Mayor’s Association’s Holiday Party
Monday night I joined all twelve mayors of Wake County and over 150 guests at the Mayor’s Association’s Holiday Party. I had the pleasure of sitting with Raleigh Mayor Cowell, Raleigh Council member Silver, Cary Council member Smith, Cary Council member Bansal, and several Cary staff members. The event was hosted by Holly Springs and featured a buffet and entertainment. After dinner all mayors joined for a photo except for Mayor Cowell who had to leave early.
It was great getting to talk with the new Raleigh mayor. Though we met many years ago this is the first time we have talked in a while. We talked about the challenges in our communities and working together. All the mayors of Wake County are incredible people, and I am sure Mayor Cowell will be a wonderful addition and do a fantastic job as mayor of Raleigh.
Historic Holiday Downtown Stroll
Tuesday evening I participated in Katherine Loflin’s “Christmas in Cary: A Living History Stroll Through Time”. I played the part of Cary’s founder Frank Page. Stops on the stroll included the Fidelity Bank Brick Courtyard, Ashworth’s Drugs, the Guess-Ogle House, the Ester Ivey Home, and Cary High School (Cary Arts Center). Through our characters we were able to tell some of the history about these homes and people. Ralph Ashworth played himself and talked about his building and his business over the years including how they celebrated Christmas. Back in the 1960s his business was the place for procrastinators and last-minute shoppers.
The event ended at the Cary Arts Center where we took pictures. If you are interested in Cary’s history, then I encourage you to attend one of Katherine’s upcoming events.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
This time of year, offers an opportunity to reflect on the creativity and generosity that make Cary so special. This year’s successes—both large and small—are a testament to your dedication and leadership, and I’m truly grateful for all that we’ve accomplished together.
As this is the last report of the year, I want to wish you and your families a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year. You can expect our next Council Weekly Report on January 10, 2025.
Finally, I will be out of the office and out of town through January 5, returning to the office on January 6. I will be available by phone during this time.
With gratitude,
Sean
24-REZ-07 Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Mixed Use Rezoning
In response to a question about nearby structure heights:
- The existing Greenwood Forest Baptist Church tower height is approximately 84 feet based on information provided in a 2005 development plan.
- The nearby Glenaire expansion on Kildaire Farm Road is 80 feet in height.
- Height of the Kilmayne Water Tank
A question was asked about parking agreements the church may have with nearby properties. The applicants have shared with staff an agreement with the office parcel at 51 Kilmayne Drive to use up to 65 spaces on Sundays (but does not wish to record a formal shared parking agreement). Staff are working with the applicant team to gather information regarding any additional informal agreements with nearby properties.
21-REZ-15 Old Apex Rezoning
In response to questions about buffer planting standards, the following is a description of Type A, Type B, and Type C buffers. Cary’s Land Development Ordinance includes planting rates to achieve each standard:
- Type A – This buffer is intended to provide the greatest degree of screening feasible and minimize visual contact between uses, creating a strong impression of total separation from the ground to a height of at least eighteen (18) feet.
- Type B – This buffer is intended to function as a semi-opaque screen from the ground to at least a height of six (6) feet.
Type C – This buffer area is intended to function as an intermittent visual obstruction from the ground to a height of at least twenty (20) feet and create the impression of spatial separation without eliminating visual contact between uses.
Meeting Follow-up and other Correspondence:
Epic Games Property: granted by the North Carolina General Assembly, and the federal constitution. Cary’s authority through rules such as zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and enforcement of the North Carolina Building Code, are designed to manage land use, growth, and development to promote public health, safety, and welfare.
The Cary Towne Center site currently complies with Cary’s ordinances. The grass and vegetation on the site are currently being maintained, the fence is a permanent chain link fence that is permitted by Cary’s ordinances, and the fence is located in an area that Cary does not regulate due to it being away from a thoroughfare. However, should issues arise that violate Cary’s ordinances, staff will investigate. The best way for citizens to contact staff regarding any concerns is by calling 311.
Wake County Mayors Association Christmas Party
On Monday evening, Mayor Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Jack Smith, and elected officials from other municipalities gathered at the Club at 12 Oaks in Holly Springs for the annual Wake County Mayors Association Holiday Dinner party. This annual event is a great way to connect with other elected officials from across Wake County.
Cary Jaycees Parade
On Saturday, December14, The Mayor and all Councilmembers participated in the Cary Jaycees Parade.
Wreaths Across America
On Saturday, December 14, Councilmember Michelle Craig and Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson participated in the Wreaths Across America event at Cary’s Hillcrest Cemetery by delivering remarks and laying wreaths on the graves of veterans. Wreaths Across America is dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of military veterans. Guided by its mission “to Remember, Honor, and Teach,” the event is organized in partnership with local community organizations.
Healthy Homes Cary Partner Celebrates Permanent Cary Location
On Tuesday, Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined Rebuilding Together of the Triangle (RTT) to celebrate the opening of their new office and warehouse on Chapel Hill Road. Through the Healthy Homes Cary Program, Cary partners with RTT to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with critical home repairs. This support helps residents age in place, preserve safe and sanitary housing, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and promote energy efficiency.
Cary supported the acquisition of the Chapel Hill Road facility with housing funds to increase the impact of the Healthy Homes Cary program and foster organizational capacity to expand housing rehabilitation work regionally. At the housewarming, RTT announced that they will be kicking off the new year with a new name: Preserving Home.
CDBG & Cary Housing Funds Applications Open through February 12th
Applications for 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Cary Housing Funds opened this week. Each year, Cary invites organizations working in the key areas of new housing development, housing rehabilitation, and housing stability support services to apply for funding. Cary supports these key initiative areas to further the goals of the Imagine Cary Community Plan and Cary Housing Plan using a blend of local and federal funds. Applications are due Feb. 12 and awards are considered by Council in April.
Ashworth Village Redevelopment
The Ashworth Village site was the subject of a pre-application meeting held this week with Cary’s Development Review Committee. The redevelopment proposes a three-story mixed-use development with retail/restaurant space on the ground level and 22 multi-family units on the second and third floors. Most of the existing buildings fronting on W. Chatham St. and S. Academy St. will remain in place. These buildings include the Ashworth’s Drugs building, Chatham Street Wine Market, Serendipity, and Esteemed Coffee. The existing building south of the site, which includes Academy Street Bistro, will also remain. If the applicant chooses to move forward with the proposal, the next step would be to submit a development plan.
Electric Fire Truck Demonstration
On Monday, Cary Fire Station 9 hosted Pierce Manufacturing for a demonstration of the Volterra electric fire truck. Staff had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle, which features a Twin Drive transmission system that allows for a seamless transition between battery and diesel power. The truck can be fully charged in just 15 minutes. The truck charging system is provided by ABB, while Lord Corp. supplies adhesives for its construction. With its impressive speed and the ability to operate on electric power most of the time, the Volterra is a significant step forward for fire departments.
Cary will be the first in North Carolina to receive the Volterra, with delivery expected in spring 2025.
Andrea Harris Legacy HUB Award
The NC Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Office hosts an annual celebration during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. MED Week is a national event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It highlights their contributions to the economy while fostering their growth and development.
This year, Assistant Finance Director, Denisha Harris was honored with the prestigious Andrea Harris Legacy HUB Award. This distinguished accolade recognizes Denisha’s exceptional efforts across the state in advancing supplier diversity and promoting business inclusion.
Police Traffic Safety Team Honored by the NCADA
On December 12, the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA) honored the Cary Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team as a Hometown Hero Statewide Recipient at the 17th Annual NCADA Executive Forum in Greensboro. Nominated by Sergeant Josh Marks and Erick Kirks of Genesis of Cary, Officers Donnell Jackson, Kris Culin, and Jordan St. John were recognized for their unwavering dedication to improving roadway and pedestrian safety in the community. Through innovative initiatives and collaborative efforts, they have significantly reduced crashes and enhanced overall safety for residents.
Area-Wide Optimism Award
The NC Division of Water Resources recently awarded the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) an Area-Wide Optimization (AWOP) Award for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. Cary’s facility is one of only 16 in the state designated with Gold Star status, having met the AWOP requirements in the last 10 consecutive years. The State initiated this award as part of an effort to enhance performance of surface treatment facilities. It is issued to facilities with outstanding turbidity removal, which is an indicator of drinking water quality.
Arthur Pierce Road Crossing Rapid Flashing Beacon
On December 6, the recently installed crosswalk on Arthur Pierce Road was equipped with a Rapid Flashing Beacon. This device alerts motorists of pedestrians in the area at the push of a button. As staff were out inspecting this device on a foggy morning, they were pleased to see motorists yielding for the crosswalk when the device was activated.
Street Improvements Project Update
This year’s Street Improvements Project is substantially complete with pedestrian improvements recently being installed along the traffic circle at Greenwood Circle and Seabrook Ave. The improvements include new sidewalk connections, ADA complaint curb ramps, brick pedestrian refugees, and high-visibility pavement markings. These facilities provide an ADA accessible path around the traffic circle. This work was funded through the Spot Traffic Safety Program and incorporated into our Street Improvements Project, increasing efficiency allowing this work to be completed while the road was repaved. The remaining items include some final pavement markings, signage, and punch list items, which will be completed as weather permits.
Crabtree Creek Greenway Walkthrough
Staff conducted a walkthrough of the newly built section of the Crabtree Creek Greenway with representatives from the NC Department of Transportation and Lanier Construction, the primary contractor. The assessment found the project to be nearly complete and well-constructed.
Lanier Construction is now working to complete the final punch list items before officially turning the trail over to Cary. Construction began in March and the greenway is expected to open to the public in early 2025.
Dunham Playground Renovation is Complete
The new playground at R.S. “Dad” Dunham Park opened on December 12, featuring upgraded equipment for children ages 2 to 12. Highlights include swings, sound play, a spinner, and three spring riders, alongside the park’s classic sandbox and mature trees.
New soft surfacing enhances fall protection and ADA accessibility, ensuring a safer and more inclusive play area.
Holiday Festivities Continue
Downtown Cary is brimming with festive spirit, thanks to four beloved holiday traditions that celebrate creativity, community, and giving back.
The 14th Annual Gingerbread House Competition had a record-breaking 45 entries, nearly double last year’s turnout. Visitors flocked to downtown businesses and venues to view the edible masterpieces, including the overall champion, “Home for Christmas,” praised for its classic design and intricate details. Winning entries, awarded across four categories, are on display at the Cary Arts Center through December.
Meanwhile, the 13th Annual Gifting Tree Project has transformed South Academy Street and The Downtown Cary Park into a holiday wonderland with 120 decorated trees. Schools, families, and organizations compete for donations to their chosen nonprofits, with voting open through December 22. The top three winners will earn $500, $250, and $100 for their causes.
Adding to the festivities, Applause! Cary Youth Theatre and Seed Art Share presented A Peter Rabbit Christmas, an immersive theater experience at Downtown Cary Park. Audiences followed Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters through various park locations, culminating in a holiday carol on the stage.
Over at Bond Park, the Grinch joined children in a fun-filled candy cane hunt complete with keepsake crafts and hot chocolate.
Together, these events showcase creativity, generosity, and community spirit that make the holiday season in Cary truly special.
2024 Men’s College Cup
Last weekend, Cary hosted its 40th NCAA National Championship. In partnership with the University of North Carolina, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, and NCFC Youth, we welcomed the 2024 NCAA Men’s College Cup to WakeMed Soccer Park. A crowd of 16,671 fans from across the country gathered to watch Denver, Ohio State, Marshall, and Vermont compete for the national title. In a historic moment, Vermont claimed its first-ever national championship trophy.
Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – January 8th
The following Neighborhood Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.
For more information and to register visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.
Upcoming Meetings
There are no public meetings next week. Cary Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, December 24 – 26, for the Christmas Holiday and Wednesday, January 1, for New Year’s Day. Click here, to see how this affects curbside collection and other town services.
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.
I have heard some people say that they don’t plan to move so having high property values is not beneficial. Someone will realize that value whenever the property is sold. It could be your children, grandchildren, etc.
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 future council 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.
What 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. Some of the 2019 bonds have been sold and are reflected in this year’s tax rate, the remainder of the bond sales will be paused. 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 east of Harrison Ave
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.”
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Several complaints
Next Week
Next week is a holiday week so I have no meetings. I will be spending time with family and working on my State of Cary address. The following week will include a Menorah lighting ceremony.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 5th, 2025. 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 