Manager One-On-One
The town manager and I met for our weekly meeting on Monday. The two main topics we discussed were stormwater issues at Twin Lakes and a complaint about trucks parked in front of houses. BTW, vehicles allowed to park in front of your house include cars, trucks, and work vehicles. To prevent that parking would require a ban town-wide of on-street parking.
Cary Tennis Classic Board
The Cary Tennis Classic Board met on Monday night. We mostly discussed new abilities tennis events. We also talked about the video board at the Cary Tennis Park which will have video with audio for the 2026 tournament. Sponsors will be able to have their advertisements run year-round. The 2026 tournament is scheduled for June 28th through July 5th.
CAMPO
The CAMPO Executive Board held its monthly meeting on Wednesday afternoon at their offices in Cary’s Fenton. The agenda included three consent items, one public hearing, and four discussion items.
The consent agenda was approved unanimously and included minutes, the adoption of the Federal Functional Classification changes, and authorizing the Executive Director to sign the final Local Funding Agreement with NCDOT Division of Aviation.
The public hearing was on the Community Funding Area Program Management Plan. The Community Funding Area Program (CFAP) was initiated to support the goals of the Wake Transit Plan. The program provides an opportunity for the 10 smaller towns and the Research Triangle Park (RTP) in Wake County, which would otherwise have limited funding options, to create or accelerate local transit services and programs. CFAP provides an opportunity for the 11 eligible applicants to participate in a competitive grant process to receive match funding for planning, capital, operating, or combined capital/operating transit projects. Funding matches are required to ensure that projects include local funding to support continued transit investment. The purpose of the agenda item was to hold a public hearing.
The three discussion items were just for information purposes only. Presentations were made on amendment one to FY 2026-2035 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), Safety Performance Measure Targets for 2026, and an update for the 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan and the Comprehensive Transportation Plan.
Cary Matters Taping
Thursday afternoon I taped a version of Cary Matters with longtime council member Jack Smith. He is his 36th and final year and this episode was dedicated to him. In this episode I asked the following questions:
- You’ve seen big challenges and big wins over the years. Is there a particular moment or decision that stands out to you as especially meaningful for our community?
- That balance – between growth and preserving Cary’s character – has really been a constant theme. As you look back on your time on Council, how do you hope it will be remembered?
- We’ve spent a lot of this conversation looking back, and these lessons from our history are so important as Cary continues to learn and evolve. But looking forward – as Cary continues to grow and change – what do you think will be most critical to focus on in the years ahead?
Make sure to watch the episode to hear his final thoughts as Cary’s longest serving council member.
Advisory Board Appreciation Event
I joined council members Bush, Kohn-Johnson, Craig, and Smith at the Advisory Board Volunteer appreciation event in Downtown Cary Park on Sunday afternoon.
I started the program by recognizing outgoing advisory board members and then council members. Our advisory board members are residents who give their time, ideas, and perspective throughout the year to help shape the future of Cary. Their service is one of the reasons why Cary remains one of the greatest places to live, work, and play in America. Cary is blessed to have so many citizens willing to sacrifice their time to make Cary a better place. Thank you!
In my concluding remarks I introduced the entertainment, Catching Some Rays: The Music of Ray Charles, featuring the Noel Freidline Quartet and vocalist Maria Howell.
Mayors Diwali Dance Big International News
The Bollywood dance performed on October 11th at Koka Booth Amphitheater by Morrisville Mayor and me along with council members, and a dozen staff members from Cary and Morrisville was big news internationally. Media outlets include Hinustan (equivalent to CNN I am told), NewIndiaAbroad, NDTV, NewsXWorld, Times of India, and others. Comments made included:
“As Diwali celebrations commence worldwide, the North Carolina expatriate community recently hosted an event to share the festive spirit. A memorable moment occurred when Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley joined performers on stage, delighting the audience by dancing to popular Bollywood songs.
The now viral video shows both Weinbrecht and Cawley dancing to Salman Khan’s hit song, Chunari Chunari, at the event organized by Hum Sab, an NGO dedicated to sharing the social and cultural traditions of India with residents of the North Carolina Triangle area and beyond.”
“A now viral video of Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley dancing to Bollywood songs has taken social media by storm.
The Celebrity Segment, introduced a few years ago, has grown into a crowd favorite. Local leaders rehearse for weeks, donning colorful costumes sponsored by community businesses, and showcasing the joy of shared cultural connection through music and dance. This year, it featured the two mayors, along with other council members and performers from Taal Harmony Dance Group.”
“Cary Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Morrisville Mayor TJ Cawley delighted the crowd by dancing to iconic Bollywood songs like Chunari Chunari and Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai at a Diwali event.”
“There are few things that exemplify the spirit of togetherness as well as people coming together through music and dance. This could not have been more evident than the Diwali celebration in North Carolina, where Mayor Harold Weinbrecht of Cary, and Mayor TJ Cawley of Morrisville danced on stage to the cheers of the crowd, even dancing to Salman Khan’s popular track ‘Chunari Chunari’.”
Accident at Panther Creek High School
Tuesday morning a student at Panther Creek High School was unfortunately hit by a car driven by another student. Prayers were answered and the student will be OK.
Sadly, there are some people who are quick to blame and resort to hurtful statements like “It’s shameful that someone has to get hurt for action to be considered (re: student hit by car in front of Panther Creek HS). Do better, do good.”
The street where the student was struck is a NCDOT maintained road. In addition, NCDOT decides whether crosswalks are installed based on criteria they set. Here are portions of the staff’s response when I asked for information about this accident and the person’s statements:
“…You are correct, the incident at Pather Creek HS yesterday was on the portion of McCrimmon Parkway owned by NCDOT. Transportation staff have been working with NCDOT for intersection and crosswalk improvements along the school’s frontage and the new townhome community, Channing Park. …
Mr. ___ in his email below, has requested a crosswalk at the intersection of McCrimmon Parkway and Bluff Oaks Drive within the Amberly subdivision. …
The crosswalk requested by Mr. ___ has been added to our potential crosswalk list and would be considered a new, uncontrolled crosswalk. Staff … have scored the location to determine if it meets the requirements for a crosswalk. The score is based on several factors and was considered a mid-to-low priority compared to all existing uncontrolled crosswalks in Cary. …”
I removed the parts of the email with the person’s name and information not pertinent to where the accident occurred. Again, the scoring is for NCDOT and that sets the priority.
Council member Bansal, who represents District D which includes that area posted the following:
“Sharing information on a 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤/ 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐜𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥. While these are great and much-needed improvements, driver attentiveness will continue to be essential to avoid any future incidents.
I was also made aware of a 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 —sharing his personal experience and highlighting the daily challenges faced by students walking to school. While 𝐈 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 and concern expressed, 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐟𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 “𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧” 𝐢𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭.
𝐌𝐜𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐃𝐎𝐓-𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝. Despite that, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 $𝟏.𝟐 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧. It’s important that we share accurate information as we work together toward keeping Cary a place where we can continue to call home.
1) we will be sharing some dates for information session very soon
2) I will be happy to speak to you directly if you have any questions or concerns. My email is sarika.bansal@carync.gov ”
Being a father and grandfather, I can tell you that it is very hurtful to imply that a child’s injury is due to my negligence. Unfortunately, blame and hurt is the culture today.
Council Out and About
Message From Mayor and Council
What a joy it’s been to celebrate community this month here in Cary! From milestone moments to cultural festivals, I hope you’ve had a chance to join some of the events happening about town.
We kicked things off with the Cary Senior Center’s 25th Anniversary – it was a truly heartwarming celebration of a place that has meant so much to so many. You could feel the love in the room as friends reminisced, laughed, and shared stories about how the center has brought people together over the years.
And then there was Hum Sub Diwali! What an unforgettable evening! Taking part in the Celebrity Dance with my fellow Councilmembers and our staff (including folks from Morrisville!) was an absolute blast. The music, the lights, the crowd’s excitement, it all captured Cary’s spirit of celebration and togetherness perfectly. Moments like these make me so grateful to be part of such a vibrant, caring community.
Lori Bush
At-Large Council Member
Barkitecture Pre-Pawty
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht attended the Barkitecture Pre-Pawty at Downtown Cary Park. Triangle Barkitecture is a one-of-a-kind pet architecture and design competition that raises funds for local foster and pet rescue organizations across the Triangle. Architects, engineers, designers, and other creative minds collaborate to build custom pet structures, which are auctioned at the event – with 100% of proceeds benefiting pets in need.
SAS Championship Women’s Day Conference
Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson provided remarks at the SAS Championship Women’s Day Conference, part of the annual SAS Championship Tournament. This year marks the 12th Annual Women’s Day, held under the theme “Power in Progress.”
Cary Elementary Walk & Roll School Event
Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Cary Elementary Walk & Roll to School event, which began at Frantz Square in Downtown Cary Park. The Walk & Roll program is part of a nationwide initiative that encourages students, families, and communities to walk or bike to school together.
25th Anniversary Celebration for the Cary Senior Center
Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson provided remarks at the 25th Anniversary Celebration for the Cary Senior Center. Also in attendance were Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, and Michelle Craig. The celebration marked 25 years since the Cary Senior Center opened in Bond Park, recognizing its long-standing role as a hub for programming, community connection, and lifelong learning.
Folds of Honor Event
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Jack Smith attended the Folds of Honor event as part of the SAS Championship Tournament. The program celebrated another remarkable year of the tournament and highlighted the inspiring partnership with Folds of Honor – an organization that embodies service, sacrifice, and hope.
Hum Sub Diwali at Koka Booth Amphitheater
Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the Opening Ceremony of Hum Sub Diwali at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Later that evening, Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, and Michelle Craig participated in the Celebrity Dance performance at the event. Hum Sub Diwali is one of Cary’s largest and most celebrated cultural festivals, organized by the nonprofit Hum Sub, Inc., which promotes Indian heritage and cultural awareness throughout the Triangle.
Town Manager’s Report
Sean’s Message
Council,
This week we held a special All Hands meeting with staff. After a few updates, we spent time with Councilmember Jack Smith, who – as you all know – will retire at the end of this term after 36 years of service.
Jack was, as always, honest and he reflected on what it means to serve with heart. He told staff, “Be adaptive. Be flexible. Be yourself. But never lose your compassion… we work for the people of Cary… never forget the folks we support.” You could feel the room lean in when he said it.
The conversation was a meaningful glimpse into the history and values that have carried this organization forward. Staff walked away grateful to Jack for his example, and to Council for the culture you’ve helped create, one where service is both personal and proud.
Sean Stegall
Old Apex Waterline Reinforcement Project
Old Apex Road Between Maynard Road and High House Road will be closed October 24 – November 2.
Construction crews have steadily progressed on the new 24-inch water main along Old Apex Road since March. Later this month, the contractor plans to cross the intersection of Maynard Road and Old Apex Road. To connect the new line to Cary’s system, crews will close the northeast side of Old Apex Road from October 24 to November 2, weather permitting. Message boards are in place to alert travelers of the closure, and detour routes will direct drivers along Maynard Road and West Chatham Street.
Crosswalk Installation on Walker Street
As part of ongoing improvements to the downtown mobility network, a new mid-block crossing was installed on Walker Street near Fairview Road and the Barkyard at Downtown Cary Park (DCP). The high-visibility crosswalk includes push-button-activated flashing signs to alert drivers and enhance access to DCP.
Public Works Snow Rodeo
Public Works held its annual Snow Rodeo today, a hands-on training event that brings together over 300 team members to prepare for winter weather. The event includes equipment testing, safety training, and route familiarization, as well as preparations for leaf collection season, which begins November 3.
Public Safety Partners Visit Cary-Apex Water Treatment Facility
Utility and Public Safety staff hosted a tour of the Cary-Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) for representatives from Chatham County Emergency Management, North Chatham Fire Department, Moncure Fire Department, Apex Utilities, Apex Fire, and Apex Police. The tour showcased the facility’s operations and emphasized the importance of protecting the Jordan Lake water supply. It also helped clarify each agency’s role in responding to potential emergencies that could impact the lake or the CAWTF intake.
Cary, Apex, Holly Springs Wastewater Technologies Visit
Utilities staff from Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs traveled together to Atlanta, GA, to tour three water reclamation facilities using Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) technologies. The team explored MBR systems as one of the leading options for expanding the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WWRWRF).
Mary Collins Award for Resilience and Sustainability
Cary received the 2025 Marvin Collins Award for Resilience and Sustainability from the NC Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) for Count Me In, Cary! Stewardship Strategies for a Sustainable Future. The community-driven initiative helped shape Cary’s Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy and engaged more than 100,000 residents through online and in-person events.
IT Showcases Initiatives at All Things Open Conference
Staff from Information Technology showcased innovative Downtown Cary Park (DCP) initiatives at RIoT’s Demo Night, held alongside the Connected Triangle Summit during the All Things Open Conference, which attracted more than 5,000 attendees to the Raleigh Convention Center. The team demonstrated how smart sensors and connected infrastructure enhance sustainability and elevate the visitor experience in the Park. Chief Information Officer Nicole Coughlin led a featured session, AI in Local Government: Big AI, Small AI, and Everything Between, highlighting how local governments can use AI to improve services while addressing the human side of technology adoption.
Barktoberfest
Barktoberfest wrapped up October 12, concluding a monthlong celebration of Cary’s four-legged friends. Dog lovers took part in puppy yoga, pet portrait painting, dog-themed trivia, pet performances, and outdoor movie nights at the Cary Arts Center and Downtown Cary Park (DCP). The festivities culminated with the Barkitecture event and the introduction of the first class of DCP Bark Rangers, regular Barkyard visitors recognized for good behavior and for welcoming new friends. Each received an official bandana, badge, and photo display at the Barkyard. A similar recognition has been extended to the top dog visitors at Jack Smith and Godbold Park dog parks.
Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – November 5
The following neighborhood meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:30 p.m.
For more information and to register visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.
Important Dates
District B Community Meeting
Tuesday, October 21
5:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, October 22
6:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, October 23
5:00 p.m.
Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, October 23
6:30 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
- A complaint about a drainage issue at Twin Lakes.
- A complaint about a rezoning proposal 25-REZ-12 at Trenton Road and Reedy Creek (council has not seen a staff report on this yet).
- A complaint about speeding on Dynasty Drive.
- Thank you for building Higgins Greenway.
- A complaint about a neighbor parking a trailer in the driveway, not mowing grass, and leaving trash cans in the street.
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a Council District B Committee meeting, a meeting with the Town of Conover, a meeting with the Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, a council work session, the last regularly scheduled council meeting in October, and an interview with Dorcas Rebrand.
Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, October 26th, 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 