Cary Chamber Candidate Forum
I attended the Cary Chamber Forum for candidates that are running for Cary Town Council Wednesday morning. There were about 100 in attendance. In addition to their openings and closings, the candidates took turns answering questions which, IMHO, were softball questions. The good news is that all the candidates are intelligent and will represent the council well.
Cary Fleet Team
I met with the Cary’s fleet team before the council meeting on Thursday. They are responsible for maintaining all the vehicles in Cary’s fleet. Their manager, Brandon Pasinski, was recently awarded the 2025 APWA Professional Manager of the Year out of thousands of managers across the country. We are so very proud of Brandon and the entire fleet team for all they do to keep our fleet running smoothly regardless of the conditions.
Council Meeting
The last regularly scheduled meeting of September was held Thursday night. The agenda included five consent items, three public hearings, and no discussion items.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously and included the USA Baseball National Training Complex Coleman Field Renovation Bid award, consent for relocation of graves of the Barbee-Hopson Family Cemetery, the 25-A-07 annexation at Wesley Manor, adoption of the Wake County Emergency Operations Plan and Mutual Aid Agreement, and the 2025 Opioid Litigation settlements.
The first public hearing was a rezoning proposal 24-REZ-14 in Weston. There were several speakers against this proposal citing many concerns related to transition. The second public hearing was the Fairbanks Road Rezoning 25-REZ-09 which would allow two single family homes instead of the one currently located on the site. The last public hearing was for a rezoning on Bandelier Lane 25-REZ-01 which would allow one detached dwelling and associated accessory uses. All three of the rezoning proposals will next go to the Planning and Zoning Board for their review and recommendation and return to council in a few months for a decision.
Adams Elementary
I was a Mystery Reader at Adams Elementary Friday afternoon. I read a book called “Duck for President” to two classes of third graders. It was a lot of fun reading this book for the first time. Afterwards, I answered questions for about fifteen minutes. Then we all gathered for a group picture. I hope they invite me back in the future.
Hangout Bar & Grill
I joined the end of the summer block party and provided remarks at the Hangout Bar & Grill in MacGregor Village on Saturday night. This bar was previously Back Then Bar and Grill until it started with new ownership in August. The bar is known for live entertainment, dart rooms, pool, and good food. People were having a blast. If you are looking for a sense of place this may be the place for you.
Council Out and About
Message From Mayor and Council
Well, it’s official — we’ve made it through a full rotation of Council messages for the Out & About Newsletter! I love that this newsletter gives us a chance to highlight the events and activities we’ve attended in the community, while also sharing additional updates and reflections that I post on my blog.
I also want to encourage you, our readers, to let us know what you’d like to learn more about in the Town. As a reminder — if it’s a burning house, call 911. If it’s a burning question, call 311.
Join me below to see how your Town Council has been out and about!
Harold Weinbrecht
Mayor
Divan Cultural Center Visit
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended a meet-and-greet event at the Divan Cultural Center. The Divan Cultural Center is a Cary-based nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and community through dialogue, educational programs, and events that promote friendship and tolerance.
Triangle Community Coalition Coffee Chat
Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Carissa Kohn-Johnson and Jack Smith, together with Town leadership staff, hosted the Triangle Community Coalition Coffee Chat. The Triangle Community Coalition (TCC) is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) organization serving the Research Triangle region that advocates for land use policies balancing economic growth, environmental protection, development, community needs, and private property rights.
Scam Jam at Cary Senior Center
Councilmember Lori Bush introduced North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall at the Cary Senior Center for the “Scam Jam” event. Secretary Marshall, joined by representatives from the NC Department of Justice and the NC Department of Insurance, provided education and resources to help seniors and community members avoid fraudulent schemes and protect themselves from scams.
Cary High School Athletics Hall of Fame Luncheon
Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Jack Smith attended the Cary High School Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony, joining fellow attendees in celebrating the induction of four distinguished honorees into the Hall of Fame.
10th Annual Asia Fest with Dragon Boat Racing
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith joined the opening ceremonies of Asia Fest with Dragon Boat Racing at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, with the Mayor also participating in the race. Asia Fest draws nearly 10,000 visitors each year to enjoy cultural exhibits, performances, international cuisine, and the signature dragon boat races in celebration of Asian culture and diversity.
Transit Table at Cary High School
Councilmember Michelle Craig and GoCary staff connected with students, staff, families, and community members at a varsity football game at Cary High School in preparation for Try Transit Week. They shared the many benefits of transit for students like free rides, independence, and safe and convenient travel. Thanks to Officer Ross, Cary High’s School Resource Officer, who took a moment before the game to pose for a picture with the table attendees.
Fall Festival at Cary Farmers Market
Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Carissa Kohn-Johnson volunteered at the Farmers Fall Festival which was held at the Downtown Cary Park. Councilmember Kohn-Johnson served as a judge for the pie-eating contest, and Councilmember Craig assisted vendors with load out after the festival ended. This annual festival celebrated the harvest season, bringing together local farmers and artisans during the first crisp days of fall. The event featured live music on the main stage, a children’s village, interactive games and exhibits, local food, art, and crafts, and the popular midday pie-eating contest.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Council,
It’s been a full week, and I’ve appreciated returning to the office after some time away.
It was an honor to give the welcome remarks at the Public Sector Executive Accelerator: Innovation in the AI Era Summit Thursday. Being part of a conversation about how local governments can approach emerging technologies with thoughtfulness was a reminder of the role Cary continues to play in shaping what’s possible.
Tomorrow, weather dependent, Academy Street will be closed between Chatham Street and Dry Avenue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Public Safety Day, highlighting the essential work of our first responders.
As always, I am grateful for the role Council plays in fostering both innovation and education in ways that strengthen the community.
Sean
2025 Asset Management Report
The 2025 Annual Asset Management Report is now available. This report provides a dashboard view of the current state of Cary’s linear assets and verifies that key performance targets are achieved. Over the last year, Cary maintained focus on Geographic Information System (GIS) improvements and buried linear infrastructure, while continuing work on risk-based capital planning.
Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
Cary has been awarded the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the FY 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). This is the highest honor in state and local government financial reporting, and this is the 40th year Cary has earned this prestigious award. The GFOA promotes the highest levels of professionalism, transparency, and accountability in government accounting and financial reporting across the United States and Canada. This recognition reflects Cary’s dedication to outstanding financial management.
Anthemion Award
On Tuesday evening, Cary was honored with a Capital Area Preservation (CAP) Anthemion Award for the relocation and rehabilitation of the historic Ivey-Ellington House at 310 South Academy Street. Councilmember Michelle Craig joined staff to celebrate this recognition of excellence in historic preservation. This prestigious award highlights Cary’s collaborative effort to carefully preserve and adaptively reuse the 1870s Gothic Revival cottage, ensuring this downtown property continues to serve the community in a meaningful way for years to come. You can experience this Cary treasure first-hand during free guided tours offered every Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m.
Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Maintains National Accreditation
Last Wednesday, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources was recognized at the National Recreation and Park Association’s Best of the Best Ceremony in Florida, where it received National Reaccreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). Cary has maintained this accreditation since 2003. CAPRA is the only national accreditation body for park and recreation agencies, setting rigorous standards that define quality and best practices. Achieving it requires detailed self-assessment and on-site evaluation against 151 standards covering facilities, programs, staffing, training, and operations. In addition to the recognition, Community Center Program and Operations Coordinator Austin Howe presented a session, Empowering Your Team: Turning “That’s Not My Job” Into “I’ve Got This”. For residents, accreditation is a trusted mark of quality, ensuring PRCR delivers effective, innovative, and high-value programs and services.
2025 Veterans Benefits Live
Last week, the Herbert C. Young Community Center hosted the Veterans Benefits Live: VA in My Town event. Nearly 900 veterans received one-on-one assistance with VA claims, updates on benefits, and access to resources from the Department of Veterans Affairs and partner organizations. The event’s success was made possible through the efforts of staff, American Legion Post 67, VA administrators, Veteran Service Officers, and volunteers who dedicated long hours to supporting those who served.
10th Annual Asia Fest Triangle Area Dragon Boat Race
Last Saturday, Asian Focus NC hosted the 10th annual Asia Fest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, drawing an estimated 8,000 visitors. The festival featured cultural performances, pan-Asian foods, a health fair, and Dragon Boat Races on Symphony Lake. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht offered welcoming remarks alongside Councilmembers Jack Smith, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Sarika Bansal, as well as state and county dignitaries. Cary’s combined Police and Fire Department team, “Team Cobra Kai,” earned the title of Grand Champion by winning the Pan Am Dragon Boat Race with a time of 1 minute and 18 seconds showcasing the team’s skill, determination, and community spirit.
Assistant Fire Chief Shares Expertise
On Tuesday, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Jacoby served as a course instructor at the Chief Fire Officers Executive Development program held in Kernersville, NC. Fire department accreditation is an international recognition of a department’s commitment to continuous self-improvement, validated through peer review. Chief Jacoby shared his expertise on the Center for Public Safety Excellence international accreditation model and credentialing program. Chief Jacoby has been Fire’s accreditation manager as well as a chair of the North Carolina Accreditation Support Consortium and a mentor for fire departments seeking accreditation.
Cary Senior Center Hosts Senior Home Fair
On Wednesday, the Senior Center welcomed over 80 older adults to the Senior Home Fair. Attendees heard from Dan Sargent, CEO of community partner Preserving Home, who shared common home repair issues impacting aging adults. Senior Planner Maika Arnold provided an overview of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), while Wake County staff presented valuable information on property tax relief programs. The North Carolina Department of Justice delivered a timely presentation on avoiding home repair scams, an especially important topic for older homeowners. The event connected seniors with resources and experts to support aging independently at home furthering the goals of the Cary Housing Plan.
Transitions LifeCare Open House
On Thursday, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett and Policy and Program Analyst Mary Lederle visited nonprofit partner Transitions LifeCare to tour their Cary facility and recognize 10 years of their Transitions Kids program. Transitions LifeCare provides palliative care and advanced illness support to seriously and terminally ill low-income residents of all ages and their families, whose care would otherwise not be covered under insurance. This year, Cary awarded $27,000 of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support this program.
NC Coalition on Aging Annual Luncheon
Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett, along with incoming Senior Advisory Board chair Erin Nortenen and incoming vice chair Ron Brigham, at the NC Coalition on Aging’s Annual Luncheon on Friday. The event brought together aging advocates, policymakers, and community leaders from across North Carolina to celebrate recent accomplishments and discuss future priorities in aging policy. The luncheon served as a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships and reaffirm Cary’s commitment to supporting older adults through collaborative, statewide efforts.
New Sidewalk Construction on SE Cary Parkway
Construction will begin on a new sidewalk along the south side of SE Cary Parkway, from south of Tryon Road to Lochmere Drive next week, weather dependent. The project fills an approximate 1,800-foot gap in the pedestrian network, providing a connection from surrounding neighborhoods to nearby shopping, greenway trails, and Kids Together Park. The project will also enhance pedestrian features at the SE Cary Parkway and Lochmere Drive intersection, with upgraded pedestrian signals, curb ramps, and crosswalks. The project is supported by funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and is anticipated to be complete by Winter 2026.
Important Dates
There are no meetings scheduled for next week.
Cary Candidate Filing
Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18th. Here are the candidates for Cary Council (Incumbents are denoted with I):
- At-Large: Carissa Johnson (I), Marjorie Eastman
- District A: Jennifer Robinson (I), Brittany Richards
- District C: Renee Miller, Bella Huang
Elections are on November 4th.
To find out more about the Candidates view the Cary Candidate Forum here.
Cary Mayor Rumors for 2027
Rumors that these next two years on the Cary Council will be my last are simply not true. I fully intend to seek re-election and am grateful to have the unwavering support of my family, friends, and constituents.
As the only living Mayor who has led Cary through a recession and some of the most challenging financial times, I see it as both my responsibility and my calling to continue my service on the Cary Council. I am committed to working alongside my colleagues to help guide our community through today’s uncertainties.
In the coming months, I encourage all citizens to focus on the important Cary Council election ahead, where three seats are up for decision. Once those choices are made by our community, we can then look ahead to November 2027.
Until then, I remain dedicated to my oath and to serving as Cary’s Mayor. I’m excited for what lies ahead—tomorrow and beyond.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- Complaints about a redevelopment rezoning proposal in Weston, 24-REZ-14.
- A complaint about a neighbor with an “unsightly yard”.
- A complaint that Cary is changing rules to not allow e-bikes (not true).
- A complaint about enforcement of “motorized scooters/bicycles”.
- A request to charge citizens more for using credit cards to pay utility bills.
- A complaint that the pedestrian death on Maynard was because profit and development outweighed pedestrian safety (not true and very insulting).
- A complaint about not receiving public records.
- A complaint about the rundown building at Tryon and Jones Franklin.
- A request to hand out information in the downtown park.
- A complaint about the Downtown Cary Park’s dog park creating unbearable noise.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, SAS Championship Media Day, and Oktoberfest.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, October 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 