MLK Day in Cary
Cary offices were closed on Monday to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. There were several events held in Cary as part of Dreamfest. I hope you were able to be a part of one of them.
Wake County Mayors Association
Monday, eleven of the twelve Wake County Mayors met for our first meeting of the year. Unfortunately, the mayor of Raleigh was unable to attend. We discussed several topics including how we could use our collective voice to have an impact with legislators. Each mayor then updated the group on happenings in their municipalities.
Cary Chamber Government Relations Panel
Tuesday, I joined NC Senator Adcock and Wake County Commissioner Evens as part of a panel to discuss government relations. We were asked a set of questions about collaboration and what we have done together. These two women are amazing leaders, and I was honored to be part of the panel. We concluded by answering questions posed by those in attendance (about three dozen).
Council Meeting Prep
Monday and Tuesday I contacted council members to hear of questions and concerns about the upcoming council meeting. Council member Bansal had concerns about the Augusta rezoning. Council member Bush had concerns about the White Oak rezoning. And council member Smith had concerns about the Wellington rezoning.
Later Tuesday, I met with staff, management, and Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson to go over the agenda. By that time most of the concerns by council members Bansal and Bush had been addressed. As a result, we expected the meeting to be relatively short.
Manager One-On-One
Tuesday evening I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson and my weekly one-on-one meeting with the town manager. Our topics of discussion included AI and AI training, recent SAS property purchases, safety issues, future work sessions, the upcoming retreat, site plan process concerns by developers, and pocket parks.
Snow Postpones State of Cary Address
Cary received one and a half to two inches of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. With temps in the teens and twenties, that made travel hazardous. Fortunately, we were able to get this forecast ahead of time and postponed my State of Cary address until January 29th.
At the council meeting on Thursday council member Bansal did a great job of summarizing the town’s response to the storm:
“I want to express my deep gratitude to our incredible staff for their tireless efforts during the recent winter storm. In under two days, our team brined an impressive 400 miles of streets, using 40,000 gallons of brine, ensuring safer travel for our citizens.
With 55 plows and 29 spreaders, they worked around the clock, supported by nearly 300 dedicated team members staffing Snow Command, with roughly 150 individuals per 12-hour shift. Behind the scenes, feeding Snow Command made a monumental effort, with 150 pizzas needed to sustain one shift alone! Thanks to this preparation and hard work, our Public Safety team responded to just four weather-related crashes, none involving injuries, and assisted seven motorists during the storm’s peak. Our 311 team didn’t miss a beat, serving nearly 400 citizens via phone, email, social media, and web portal, even with our physical facilities closed. Public Works Director Matt Flynn represented Cary live on ABC 11’s noon news, keeping the community informed and assured. CaryNC.gov’s traffic page was a vital resource, drawing over 1,400 visitors on January 22 for real-time street conditions and camera views. Social media engagement highlighted the community’s joy, with over 200 photos of snow fun submitted and over 50,000 impressions on snow-related posts. While winter weather and the MLK holiday impacted curbside collection, our team has worked hard to ensure all citizens will be serviced by Saturday. Our staff’s dedication, professionalism, and care for the community, led by our fearless Fire Chief Mike Cooper, were on full display, and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts during this event.”
Well said. I couldn’t agree more. Once again Cary’s snow response was the best in the region. We are blessed to have such great public works professionals.
Council Meeting
Thursday night the council held its last regular scheduled meeting of January. The agenda included five consent items, one public hearing, and one discussion item.
The Wellington Rezoning which proposed seven townhomes across from the Wellington Shopping Center was pulled from the Consent Agenda by council member Smith because some in the neighborhood disliked the proposal. The original plans for this neighborhood had this parcel as day care but that wouldn’t fit because there wasn’t enough room for parking. Then there was a proposal for a dental office a couple of years ago which was vehemently opposed by the neighborhood. The council voted that down. This proposal for townhomes was made by a resident of the neighborhood after he met with members of the HOA. The council approved this rezoning unanimously.
The one public hearing was for Act 35 of the Land Development Ordinance Amendments. This amendment would add “swimming pool, hot tub, and spa” as a permitted accessory use in the Town Center Cottage Business and Residential (TC-CB&R) district. Most speakers were in favor of the proposal. One speaker expressed existing concerns about noise from swimming pool pumps and filters. Staff will investigate this issue separately.
The discussion item was for the ACT 34 Imagine Cary Community Plan Update. This update had been in the works for several years. Four key items were included in the update:
- The plan’s new preface documents external factors, such as the pandemic, while also sharing Cary’s organizational culture, which is based on the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency.
- An update to the LIVE chapter with the inclusion of the 2021 Cary Housing Plan. The housing plan, created with strong stakeholder engagement, builds upon the Imagine Cary Community Plan policies, going beyond the focus of affordability with goals to ensure that all residents experience Cary’s high quality of life.
- A new chapter titled ENRICH consolidates all sustainability, climate action, and environmental policies, reflecting Cary’s commitment to preserving and protecting our finite natural resources.
- An update to the SERVE chapter, which focuses on our operational model as we strive for excellence in serving the Cary community.
This update was unanimously approved by the council. The regular meeting was followed with a closed session.
NC Metro Mayors
Friday the NC Metro Mayors met for the first time this year. Here is a legislative summary from that meeting:
Legislative Update:
The legislative session will begin in earnest next week on January 29. Legislative leaders are closely watching President Trump’s visit to western North Carolina today (January 24) as they hope it will provide needed clarity on the amount of federal assistance that will be coming for continued hurricane recovery efforts. The amount of federal assistance will ultimately determine the level of funding needed by the state. With the new Speaker of the House, Destin Hall, from the western part of the state, we expect a significant focus on hurricane recovery regardless of the federal funding determination.
Legislators are also expected to prioritize efforts that will help keep the state ranked as the number one state for business across multiple organizations’ rankings. These efforts will be followed closely by the need for increased state tax revenue and needed infrastructure improvements and expansions to support the state’s rapidly growing population.
We encourage Mayors to contact their legislators as early as possible with a list of their prioritized needs before budget negotiations commence. This year’s appropriations package comes first from the Senate.
Down-zoning Provision – SB 382 [SL 2024-57, p. 131]:
The down-zoning provision in Senate Bill 382 has created uncertainty in both cities in counties with their ability to do county or city-initiated zoning. An issue that municipalities are having with this provision is that there is a retroactive effect. If any zoning fell under that provision that had been approved by local government in the prior six months, then that zoning approval could be invalid. The provision restricts cities from evolving their zoning code over time. Mayors should continue to speak with and provide specific and concrete examples to their Legislators. The President Pro Tempore, Senator Phil Berger mentioned that he is open to change regarding this provision. For additional information and context around this provision the article “Limits on “Down-Zoning” by UNC SOG’s Adam Lovelady provides ample insight.
Other Updates
NCLM Staff have listed a few updates for what to expect in 2025. Until Seth Palmer is fully onboarded to his new role as Director of Urban Affairs, please contact Derrick Applewhite, NCLM Sr. Government Affairs Associate, dapplewhite@nclm.org, (919) 333-3659 (cell), for any MMC related requests.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Many were excited to see snow fall in Cary this week. I want to extend my thanks to our 911, 311, and Public Works teams for their incredible efforts in prioritizing safe travel for our residents and maintaining clear communication throughout the process. Because of their dedication, we were able to resume normal operations quickly and safely.
As a reminder, due to the weather, the Mayor’s State of Cary Breakfast has been rescheduled to next Wednesday, January 29, at Prestonwood Country Club. I hope to see you all there!
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean
Council Meeting (January 23):
ACT 35 Land Development Ordinance Amendments
Staff is in the process of examining screening requirements for pool pumps as part of the amendment under consideration.
Cary Chamber Government Affairs Panel
On January 21, the Cary Chamber of Commerce hosted a Government Relations Meeting at Prestonwood Country Club. The event featured a panel discussion with Mayor Weinbrecht, Senator Gale Adcock, and Commissioner Susan Evans. Attendees, including Assistant Town Manager Shelley Curran, gained valuable insights into how local, state, and federal officials collaborate to drive initiatives that benefit the community.
RTA Annual Meeting – The State of Mobility 2025
Today, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, Councilmember Michelle Craig, and staff attended the Regional Transportation Alliance Annual Meeting: The State of Mobility 2025 in Cary. This 23rd annual event showcased innovative approaches to funding and advancing North Carolina’s mobility infrastructure.
The program featured the annual State of Mobility presentation, offering valuable insights into the future of regional transportation. Attendees explored transformative strategies, with a focus on the importance of innovative leadership in driving mobility solutions across the state.
MLK Dreamfest Celebrations
On January 17, Cary kicked off Dreamfest Weekend with a sold-out screening of Farming While Black. The free event included a post-film discussion that delved into the history of Black-owned farms and explored ways to support Black farmers within the community.
The celebrations continued on Saturday at the Cary Arts Center with the Dreamfest Celebration. Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson kicked off the event with opening remarks and a proclamation declaring Janueary 15 – 20 as Cary MLK Dreamfest Weekend. Guests enjoyed an evening of performances and presentations by guest artists and speakers centered around the theme, “Stronger Together, Cultivating a Community of Compassion.” Donations collected during the event supported The Carying Place, an organization dedicated to empowering homeless working families.
Also on Saturday, nearly 70 guests gathered at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center for Tellebration. Families celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through storytelling, songs, and crafts.
Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
Every five years, Cary prepares the Consolidated Plan which serves as the primary vehicle for prioritizing the use of entitlement funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In conjunction with continued preparation of the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan, Cary is partnering with Wake County, City of Raleigh, Wake County Housing Authority, and Raleigh Housing Authority to develop a regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). The AI process involves a review of each jurisdiction’s housing and housing-related programs and policies to ensure they are implemented free from discrimination. Public engagement opportunities, including a Fair Housing survey and regional community meetings, can be found on Cary’s housing page at housing.carync.gov.
Cary Participating in the National “Point-In-Time” Count
The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a national count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. This week, in partnership with the Wake County Continuum of Care NC 507, Cary participated in the regional PIT. Cary Police, Fire, and a team from our nonprofit community visited known encampments to register occupants and offer backpacks with basic supplies.
The Wake County Continuum of Care NC 507 is a collaboration of over 50 public, private, and nonprofit entities working together to make homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated. More on this effort and Cary’s work to support residents experiencing housing instability and homelessness can be found on Cary’s housing page at housing.carync.gov.
Commemorating 40 NCAA Championships in Cary
Scott Dupree and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA) were honored with a plaque recognizing the 40 NCAA Championships hosted in Cary. The presentation took place at the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) Board Meeting. Scott, GRSA’s Executive Director for 30 years, has played a key role in event success, from hotel arrangements to enhancing experiences for athletes, fans, and visitors. His leadership has been vital in Cary’s success hosting these championships across six sports. Staff thanked him for his service to the community.
Upcoming Meetings
Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, January 27
6:30 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Concerns about Lake Crabtree County Park (Wake County Park).
- Concern about erosion control at a development site (staff investigated and resolved issues).
- A concern about pool noise that would be allowed with Amendment 35 to the LDO.
- A complaint that the Wellington proposal for seven townhomes would “bring more traffic and congestion.”
- Several emails supporting the Wellington proposal.
- A request to protect students from ICE enforcement (we have no such authority).
- A complaint that someone’s garbage wasn’t picked up (curbside pickup was delayed two days because of the holiday and the snow).
- A thank you for the town installing carbon filter canisters on vents along greenways.
- A thank you for the town’s leaf collection “awesome job”.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the State of Cary address (rescheduled for January 29th), and several private meetings.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 2nd, 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.
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