New Legislation Harms Cary’s Authority
Monday I received information about new state legislation that took effect. On September 25th the Legislature passed H926. The Governor neither signed nor vetoed this bill, so by law it became effective 10 days after the legislative action. Three provisions are noteworthy for the potential impacts they may have on Cary.
- Local governments may not require a waiting period for refiling of rezoning requests or development approvals after a request is denied by the local government or withdrawn by the applicant. This provision became effective immediately (today, October 6). Cary’s LDO requires a one-year waiting period for new rezoning applications if an application is denied or withdrawn, with council having the option to waive the waiting period for good cause shown. Cary will no longer be able to enforce that provision of the LDO.
- Local governments are prohibited from regulating the size, number, location, or height of the flags of the United States of America or the State of North Carolina, except in limited circumstances where public health, safety, and welfare concerns justify enforcing such regulations on a particular piece of property. This provision also became effective immediately and was applicable retroactively to any pending enforcement actions.
- Local governments may not establish pavement design standards for public or private streets more stringent than NCDOT’s minimum standards. This provision becomes effective January 1, 2026; staff will evaluate its impact this fall.
Municipalities continue to lose authority to manage their towns. This legislation will have a significant impact on our rezoning cases since developers will have no wait time if an application fails. This will discourage them from working with residents and council to create a positive application. In addition, we dumb down our requirements for local streets. This is disappointing to say the least.
Barkitecture Pre Pawty
Monday evening, I attended a Barkitecture Pre Pawty. The Triangle Barkitecture is a one-of-a-kind pet architecture and design competition to raise money for pets in need by supporting local foster and pet rescue organizations right here in the Triangle. Local architects, engineers, designers, and creative minds all over the Triangle compete to create the best custom pet architecture that is then auctioned off at an event with 100% of those profits going to pets in need. This year it was held in Downtown Cary Park on Saturday.
This Pre Pawty was a networking event for those architects, engineers, and designers participating. Barkitecture made a twenty-minute presentation for the group. I spent a little more than an hour talking to various participants.
SAS Pairing Party
Tuesday evening, I joined council member Smith, the Cary Town Manager, and the former Cary Chamber President at the SAS Pairing Party. This is an event that SAS holds for participants in the SAS Championship Pro-Am and is held in building C on the SAS Campus. It was a big mingle and meet event. Unfortunately, I was only able to stay an hour.
SAS Pro-Am
I participated in the SAS Championship Pro-Am on Wednesday and Thursday along with council member Smith, the Cary Town Manager, and the former Cary Chamber President. We played with Cameron Percy of Australia (who now lives in Wakefield) on Wednesday, and Shane Bertsch of Colorado on Thursday. Both were excellent golfers and very personable. We all had a great time.
SAS Championship Cary Taping
On Thursday morning I did a taping for the Golf Channel. They spent a few minutes setting me up for filming from my chest upwards. The following was my script:
Hello from Cary, North Carolina, where we’re proud to once again host the 25th annual SAS Championship here at beautiful Prestonwood Country Club.
This great tournament is just one of many national and international amateur, collegiate, and professional sporting events we host in Cary at our world-class venues. They’re helping make Cary and the surrounding Triangle, rank among the top sports and visitor destinations in the nation.
Please accept my personal invitation to come visit and see why Cary is consistently named one of the best places to live, work, and play in America.
Having done this many times before, I was able to do this in one take. It took longer to set up than it did to do the taping.
Folds of Honor at SAS Championship
Friday morning, I was given the privilege of speaking at the opening ceremony for the 25th SAS Championship and the 2nd Folds of Honor. My comments didn’t come near to recognizing the importance of our veterans and their families.
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. They have expanded their mission to include families of first responders. They say, “On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.” Bless them for all the great work they are doing for those that have sacrificed so much.
Diwali
Saturday morning, I participated in the opening ceremony of Cary Diwali held at the Koka Booth amphitheater. I was joined by council members Craig, Bansal, and Kohn-Johnson.
Other dignitaries included Congresswoman Ross, the Morrisville Mayor, Morrisville council members, and an Apex council member.
I provided a few remarks before reading a proclamation recognizing the 25th year of the event:
“DESIGNATING OCTOBER 11, 2025 AS THE
SILVER JUBILEE DIWALI CELEBRATION
IN CARY, NORTH CAROLINA
WHEREAS, Diwali, an Indian cultural holiday celebrating light and the victory of good over evil, is a festive occasion in many regions of India and is looked upon as the beginning of the New Year.
WHEREAS, Diwali celebrates Indian customs and traditions, and is a time when communities join together to observe and enjoy Indian cultural heritage.
WHEREAS, the theme of Hum Sub Diwali 2025 is “Yaadein-Ek Shana Safar: 25 Glorious Years of Culture, Community, and Celebration.”
WHEREAS, Hum Sub Diwali recognizes the quarter-century partnership of Hum Sub, Inc. and Cary in celebrating Indian culture.
WHEREAS, Hum Sub Diwali at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre is a daylong cultural immersion into the Indian subcontinent filled with entertainment, shopping, sumptuous food and breathtaking fireworks.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Harold Weinbrecht, Jr., Mayor of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Council, do hereby proclaim October 11, 2025 as the Twenty-Fifth Annual Diwali Celebration in Cary, marking the silver jubilee event for Hum Sub, and I urge all the citizens of Cary to join in the festivities during this special time.
PROCLAIMED this 11th day of October 2025.”
Cary’s Diwali event is one of the biggest of its kind in the southeast and I am proud to be a part of it.
Diwali Dance with Cary and Morrisville Team
I along with Mayor Cawley from Morrisville, Cary Council members Bush, Craig, Bansal, several Cary staff members, and Morrisville staff members have been practicing dances for Diwali weekly since July. Needless to say, we spent hours and hours learning all the dances. Saturday night was our performance and the group was amazing. Special thanks to Taal Harmony School and our instructors Rohini and Irina for all the hours they spent helping and teaching us. If you weren’t there made sure to search for the video. It is a must see.
SAS Championship Final
The SAS Championship was held at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary for the 25th consecutive year which is one of the longest on the senior tour. Over the years it has brought the best players from around the world to compete here, which in turn has given Cary international exposure and created millions in economic benefit. We are so grateful to SAS and the Senior Tour for continuing to support this tournament.
Congratulations to this year’s winner Alex Čejka. Čejka was born in Czechoslovakia, lives in Munich, and is a West German citizen.
Council Out and About
Message From Mayor and Council
Last week, I had the honor of hosting a delegation from Wiesbaden, Germany, as part of Cary’s long-standing Sister Cities partnership. Welcoming our friends from Wiesbaden was a wonderful reminder of how meaningful these international exchanges can be – not only in strengthening ties between our communities, but in giving us the chance to see Cary through our visitors’ eyes.
As we toured some of Cary’s most recognizable places – Downtown Park, the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, and our greenways – I found myself rediscovering them in new ways. Our guests noticed details we often overlook: the care given to public spaces, the diversity of our neighborhoods, and the welcoming spirit that defines our town.
Their perspective reminded me that Cary’s reputation for quality of life, thoughtful planning, and community pride is not something to take for granted – it’s something we continue to build together every day.
I’m deeply grateful to our Sister Cities partners for their warmth, curiosity, and friendship. Their visit strengthened the bond between our two communities and reaffirmed that, though we live an ocean apart, we share the same values of connection, culture, and community.
Jack Smith
District C Council Member
SAS Media Day Tournament at Prestonwood
Councilmember Jack Smith provided welcoming remarks at the SAS Media Day Tournament held at Prestonwood Country Club. The event served as one of the first celebrations leading up to this year’s SAS Championship, marking the beginning of tournament week festivities.
NC Affordable Housing Conference
Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the North Carolina Affordable Housing Conference, which brought together housing professionals, advocates, developers, and policymakers from across the state. The conference focused on strategies and partnerships to address the pressing challenges and opportunities surrounding affordable housing in North Carolina.
2025 State of the County
Councilmember Lori Bush attended the 2025 State of the County event, which celebrated a year of passionate, proactive, and purposeful work across Wake County. Chair Susan Evans highlighted accomplishments in housing, transit, planning, libraries, public safety, education, and economic development, while also calling on residents to support the needs of foster youth – through fostering, donating, or raising awareness.
Triangle Oktoberfest
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Jack Smith and Michelle Craig attended the opening ceremonies of the Triangle Oktoberfest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. The annual event celebrates German culture, food, and music while supporting local charities through its proceeds.
German Sister Cities Visit
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Jack Smith and Michelle Craig welcomed a delegation from Wiesbaden, Germany, as part of Cary’s Sister Cities exchange program. The visit strengthened cultural ties and continued the long-standing friendship between the two communities.
Kids Together Walk, Run, and Roll
Councilmembers Lori Bush and Michelle Craig joined families and community members at the Kids Together Walk, Run, and Roll event at Marla Dorrel Park. The annual celebration promotes inclusion and accessibility by honoring every child’s right to play – whether walking, running, or rolling on wheels of all kinds.
Fall Litter Sweep
Councilmember Michelle Craig joined volunteers at East Cary Middle School for Cary’s Fall Litter Sweep on October 4. In partnership with Wake County’s Big Sweep, 53 volunteers spent 106 hours removing about 340 pounds of litter from the community. Part of Cary’s Spruce Program, the event helps protect water quality and promotes a cleaner, greener future.
Friends of the Page-Walker Ice Cream Social
Councilmember Michelle Craig attended an ice cream social hosted by the Friends of Page-Walker, Cary’s historical society, in appreciation of their volunteers. During the event, the group also introduced a new app launching soon that will offer self-guided history tours of downtown.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Council,
This year’s SAS Championship Pro Am was bittersweet this week as the Mayor and I, along with Cary Chamber President Emeritus Howard Johnson, played our final tournament with our friend and Cary’s longest serving Councilmember, Jack Smith.
The hours with Jack were truly amazing – and not because of the golf. Jack literally spent nearly the entire time sharing his appreciation for having served Cary citizens and his gratitude for all the Town staff who helped him help others. It was an inspiring reminder of just how much we rely on each other for our successes.
Also inspiring this week was the Cary Senior Center reaching its milestone birthday of 25 years. Congratulations to the staff, citizens, and elected officials who worked tirelessly to make the center a reality so long ago and my deep appreciation to those who keep this important work going every day.
Have a great weekend.
Sean
Harrison Avenue Tank Rehabilitation Project Begins
Construction on the Harrison Avenue Elevated Water Storage Tank Rehabilitation Project began this week with the blasting and priming of the tank’s interior. The tank will receive all new coatings, first on the interior and then the exterior of the tank. In advance of the exterior work, installation of the containment system has begun and is expected to be in place next week, weather permitting. This rehabilitation project is expected to be completed by spring.
Fall Litter Sweep
Cary’s Fall Litter Sweep took place on October 4, hosted in partnership with Wake County’s Big Sweep. Fifty-three volunteers worked a collective 106 hours removing an estimated 340 pounds of litter from multiple sites around town. Councilmember Michelle Craig attended and helped canvas the East Cary Middle School site. Part of Cary’s Spruce Program, the event helps protect water quality in the region and provides community members with impactful opportunities to join in growing a greener future.
Cary Sparks Student Interest in Electric Vehicles at NC State
On Monday, Cary participated in NC State University’s National Drive Electric Week Ride & Drive event on Centennial Campus. The event drew strong interest from students eager to learn more about electric vehicles and clean mobility options. Energy Manager Sara Caliendo showcased a Tesla Model 3 from the green fleet and highlighted Cary’s sustainability efforts. Attendees also explored a variety of electric mobility options including cars, e-bikes, and e-scooters, underscoring the growing momentum around cleaner transportation solutions.
SAS Women’s Day
As part of Cary’s partnership with the SAS Championship, 30 staff members from various departments, along with Councilmember Jennifer Bryson Robinson, joined women from across the Triangle for an inspiring event focused on Power and Progress – You Don’t Have to Have it All Figured Out to Lead. This gathering provided an opportunity for participants to share their unique stories, connect with one another, and embrace progress over perfection.
Sidewalk Construction Begins Next Week
Weather permitting, construction of a new sidewalk along the north side of Penny Road from Kildaire Farm Road to Magnolia Wood Drive will begin the week of October 13. This project, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), was selected to move forward because it will close an existing sidewalk gap, improving connectivity between neighborhoods, schools, and nearby commercial areas. Construction is anticipated to be complete by spring 2026.
Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Fall Tennis Invitational
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) hosted its second Annual Fall Tennis Invitational from Oct. 2 – 4 at the Tennis Park. This men’s and women’s individual tournament featured top conference players competing in singles and doubles play, with winners earning automatic qualification for the NCAA Division I Singles and Doubles Championships in November. The event brought collegiate athletes, coaches, and fans from across the region to Cary, highlighting the continued commitment to supporting competitive athletics and providing high-quality facilities for local and visiting players.
Great American Cross Country Festival
For the 17th consecutive year, the Great American Cross Country Festival returned to WakeMed Soccer Park on October 3 and 4, bringing together top talent from 17 states and Washington, D.C. The event featured high school, middle school, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU), and community races on Friday, with 467 athletes competing in front of approximately 2,600 spectators. Saturday showcased over 10 JV and Varsity races, drawing 3,494 runners and more than 4,100 spectators. As one of the largest cross-country events in the region, the festival continues to highlight Cary’s role as a premier destination for youth and collegiate athletics.
Bands, Bites, and Boats Recap
Last Friday, Bond Park wrapped up its final Bands, Bites, and Boats of the season. Guests enjoyed cuisine from local food trucks, sampled brews from nearby breweries, and relaxed by the waterfront while taking in a spectacular lineup of live performances. This popular concert series typically draws 500 – 800 attendees for an evening of entertainment, food, and fun with family and friends. The monthly series runs from April through October and will return next spring.
Applause! Cary Youth Theatre Presents Shakespeare Live! As You Like It
On October 5, Applause! Cary Youth Theatre presented Shakespeare Live!, a free theatre-in-the-park performance of As You Like It at Downtown Cary Park. Twelve teen performers presented Shakespeare’s classic comedy of mischief and mistaken identity to a crowd of 160 audience members. Lucky patrons at the Arts Center’s Mini Art Fest on Saturday, Oct. 4 got a sneak peak of the performance as the teens performed an iconic wrestling match scene from the show on the steps of the Arts Center.
Important Dates
Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, October 14
6:00 p.m.
Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, October 15
6:15 p.m.
Greenway Committee
Thursday, October 16
6:00 p.m.
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
- Invitations to several events.
- A complaint about trucks with company logos parking in a neighborhood.
- A complaint about a “large truck” parked in front of a house.
- A complaint about “a broken pipe, erosion, and roots of trees” that we are not giving attention to.
- A complaint about property taxes in Cary (We have the lowest in Wake County for the 17th consecutive year).
- An email campaign of several emails to not collect leaves so that butterflies, salamanders and fireflies would be protected. (None of the emails left addresses so I can only assume they don’t live in Cary).
- A request from a high school student to assist with public health.
- A complaint about an encampment on a walkway at swift creek and crescent green.
- A request for assistance with parking and transportation for a 2026 Cary Garden Tour.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting, a CAMPO Executive Board meeting, a Cary Matters taping, and an advisory board appreciation event.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, October 19th, 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 