Snow Conference
I was in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the first part of the week speaking at the APWA (American Public Works Association) Snow Conference as part of my consulting job. As a result, all my council meetings early in the week were virtual. I go to conferences about five to six times a year and speak on government relations focusing on ways staffs present information to elected officials.
Council Meeting Prep
Monday I attempted to contact council members to hear of any questions or concerns about the upcoming council meeting agenda. There were questions and comments about the Old Apex Rezoning and the changes for Accessory Dwelling Units.
Later in the day I met virtually with staff to go over the agenda items. We expected the Old Apex rezoning to not be a unanimous decision.
TST Promotional Video
Thursday morning I did a promotional video for the TST (The Soccer Tournament) at the WakeMed soccer park. We did several takes in various positions including on the pitch. This will be the third straight year for TST in Cary. It will have men’s and women’s brackets with each chasing a $1 million winner-take-all prize.
There is also The Cary Cup this year, which is the nation’s first 7-v-7 youth tournament using TST’s signature format.
Council Work Session
Thursday evening the council held another work session on the budget. Here are some of the takeaways from this work session:
Economic Environment has Changed
- Project scopes remain the same
- Project costs have at least doubled
- Budgeted funds aren’t enough to complete most projects
- General Fund has limited capacity to provide additional support
Project Designations:
- Continue: mandated, maintains existing infrastructure, underway at a point where it is difficult to stop
- Reassess: cost prohibitive – doesn’t have the funding to complete the project, has not begun, at the end of a phase
Resulting Actions:
- Continue: work continues as planned, funding remains in the project
- Reassess: all funding removed from the project and returned to the original source, project remains on reassess list, funding could be requested in a future year or through rolling budget
The manager’s proposed budget will be presented at the quarterly meeting on May 1st. The first public hearing on the budget will be held on May 22nd.
Council Meeting
Thursday night the council held its first regularly scheduled meeting of April. The agenda included five consent items, one public hearing, and two discussion items.
The consent items were approved unanimously and included an amendment to parking, recognition of funds for the Gathering House, a bid for a new maintenance facility at the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility, a bid for a new clarifier mechanism replacement at the North Cary Water Reclamation Facility, and minutes.
The public hearing was for 22-REZ-20 Alston Commons PDP. The proposal would rezone approximately 22.74 acres, along NC 55 Hwy to allow the development of a maximum of 625 multi-family dwelling units, 200,000 square feet of office uses, and 55,000 square feet of commercial uses including a car wash up to 30,000 square feet. Other conditions include vertical mixing of uses in some pods, commitments to structured parking, 48 electric vehicle charging spaces, and renting a minimum of 5% of the residential units to renters at or below 80% area median income (AMI) for a period of 30 years. Speakers included Mr. Petty who was concerned about being landlocked by the development with no access to Hwy 55. Council provided a lot of feedback including a discussion on entering and exiting the site on Hwy 55 without a traffic signal. They also talked about the car wash that would be completely enclosed. This proposal will go to the Planning and Zoning board for review and likely be returned to the council for a decision in a few months.
The first discussion item was 21-REZ-16 Old Apex Rezoning. The proposal was for 200 multi-family units along Old Apex Road near the intersection of Chatham and Old Apex. The proposal has been in the works for years and was vehemently opposed by the neighboring residents initially. At the time of this vote and after many changes by the applicant, most of the residents were OK with the proposal. I struggled with the proposal because I felt it could be better, and it was denser than I liked. I knew if it was denied then a year would have to pass before a new proposal could be brought forward. And there was a risk that a new proposal could be worse and have more density. But I believed the density was worth the risk and voted no. The proposal passed by a 5 – 2 margin.
The last discussion item, approved unanimously, was to make changes to the Land Development Ordinance for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). The changes allowed detached ADUs in all single-unit detached-dwelling residential districts; increase the maximum ADU size relative to primary dwelling size from 33% to 50% (maximum 800 square feet remains for detached ADUs and additions to the primary dwelling that result in an ADU; however, an allowance was added for a maximum ADU size of 1,000 square feet for lots that are 40,000 square feet or greater); require one parking space per ADU regardless of the number of bedrooms; and clarify technical definitions of detached and attached ADUs. Homeowner Association rules supersede this ordinance which means this new change doesn’t apply to about half of Cary.
NC Metro Mayors
Friday I attended the NC Metro Mayors meeting for a legislative update. The following is a summary of this week’s legislative action from Checkmate Government Relations:
The DAVE Act
Senate Bill 474, the DAVE Act, introduced by Senator Berger (R-Rockingham) passed through the Senate this week. S474 establishes the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) within the State Auditor’s office. The bill requires state agencies to submit spending reports to the DAVE. The Auditor’s office would then compile the reports into a comprehensive plan at the end of each year that highlights which state agencies, divisions, or jobs can be cut and submit it to the General Assembly.
Similarly, the House of Representatives launched a House Select Committee on Government Efficiency earlier this year. Both moves by the General Assembly follow a national push for government transparency and efficiency. 46% of voters nationally and 51% of voters in North Carolina are supportive of efforts to tackle inefficiencies in government.
Medicaid Requirements
North Carolina’s Division of Health Benefits inside the Department of Health and Human Services has been tasked with developing a plan alongside the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement work requirements for those who are eligible to participate in these programs. Senator Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) filed Senate Bill 403 to authorize this action. The Trump administration and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz recently issued changes in guidance that make this legislation necessary. Currently, Georgia is the only state with a work requirement.
S403 passed out of the Senate Health Care Committee this week and has been referred to Senate Rules.
Replacement for Senator Newton
Cabarrus County chair Chris Measmer was appointed by the Cabarrus County Republican Party to replace former Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton in the North Carolina Senate. Newton resigned on March 26th to become the general counsel at UNC-Chapel Hill. Measmer served as a county commissioner for seven years, serves on the statewide National Federation of Independent Business, and runs his family business, the Wayside Family Restaurant in Concord. The decision to appoint Measmer was unanimous. Governor Stein must approve the selection by the end of the week.
The following is a legislative summary from the NC Metro Mayors staff:
This week’s Coalition meeting centered around the significant volume of bills filed in both chambers of the General Assembly over the past few weeks (current total for both chambers = 1,766). With the House’s bill filing deadline yesterday (Thursday), we expect that chamber to spend the next week considering a large number of bills in committee before it recesses the week of April 21. On the other side of the Legislative Building, Senate budget leaders have announced that their budget proposal will be released on April 15. Based on numerous reports, most expect this budget to include both spending cuts and new spending on targeted projects, though at an expected overall lower total spending than last year’s budget. We will share more information about the Senate budget as soon as it becomes available.
The following bills were discussed during this week’s call:
House Bill 801 “LRC Study Paper Towns”
House Bill 831 “Comm. Inspect. Efficiency Act”
House Bill 837 “Study Alternative Methods for Highway Funding”
House Bill 849 “Utility Forced Relocation Expenses”
House Bill 876 “Development Application Review Time Lines”
House Bill 913 “Liability/Unfair/Deceptive Develop. Actions”
Senate Bill 666 “2025 Water Safety Act”
A notable bill that we neglected to mention was House Bill 171, “Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI,” which, while passed by House committees over the past couple of weeks, was twice removed from the House calendar this week. It is currently scheduled to be heard next Wednesday (4/16).
Most of today’s meeting focused on House Bill 765, “Local Gov. Development Regulations Omnibus,” a sweeping measure poised to dismantle local land-use planning and regulations. As attendees heard, this bill represents an unprecedented shift that strips municipalities of their ability to apply tailored regulatory standards, paving the way for unchecked development in some cases while imposing rigid statewide mandates in others.
Black Creek Greenway Update
There have been questions about the progress of the Black Creek Greenway project. The following is the latest status from staff:
“… this project is federally funded, requires NCDOT oversight, and a total renovation of the greenway system. It is also being constructed in three phases to minimize impacts to greenway users. The first phase that is currently under construction from West Dynasty Drive to just north of NW Cary Parkway is the most complicated phase as it combines significant greenway renovation work with also the new pedestrian bridge along NW Cary Parkway. However, the contract has been set up with an interim completion date to open the section between West Dynasty Drive and Livingstone Drive by end of August and we are currently ahead of schedule to complete this phase. I can assure you that the staff is working diligently with the contractor and NCDOT to complete this work as quickly as possible assuming the weather is cooperative. …”
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Just a quick reminder that the Pimento Cheese Festival is happening tomorrow at Downtown Cary Park. This one-of-a-kind event celebrates all things pimento cheese and draws thousands to our downtown each year. A big thank you to our incredible staff for putting together such a well-loved event.
One more note, there will be no weekly report next Friday, April 18, as most Cary staffed facilities, including Town Hall, will be closed in observance of Good Friday.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean
Council Meeting April 10th
Height of the Good Hope Church Road Water Tank – The linked email provides the overall height of the Good Hope Church Road Water Tank, along with a map showing the heights of Cary’s water tanks throughout the water distribution system.
BridgeNCSU Civiccon
Councilmember Lori Bush joined Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell and Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Stormie Forte, a Raleigh City Councilmember At Large, at BridgeNCSU’s Civiccon. BridgeNCSU is a chapter of BridgeUSA, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for political depolarization and promotes civil discourse on high school and college campuses across the U.S.
The Local Gov panel shared their respective experiences and goals for working across differences in service to their communities. The event concluded with a special opportunity to meet Congressman G.K. Butterfield.
Fest in the West
On Saturday, over 2,000 attendees enjoyed Fest in the West held in its new location at Mills Park. The spotlight was on kids this year, with the festival bringing back popular attractions like the petting zoo and the gravity-defying aerialists from Cirque du Vol. It really lived up to its theme: Where Everyone’s a Star! Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal attended and took to the stage to thank the Western Cary community for making the festival a success.
Cary 101 Kicks Off
On Wednesday night, Town Manager Sean Stegall, Town Clerk Virginia Johnson, Deputy Town Attorney Nick Yates, Assistant Finance Director Denisha Harris, and Budget Manager Liam Brailey helped Assistant Director of Special Projects Ryan Eades kickoff this year’s Cary 101 with a civics session. This year’s 25 participants learned about Cary’s Legal Department, Clerk’s Office, and OneCary Culture, and participated in a budgeting exercise.
Inside Downtown Cary Park
On Thursday, Chief Information Officer Nicole Coughlin hosted the Inspire Leadership Network’s TriangleCIO Chapter for an Inside Downtown Cary Park event. Attendees received a behind-the-scenes look at how Cary is using a LoRaWAN sensor network to make Downtown Cary Park smarter and more responsive.
CIOs from organizations such as BCBS, SAS, LexisNexis, Parexel, Qualitest, Pitt County, and Associated Staffing were in attendance. Cary IT staff members Justin Sherwood, Ted Urbaniak, James Leeder, and Matt Porazzo, along with Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis and staff member Linda Depo, led a tour showcasing the park’s technology. They also facilitated an engaging, interactive discussion on Cary’s Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives and key takeaways.
Del Web Pedestrian Crosswalk Installation
This week, Public Works staff updated two pedestrian crosswalks in the Del Webb Community. This marks Cary’s first effort to install heat-in-place thermoplastic pavement markings in-house.
4437 Highcroft Drive Property Demolition
Starting on April 16, contractors working on behalf of Cary will begin demolishing a house and garage on a property purchased in 2022, located next to the Neighborhood Park at Carpenter Fire Station Road. They will also remove the septic tank and two well houses. The work is expected to take about 30 days and will not disrupt park visitors.
A Grateful Acknowledgement from Asheville
This week, the Cary Police Department received a heartfelt letter of appreciation from Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, recognizing the department’s dedicated support to the City of Asheville following Hurricane Helene. In her letter, Mayor Manheimer noted that the assistance provided by Cary officers not only delivered essential services to the Asheville community but also uplifted residents’ spirits during a difficult time. She emphasized that the collaboration and selflessness demonstrated by Cary’s staff reflect the strength and unity of the broader Western North Carolina community.
Empowering People with Disabilities Through Transit Education
GoCary is proud to partner with PRCR to educate and empower individuals with disabilities through our transit training program. This initiative provides participants with hands-on experience using public transportation, helping them develop independence and confidence while navigating the community. A recent class put their transit skills into action by taking the fare-free Downtown Loop to Downtown Cary Park for the “Live at Lunch” music series and a picnic. We look forward to more opportunities to connect residents with resources that help them thrive!
Creek Week Impact
Hosted in collaboration with the Clean Water Education Partnership , Creek Week is a regional engagement campaign focused on education and action to support healthy waterways. Thanks to a OneCary effort between Stormwater and PRCR staff, Cary engaged nearly 5,000 community members through environmental volunteer events, educational booths, a social media campaign, and water-quality-related programs during the week of March 15. Among these participants, 91 volunteers contributed a collective 182 hours performing a variety of tasks, including spreading mulch at the regenerative teaching farm and collecting 430 pounds of litter throughout Cary.
2025 Veolia North Carolina Open
Last week, Cary hosted the PPA North Carolina Cup (Professional Pickleball Tournament) at the Cary Tennis Park. The event featured the world’s top-ranked players: Anna Leigh Waters in the women’s division and Federico Staksrud in the men’s. The tournament set records for both attendance and ticket sales for any PPA event in North Carolina. Additionally, over 1,000 amateur participants took part. For more information, visit the Veolia North Carolina Open website.
Upcoming Meetings
Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, April 16
6:15 p.m.
Greenway Committee
Thursday, April 17
6:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A request to develop around the WakeMed soccer park (not our land – belongs to the state).
- A complaint about pedestrian safety around the Downtown Cary Park.
- Requests to vote yes for 21-REZ-16 Old Apex rezoning.
- Requests to vote no for 21-REZ-16 Old Apex rezoning.
- Invitations to several events.
- Concerns about recently approved changes at entrances/exits to Bond Park.
- Comments about a utility bill and our utilities department.
- Comments about a legacy bench at Symphony Lake.
- Concerns about parking on Shirley Drive during downtown events.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting, a State of Cary address at the McGregor Rotary, a CAMPO Executive Board meeting, and an Elected Officials Reception meeting.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 20th, 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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