spirit Award to Miss Sallie Jones. Thanks to all our nominees for making Cary a better place.
CAMPO
I attended the Executive Board meeting of CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) on Wednesday afternoon. CAMPO is responsible for future transportation priorities in our region. CAMPO is also responsible for carrying out an annual work program approved by the Executive Board, a portion of which includes updating the Transportation Improvement Program (a seven-year project programming schedule) and the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (a minimum twenty-year forecast of projects and programs).
This month’s agenda included three consent items, two public hearings, and five discussion items. Items approved included:
- Amendment #6 to TIP (Transportation Improvement Program) removing U-5811 as requested by Morrisville.
- Local Input Point assignments and directing staff to maximize coordination with division engineers with chair approval.
- Draft goals, objectives, performance measures, and guide totals for use in MTP (Metropolitan Transportation Plan) development for 2055. They pointed out that municipal land use plans do not account for the future 1 million plus future residents. That makes it difficult to plan future transportation.
One interesting note from the STIP (State Transportation Improvement Program) presentation is that twelve of the fourteen divisions in the state have prioritized needs of that are greater than funds available. That deficit is at $1.35 billion.
Cary PD Promotion Ceremony
Thursday night I had the honor of attending the Cary Police Department’s Promotional Ceremony. The guest speaker was Dr. Jamie Wicker who is the Provost and Chief Campus Officer for Wake Tech. The following were promoted:
Sergeants
Gilbert Candelaria
Adam Dismukes
John Maia
Justin Millard
Randy Wark
Jacob West
Victoria Yannayon
Lieutenant
Travis Gresham
ECO Shift Supervisor
Josh Gropper
We are blessed to have so many heroes in the best department in the state!
Legislative Update
A legislative update was provided to the NC Metro Mayors by Checkmate Government Relations. Here is their summary:
Republicans Vote on 2025 Leadership
North Carolina House Republicans, including incoming freshmen members, met on Tuesday to vote on new leadership for the Republican Caucus. Representative Destin Hall (R-Caldwell) was elected as the next Speaker of the House with current Speaker Tim Moore leaving for Congress. Representative Brenden Jones (R-Columbus) was elected as Majority Leader, succeeding Representative John Bell (R-Wayne). Representative Bell was appointed as the next Chair of the House Rules Committee. Additional elected leadership positions are as follows:
- Representative Steve Tyson (R-Craven) – Deputy Majority Leader
- Representative Mitchell Setzer (R-Catawba) – Speaker Pro Tem
- Representative Karl Gillespie (R-Cherokee) – Whip
- Representatives Matthew Winslow (R-Franklin) and Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth)
Conference Committee Chairs
- Representative Harry Warren (R-Rowan) – Caucus Joint Liaison
- Representative Heather Rhyne (R-Gaston) – Freshman Leader
- Representative Blair Eddins (R-Wilkes) – Freshman Whip
Senator Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) was re-elected as Senate President Pro Tempore. Senator Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) will continue to serve as Deputy President Pro Tempore and Senator Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus) will again serve as Majority Leader. Senator Carl Ford (R-Rowan) will remain a Joint Caucus Liaison.
Veto Overrides
This week, the House and the Senate voted to override House Bill 10 and Senate Bill 445. Three democrats voted with House republicans to override Governor Cooper’s vetoes. H10 requires cooperation between ICE and sheriffs when encountering an illegal immigrant who has been detained for a crime. Additionally, H10 would fully fund the Opportunity Scholarship program. S445 alters various requirements for court-filed documents.
Western Relief and Executive Branch Changes
The General Assembly passed Senate Bill 382. S382 includes an additional $227 million in hurricane relief funding and would make changes to executive branch powers. The changes include banning the attorney general from taking any stance in lawsuits that legislative leaders disagree with and shifting control of the State Board of Elections from the Governor to the State Auditor. Following the passage of S382, the General Assembly has appropriated $1.1B to Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina.
S382 was sent to the Governor and awaits his signature.
Waverly Tree Lighting
Friday night I joined Jack Smith at the Waverly tree lighting ceremony. As in previous years, the ceremony started entertainment from Craig Woolard and the Embers. Then the crowd was serenaded by the Athens Drive High School marching band. Jack Smith and I then made a few remarks about what events are happening in this holiday season in Cary is. I then introduced Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause who lit the tree by throwing magic dust on it. Afterwards I was fortunate to have my picture made with Santa. What a lot of fun!
Fenton Tree Lighting
Saturday night I joined council members Smith, Craig, and Bansal at the tree lighting event for Fenton in Cary. The crowd was entertained by dancers and singers from Elevate out of Raleigh. Then I was invited on stage with Renee Chou from WRAL. We bantered a bit before Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were introduced. Santa told a story, talked a bit, and then lit the tree. It was a great event for all that were in attendance and a great way to start the holiday season.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
The holiday season begins this evening when the decorations throughout Downtown are turned on for the season. With the displays active, Downtown will see increased foot traffic as people gather to view the decorations.
A quick reminder, Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed next Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. As is our practice on holiday Fridays, there will be no weekly report.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean
Franklin Development Plan Update
In July 2024, we received a development plan for 214 S. Walker St., known as “The Franklin.” Around the same time, the Triangle Business Journal published an article about the project with the headline, “New condo building would be tallest in downtown Cary.” This article has generated significant interest and concern, particularly from the neighbors living in the Park Station Condos.
The property is currently zoned HMXD (High Intensity Mixed Use), a designation it has held since 2003, when zoning was established in the Town Center. The plan currently under review proposes a mixed-use building, primarily multi-family (40 units) with a small amount of retail (1,800 square feet). These uses are permitted in the HMXD zone, so a rezoning is not required.
Parking is being provided according to the HMXD standard of one space per unit. In the Town Center, the parking standard for multi-family units is based on the number of units, while outside the Town Center, parking is tied to the number of bedrooms. For the 40-unit apartment complex, 40 parking spaces are required, and the current plan shows 44 spaces. There are no additional parking requirements for non-residential uses in HMXD.
There are currently 59 comments on this submittal, with three significant issues. The first relates to access from Flat Rail Trail. The current plan shows Flat Rail connecting to the second level of the building, which is entirely parking. The second issue concerns the height of the structure. The zoning allows a maximum building height of 65 feet, but the plan shows a building that exceeds 70 feet. The LDO permits a 15% increase in height if three conditions are met:
- The building is in the Town Center District or a Destination Center;
- The building is part of a mixed-use development; and
- The project is subject to a development agreement approved by the Town Council.
This project meets the first two criteria but does not meet the third. No development agreement is planned, and we have not received any request from the developer to enter into one. Finally, there is an issue with driveway spacing on North Walker Street, so a modification may be needed for this access point as well.
As staff closes out this next review, these issues will need to be addressed by the developer, and further reviews will be paused until they are resolved.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources System Plan Draft Available
Cary’s nationally accredited Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) Department is recognized for its extensive greenway system, parks, cultural opportunities, and recreational programs. The PRCR System Plan aims to evaluate Cary’s parks and recreational resources while also planning for the current and future needs of the community. This plan will guide the development of the PRCR system and serves as an update to the 2012 Master Plan. Additionally, it will be incorporated into the ENGAGE chapter of the Imagine Cary Community Plan.
The draft Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources System Plan is available here. The approval and adoption process for the PRCR System Plan will take place in two steps to meet the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA) accreditation deadline and to gather public input before finalizing a comprehensive amendment to the ENGAGE chapter of the Imagine Cary Community Plan.
The first step is for the Council to approve the PRCR System Plan by January 15, 2025, to satisfy the CAPRA accreditation requirement. The second step will include holding public input sessions to review the plan with the community in early 2025. After these input sessions, the staff will prepare the System Plan to be incorporated into the ENGAGE chapter of the Imagine Cary Community Plan through a comprehensive plan amendment, to be adopted by the Council.
Downtown Cary Park Celebrates One Year!
On November 16, Downtown Cary Park celebrated its first birthday with remarks from Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, who was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Michelle Craig, Jack Smith, Lori Bush, and Sarika Bansal for a cake cutting. Over 10,000 visitors joined in the day-long celebration to sign the giant birthday card, enjoy live music, and watch Cary’s first drone light show . In the week leading up to the park’s official birthday, staff planned several events to commemorate the wonderful programming that’s happened over the last year. Staff looks forward to continuing to fulfill the mission of the park in year two.
9th Annual NC Chinese Lantern Festival
The 9th Annual North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival has returned to Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre for 2024-2025. The festival opened last Saturday and will remain open until January 12, featuring all-new lantern displays, cultural performances, and menu items.
At the media preview on November 15, Mayor Weinbrecht officially kicked off the festival with the ceremonial “flipping of the switch.” Joining him were Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, Councilmembers Lori Bush, Jack Smith, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson, as well as NC Representative Ya Liu and Wake County Commissioner Shinica Thomas. Representatives from Cary’s various citizen Boards and Commissions were also in attendance to celebrate the event.
Cary Hometown Spirit Award
On Monday, November 18, Sallie Jones, a 100-year-old advocate who dedicated over 25 years to preserving Cary’s African American history, was honored as Cary’s 2024 Hometown Spirit Award winner.
The Hometown Spirit Award celebrates community-minded citizens who enhance Cary’s quality of life by preserving, promoting, and embodying small-town values. The award ceremony, led by Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, took place at Academy Pavilion in Downtown Cary Park, with all Councilmembers in attendance. In addition to Sallie Jones, this year’s nominees included Brent Brandow and Dan Pike.
Climate Strategy Stakeholder Meeting
Cary’s Climate Action Advisory Group, in collaboration with the Environmental Advisory Board, representatives from 22 regional partners and staff, reconvened on Thursday for a final meeting. Attendees reviewed the draft Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy, where staff and consultants showcased visions, goals, and actions. Stakeholders had the opportunity to indicate their future roles for implementation. Council members Lori Bush, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Michelle Craig joined the discussion.
Downtown Cary Park Neighbors Meeting
On Thursday evening, neighbors of the Downtown Cary Park gathered in Academy Pavilion to stay abreast of timely updates related to the Park. Joy Ennis, General Manager, covered topics related to upcoming holiday programming, new merchandise available, and some fun facts after the first year of operation. Neighbors were complementary of Park operations, particularly Saturday’s drone show. Feedback was shared related to parking and concerns of speeding. These meetings have been a helpful way to cultivate relationships, share information, and hear neighbor feedback. Approximately 40 people attended, including Councilmembers Michelle Craig, Lori Bush, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson.
Cary Rotary Club Meeting
On Wednesday, Councilmember Jack Smith was the special guest speaker at the Cary MacGregor Rotary Club meeting, reflecting on Cary’s remarkable growth and highlighting its evolution from a small town to a thriving community, emphasizing the importance of legacy, leadership, and a shared vision for shaping its future.
Town Hall Tour for Elementary Students
On Thursday and Friday, third graders from Kingswood Elementary School visited Town Hall to learn about local government and its impact on their daily lives. Councilmember Michelle Craig spoke to the students about her role as an elected official and the responsibilities of local leadership.
During their visit, the students explored the Traffic Management Center, toured the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, and met with the Information Technology team to learn about the advanced technologies used in Downtown Cary Park.
Blue Moon Bakery to Open at Former Ashworth’s Drug Store
This week, staff received an upfit permit for Blue Moon Bakery, indicating their plans to move into the former Ashworth’s Drug Store at 105 W. Chatham Street. The contractor estimated the renovation cost at $610,000. The project covers approximately 2,800 square feet and will include a full-service bakery.
IT Cybersecurity Incident Workshop
Cybersecurity breaches are on the rise and impacting municipal operations across the nation. On Nov. 19, our partners at Wake County Emergency Management hosted and co-facilitated a workshop for directors and staff from Information Technology (IT) on potential IT threats, risk, and legal and regulatory requirements about cybersecurity. The group used learned knowledge to discuss potential future updates to Cary’s Continuity of Operations Plan (COOP) and IT Incident Response Plan to ensure we are ready if a breach impacts Cary’s operations. Thank you to Wake County for hosting us on this important work!
Winding Pine Pump Station Commissioning
This week, Cary successfully commissioned its newest wastewater pump station, the Winding Pine Pump Station, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure improvement. On Tuesday, the wastewater flow was transferred from the existing Kit Creek Pump Station to the new facility.
Located on the Chatham County line, the Winding Pine Pump Station serves an expanded area, including the Wake County portion of RTP. With an increased pumping capacity of 10.6 million gallons per day, the station directs wastewater to the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
ACC Soccer Championships
Over the past two weeks, WakeMed Soccer Park hosted the Women’s and Men’s Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Semifinals and Championships. These events attracted over 5,000 attendees, with many traveling from across the East Coast. As Florida State (Women’s) and Wake Forest (Men’s) were crowned champions, these tournaments provided valuable experience as we continue to prepare to host the NCAA Women’s and Men’s College Cups in December.
Upcoming Meetings
None because of a holiday week
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A complaint about leaf pickup.
- A complaint that the 2019 bond projects that are stopped because they were told it was because the 2024 bond vote failed (misinformation).
- A complaint about not being able to dispose of paint at the convenience center (we don’t have environmental permits to allow that).
- Thank you for fixing a water leak at Ed Yerha Park.
- Thank you for the Hometown Spirit Award process.
- A request for a taping of the Veterans Day speech by the Colonel from Ft. Liberty (we don’t have one).
- A complaint that we don’t have American Flag banners in downtown.
- A complaint about protests through the Downtown Cary Park.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, and Thanksgiving.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 1st, 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 