Legislation Allows Apartments Without a Council Decision or Public Input
On August 11, legislation was passed and signed by the Governor that was supported by the Governor and members of the Wake County delegation. The legislation allows residential development, including multifamily units, by right as part of the redevelopment of certain properties, without requiring council approval.
While I support the Governor and our legislative delegation, I believe they got this one wrong.
Under this legislation, properties in commercial, business, or light-industrial zoning districts could potentially be redeveloped with residential buildings up to 60 feet tall or even higher. That means older office buildings in areas such as Weston and Regency could potentially be converted into large apartment developments without council approval and, more importantly, without an opportunity for meaningful public input.
To me, that amounts to the state telling our communities that it knows better than the residents and our elected leaders what is appropriate for our neighborhoods.
There is another significant concern. As a result of previous legislation, these developments may not be subject to traditional parking or transportation requirements. That could have a substantial impact on surrounding neighborhoods, traffic, and infrastructure.
It is also worth noting that this legislation applies only to Cary, Raleigh, and Charlotte.
The Cary Town Council has asked staff to identify all properties that could potentially fall into this category so the community can better understand the scope and potential impact.
Good luck to those who live near office parks, shopping centers, and other properties that could be affected.
If you share these concerns, I encourage you to contact the legislators and other decision-makers responsible for this legislation and make your voice heard.
Visit from Fayette County, Georgia
Monday morning, I had the pleasure of welcoming and addressing a delegation of about 50 business leaders and elected officials from Fayette County, Georgia, just south of Atlanta.
I spoke for about 15 minutes, followed by another 15 minutes of questions and discussion. We talked about Cary, our national award recognitions, our strong economy, demographics, and business climate.
While some locally may be quick to criticize Cary, people from across the country continue to recognize what an incredible community this is. I’m honored and grateful to serve a community that attracts this kind of national interest and recognition.
It was a great reminder that there is a lot to be proud of in Cary.
Recommendations Committee Meeting
On Monday evening, the Council subcommittee tasked with developing policy recommendations based on the findings of the State Auditor and the firms Womble Bond Dickinson and Cherry Bekaert met for the third time.
A significant portion of the meeting was spent discussing what we will present to the Council as an update during the upcoming work session. We identified two primary areas of focus: Council benefits and Council compensation, which we defined as salary and allowances.
We also began a more in-depth discussion about how funds should be allocated to Council members for travel, training, and meal reimbursements.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 28, at 5:15 p.m.
Wake County Mayors Association
Monday night, I attended a meeting of the Wake County Mayors Association. All mayors were in attendance except those from Zebulon and Wake Forest.
Much of the discussion focused on Flock cameras and similar camera systems being used in our communities. We discussed how the data collected by these systems is stored, how long it is retained, and the circumstances under which it may be shared with other agencies or entities.
Meeting with Pastor Young
Tuesday afternoon, I met with Pastor Young and his wife, who are starting a new church in Cary. They plan to initially hold their services at Panther Creek High School.
We discussed ways they can become more connected with the Cary community, including local organizations and community groups, such as NeighborUp, that they may want to connect with as they establish the church.
Council Work Session
The Council held a work session on Tuesday evening to discuss real estate, receive an update from the Recommendations Committee, and hear an update from the Interim Town Manager.
Real Estate
The Council discussed two properties.
The first was the Fire Administration building on Academy Street. The Council directed staff to:
- Obtain an appraisal of the building.
- Return to the Council with potential uses for the property, including associated costs.
- Propose potential deed restrictions in the event the property is sold.
- Seek input from commercial real estate professionals regarding potential options and recommendations for the property.
The second discussion focused on the two parcels at 600 and 604 Kildaire Farm Road. The Council directed staff to return with options for permanently preserving the properties as natural open space.
Recommendations Committee
The Council also received an update from the Recommendations Committee. The Council agreed that the committee should pursue creating a Residential Advisory Board, with one member selected from each existing advisory board. The new board would review and make recommendations regarding Council salaries and allowances.
State statutes do not allow a Council member’s salary to be reduced during their term. The committee is expected to be formed later this year or early next year.
The update also included a discussion of benefits, which are addressed under Policy 117.
WRAL Continues Misleading Public and Cary Bashing
One of the topics discussed during Tuesday’s work session was the potential sale of the properties at 600 and 604 Kildaire Farm Road, which were purchased by the former town manager without council approval.
Several weeks ago, I made the council-initiated request to sell the two properties. In the time since, however, I learned that members of the public and the council were interested in preserving the properties as natural open space. While designating the properties as open space would, once again, bypass the normal process, I believe that permanently preserving the land as natural open space would be the best use of these properties.
That was the position I expressed during Tuesday’s work session. I stated clearly that I wanted the properties to be permanently preserved as natural space.
However, WRAL’s coverage of the meeting stated:
“While Mayor Harold Weinbrecht initially wanted to sell the properties after a more than hour-long discussion Tuesday night, the town council decided to assign its staff to come back with a plan to permanently preserve the properties.”
This wording incorrectly implies that my position changed during the discussion. It did not.
The council was unanimous throughout the discussion in supporting the permanent preservation of the properties as natural open space. A motion was made and unanimously approved directing staff to return with options for keeping the two properties as open space.
The distinction is important: I did not change my mind during the discussion. Rather, the council collectively discussed how best to accomplish the goal of permanently preserving the properties as natural open space and unanimously directed staff to develop options for doing so.
WRAL never seems to miss an opportunity to remind its audience how the state auditor views Cary, as it did again in this story, using phrases such as “culture of extravagant spending.” What the story does not mention is that Cary’s financial position is very strong and that the Town maintains the highest ratings of all major bond-rating agencies. Some have described Cary’s financial position as among the strongest in the nation.
It is also worth noting that WRAL appears to be regularly invited to State Auditor events. It will be interesting to see whether WRAL covers the State Auditor and State Treasurer headlining a Republican fundraising event in downtown Cary on September 29 at The Mayton Inn.
Meanwhile, ABC11 and CBS 17 did not appear interested in turning the Cary work session into a similar story; neither covered the work session nor produced a story about it.
Council Meeting
The council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of September on Thursday night. Council Member Bansal was absent due to illness, while Council Member Richards, who was also ill, participated in the meeting by phone. The agenda included nine consent items, one public hearing, and four discussion items.
The consent agenda continues to be lengthy, largely because most significant contracts involving the town now require council approval, a change implemented this year.
The public hearing concerned an annexation on Evans Road that would allow a single-family detached dwelling to connect to town utilities. No one spoke during the hearing, and the council approved the request unanimously.
The first discussion item was the Alston Commons PDP rezoning. The council had previously expressed concerns that only the carwash portion of the development might be built initially. In response, the applicant added conditions requiring the vertical-mixed-use portion of the development to move forward as well. The proposal was approved unanimously.
The second discussion item was an amendment to the previously approved developer agreement for the Number 5 mixed-use development, known as “Flat Iron Mixed Use.” The amendment would allow for additional residential units without increasing the approved building height. It would also modify the town’s participation in public utility costs, resulting in an estimated savings of approximately $1.5 million for the town. The council unanimously approved the amendment.
The third discussion item, an ordinance amendment addressing smoking and the use of e-cigarettes, was postponed until the council’s next meeting in October due to the absence of two council members.
The final discussion item was a proposal to transition the Transportation and Mobility Committee into a formal board. Although the change would require additional staff time from an already overburdened staff, the council decided to move forward with establishing the committee as a formal board.
Carolina Ballet
Friday night, I had the pleasure of attending a short performance by Carolina Ballet in what will soon become their new home in South Hills.
As part of the first phase of the South Hills redevelopment, Carolina Ballet will establish a permanent home in 36,000 square feet of the building at 1300 Buck Jones Road, transforming it into a vibrant arts and community hub where creativity and connection can thrive side by side.
For the first time in its history, Carolina Ballet will bring all aspects of the organization together under one roof. The new facility will feature five state-of-the-art ballet studios for professional dancers and students, administrative and artistic offices, a costume and production shop, storage, and a public atrium where visitors can watch rehearsals through glass studio walls.
The space will also include a flexible, approximately 200-seat black box theater designed for intimate performances, community partnerships, and creative exploration.
And that’s not all. The remaining 70,000 square feet of the development will feature restaurants, cafés, and gathering spaces, creating a destination that will bring people together in new and exciting ways.
Needless to say, this is going to be a very special place.
Welcome to your new home, Carolina Ballet! We can’t wait to see all that you will create here.
Latest Real Estate Update
Here is the latest real estate update from Berkshire Hathaway:
- 793 Home for sale in the last 30 days
- 43 days is average time on the market
- $723,776 was the average home price
- $748,128 was the average price sold
- There were 144 price reductions
Town Manager’s Report
Council,
It was a productive week, with strong presentations and discussions at both the work session and Council meeting. A personal highlight was joining Russ to meet with a delegation from Fayette County, Georgia, a visit coordinated through the Chamber, and having the opportunity to share what’s happening in Cary.
I hope everyone gets outside to enjoy the cooler temperatures this week.
Scot Berry
Assistant Town Manager
Ederlee Drive Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons
With up to $50,000 recently allocated by Council and support from the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Cary plans to install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at the Ederlee Drive crosswalk in October. The beacons will serve as an interim measure until NCDOT completes the installation of the Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB). Accessible roadside push buttons will activate beacons at the crosswalk and several hundred feet ahead, alerting drivers when pedestrians are waiting to cross. NCDOT has added an update about the interim installation to the project website, where residents can follow the progress of the pedestrian hybrid beacon.
Jordan Lake Seasonal Turnover
As temperatures cool, Jordan Lake undergoes a natural process called lake turnover. Cooler surface water becomes denser and sinks, mixing water throughout the lake. During this process, algae and other organic material can temporarily give drinking water an earthy taste or odor. These changes do not affect the safety of Cary’s drinking water. If you have questions regarding the seasonal variations in the taste of drinking water, information can be found here or by emailing 311@carync.gov.
NCDOT to Hold Public Meeting October 6
The N.C. Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting Tuesday, October 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at First Cary United Methodist Church, 117 S. Academy St., to review preliminary design plans for a future grade-separated railroad crossing. The project would eliminate the existing at-grade railroad crossing location on N.E. Maynard Road near its intersection with E. Chatham Street to improve vehicular mobility. In addition to grade-separating the rail crossing, a portion of E. Chatham St. will be shifted south to relocate it outside the existing railroad right-of-way. Design for the project is being finalized now, with right-of-way acquisition set to begin in 2028 and construction expected to start in 2031.
Seniors Learn Weatherization Tips
Staff and community partners helped older residents prepare their homes for cooler weather at an event Wednesday at the Senior Center. Environmental Outreach, Senior Services and Environment joined Duke Energy and Preserving Home to share tips for reducing drafts and conserving energy, along with information about available rebates, incentives and other resources. Attendees left with practical steps to make their homes more comfortable and potentially lower their energy costs.
Asia Fest Recap
Asian Focus welcomed an estimated 5,000 visitors to its 11th annual Asia Fest at Koka Booth Amphitheatre on Saturday, September 19. The festival featured food from across Asia, cultural performances, and a health fair, with dragon boat races on Symphony Lake as the centerpiece. The event celebrated the region’s vibrant and growing Asian community.
Growing the Next Generation of Urban Foresters
Urban Forester Leslie Moorman took Cary’s urban forestry experience to the classroom Tuesday, speaking with NC State horticultural science students preparing for careers in landscape management and environmental sustainability. Leslie gave the mostly junior-level class a look at how a municipal urban forestry program works in practice, from emerging trends and community engagement to collaboration across departments. The students brought plenty of questions as they explored what a career in urban forestry can look like.
Autumn Nights: An Evening of Soul and R&B
The Arts Center hosted Autumn Nights: An Evening of Soul and R&B on Saturday, Sept. 19. This concert headlined acclaimed, jazz–soul vocalist Kathy Kosins, whose four-decade career and expressive, dynamic performances have enchanted audiences worldwide. She was joined by award-winning, soul singer-songwriter Teri Tobin, known for her smooth vocals, sincere storytelling, and the powerful themes of passion and endurance. Together, they delivered a genre-blending concert filled with soul, artistry, and emotional richness to over 200 people.
Important Dates
Council Recommendations Committee
Monday, Sept. 28, 5:15 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A comment about the State Auditor: “Mayor have you seen the article from the N&O about Boliek? You can find it at A spike of troubling hires at the NC Auditor’s office | Raleigh News & Observer. I thought the following was interesting: ‘When Boliek took office, just six of the agency’s 159 positions were “exempt policymaking” or “exempt managerial” jobs. “Exempt” jobs lack key nonpartisan civil-service protections, giving the elected officeholder greater control over who fills them and whether they stay. For “exempt policymaking” jobs, state law explicitly contemplates “loyalty” to the elected official. During Boliek’s administration, those six exempt positions became 75 by July 2026. Yes, 75. That was more than one third of the office’s 204 positions.’
Do you have any comments about this? Do you feel that the council is a political target of the State Auditor?” (No comment)
- Complaints about the Convenience Center being shut down. ((In the 1950s, the Town built the convenience center within the railroad right-of-way. The railroad has now requested the property back, and we have been given until the end of this year to vacate the site. We do have enough space at the current location to continue accepting yard and food waste. However, other materials will need to be taken to one of the county’s convenience centers, which are located within 15 minutes of virtually anywhere in Cary. As a side note, Cary was the only municipality in Wake County operating its own convenience center; all the other municipalities rely on county facilities. Building a new convenience center in Cary is estimated to cost more than $5 million, which would equate to approximately one penny on the tax rate. The Town Council voted, in a public meeting with public input, not to pursue a new facility, particularly given that county convenience centers are readily available to Cary residents.)
- A recommendation that a task force look at energy efficient Data Centers.
- A request to support expanding the senior center.
- A request not to allow individual fireworks in Cary (Already not allowed)
- Comments about the properties at 600 and 604 Kildaire Farm Road.
- A complaint about neighbors and the police response.
- A complaint about Flock cameras
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Recommendations Committee meeting, a new board member orientation meeting, a meeting with visitors from Round Rock Texas, and the Oktoberfest opening.
My next post will be on Sunday, October 4th, 2026. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov. Note that all emails sent to me in my role as mayor are public documents.
Dashboard of Recommendations by Cherry Bekaert, OSA, and Womble Bond Dickinson
The latest updates on the Town’s actions in response to recommendations from Cherry Bekaert, the Office of the State Auditor (OSA), and Womble Bond Dickinson are available on the Town’s Moving Forward Dashboard. There are 39 recommendations in total. This link gives the progress on each of those recommendations:
https://www.carync.gov/connect-engage/newsroom/bottom-line/moving-forward-dashboard
You can also sign up to receive notifications whenever the dashboard is updated.
Council Initiated Items
The council has a process that allows members to introduce items for discussion at meetings, often leading to further action. Given the recent increase in these requests, I will begin sharing them here along with my perspective on their pros and cons.
Partnering with the school board to pilot school zone safety improvements
This proposal was submitted by Council Member Bansal, and I provided the second. It was brought up at the May 28th Council meeting.
Several schools in Cary, particularly middle schools and high schools, are experiencing transportation safety concerns on and around school property. While the schools are responsible for transportation operations on campus and NCDOT oversees roadway infrastructure decisions, progress on improvements has been slow and resident complaints have continued to increase. This proposal would direct staff to work collaboratively with the schools on programs and strategies to help address these concerns.
PROS:
- Allows the Town to take a more proactive role, even when we are not the primary decision-maker.
- Responds to growing community concerns regarding school transportation safety.
CONS:
- The Town is currently understaffed, so this effort could require shifting staff resources away from other projects.
- Potential solutions could result in additional costs to taxpayers if Cary contributes funding toward implementation.
E-Bike Safety
This proposal was submitted by Council Members Bansal and Richards and presented at the April 16th meeting. It was part of our June 23rd work session.
The council initially launched a pilot program in June 2022 to allow e-bikes. After a one-year trial period, the program was made permanent, with a posted speed limit of 15 mph on greenways. Recently, however, there have been complaints that e-bikes, scooters, and similar devices are traveling at excessive speeds and creating potentially hazardous conditions.
PROS:
- We are listening to our citizens’ complaints.
- Preventing e-bikes and scooters will possibly make greenways safer.
CONS:
- There is basically no way to enforce an ordinance that has e-bikes or not.
- Any enforcement effort would require additional officers and officers’ time. We are currently underfunding officers and require overtime to maintain existing levels of service.
- We are revisiting a decision that was made after a one-year trial and review of data.
Council will vote on a draft ordinance of this later this year.
Smoke Free Ordinance
This proposal was submitted by Mayor Pro-Tem Bush and Council Member Craig and presented at the April 16th meeting. It was part of our June 23rd work session.
PROS:
- Eliminates toxic secondhand smoke.
- Current ordinance does not match state law and Raleigh/Wake ordinance.
CONS:
- Any enforcement effort would require additional officers and officers’ time. We are currently underfunding officers and require overtime to maintain existing levels of service.
Council will vote on options to add to the current ordinance at the September 24th meeting.
Affordable Housing on Old Library Site
This proposal, submitted by Mayor Pro Tem Bush and Council Member Bansal, would place a podium-style parking deck with affordable housing on the former library site. This has yet to be scheduled for a meeting agenda.
PROS:
- Adds parking across from Downtown Cary Park.
- Create affordable housing units in the downtown area.
CONS:
- May underutilize one of the municipality’s most valuable properties. Downtown Cary Park generates approximately $16 million annually in economic impact, and this site could represent an opportunity for a more transformative use.
- The town has already invested millions in renovating the Ivey-Ellington House, positioning this area as a premier destination.
How Cary Government Works
Cary’s government, like most cities in North Carolina and most mid-sized cities in the U.S., uses a council–manager form of government. This system works a lot like a company, but for local government. Residents elect a council and a mayor, who set policy by passing laws, approving the budget, and guiding the town’s overall priorities. The council then hires a professional manager to run the town’s day-to-day operations.
Think of it like a company: the council acts like a board of directors, making policy and representing the public, while the city manager acts like a CEO, overseeing all departments, such as finance, public works, police, and fire, and managing town staff. The mayor leads council meetings, represents the town publicly, and has limited executive authority. While the council and mayor make policy decisions and receive regular reports, they usually see only high-level summaries rather than the detailed inner workings of each department.
In short, just as a board hires a CEO to run a company, Cary’s council hires a manager to run the town, ensuring professional management while elected officials focus on big-picture decisions and community priorities.
You can find additional information about how Cary’s government works on the town’s website here.
Purpose of this Blog
It is my hope that this blog will provide insight not only into who I am meeting with on behalf of the Town, but also the topics we discuss. I believe strongly in open and transparent government. This blog is one of several initiatives I implemented when I became mayor in 2007 to make the governmental process more accessible to our citizens.
This blog is written with sincerity, honesty, and a commitment to accuracy so our constituents can better understand the work we do. After all, we work for them!
