Cary #5 for Uncluttered Living
This week AOL announced that Cary was the #5 best place for uncluttered living in the U.S. saying it was great for income, job stability, and a space at home. Here is what they say about Cary:
“Cary has managed to grow to 180,000 people without becoming stressful. It posts a high median household income in the top ten (nearly $135,000), alongside a stable job market, a low obesity rate, an 81-year life expectancy and a crime rank near the safest in the field.
In the heart of the city, a walkable downtown offers dining, entertainment and natural space in easy reach. The Greenway makes it easy to take long walks or simply get from here to there on foot and with Durham and Raleigh just 15 to 25 minutes away, traffic stays loose.”
I very much appreciate AOL’s ranking. Too bad their population data is way behind. And they also used a picture of Raleigh instead of Cary. You can see the entire story at Best US cities for uncluttered living – AOL.
Trinity and Maynard Rail Bridges
A public meeting was held on October 6 at First United Methodist Church to discuss proposed grade-separated railroad crossings.
NCDOT is planning a grade-separated railroad crossing at Trinity Road and is currently gathering data, updating concepts, and evaluating alternatives. The primary purpose of the project is to improve traffic flow and safety. Construction and detours will be coordinated with the Maynard Road Grade Separation project (P-5718). Design is currently underway. NCDOT previously held a public meeting on November 20, 2023. Right-of-way acquisition is scheduled to begin in 2027, with construction anticipated to begin in 2029. The total estimated cost of the Trinity Road project is $37.7 million.
NCDOT is also planning a grade-separated railroad crossing at Maynard Road and is currently gathering data, updating concepts, and evaluating alternatives. The primary purpose of this project is to improve traffic flow and safety along the thoroughfare. Right-of-way acquisition is scheduled for fiscal year 2028, with construction anticipated to begin in fiscal year 2031. The total estimated cost of the Maynard Road project is $56.487 million.
NC Special Session
The North Carolina General Assembly convened a special session Wednesday to consider legislation that would suspend the state’s gas tax through the end of November. The measure passed the House by a vote of 111-1 and the Senate unanimously, 41-0. It now heads to the governor for consideration.
The legislation would temporarily suspend North Carolina’s 41-cent-per-gallon motor fuel tax and waive penalties associated with using dyed diesel fuel for agricultural purposes. The bill defines agricultural purposes to include crop cultivation, livestock production, forestry, aquaculture, and related agribusiness activities. It also provides an exemption from the motor fuel tax for highway use of dyed diesel through December 31, 2026.
The temporary suspension is expected to reduce state revenue by approximately $370 million. Lawmakers have indicated that state reserves will be used to offset the resulting revenue shortfall.
National Walk to School Day with Northwoods
Wednesday morning, I joined Council Member Craig for National Walk, Bike & Roll to School Day at Northwoods Elementary. This annual event, held on the first Wednesday of October, brings together students, families, and school staff across the country and around the world to walk, bike, or roll to school.
I thoroughly enjoyed talking with students and their parents along the way to Northwoods. Much of our route, which started at Godbold Park, followed a greenway, where students had created colorful chalk art ahead of time to make the walk even more special.
It was a wonderful way to connect with our community, promote healthy habits, and celebrate with our students. I’m already looking forward to next year’s walk!
Cary Tennis Classic Board Meeting
Wednesday night, I met with the Cary Tennis Classic Board. The Cary Tennis Classic is a professional tennis tournament on the Challenger level that takes place during Fourth of July week. Over the years, some of the top players in the world have competed in the Cary Tennis Classic.
It is the only professional tournament among the many events held each year at Cary Tennis Park. Tournaments like this provide millions of dollars in economic benefits to our community while also helping keep our taxes low.
During our meeting, we spent a great deal of time discussing tournament operations, particularly the new heat rules that have been implemented. Next year, several additional courts that are currently being upgraded to professional standards will be available for play. These courts will allow multiple matches to take place simultaneously and give us the flexibility to schedule matches at night when heat conditions warrant.
The Cary Tennis Classic is recognized as one of the best Challenger tournaments in the United States, and I hope we will continue to invest in and support our outstanding tennis facility. It is a great asset to Cary and an important contributor to our local economy.
Council Work Session
On Thursday afternoon, the Town Council held a work session to receive updates on the future Multi-Modal Center, the impact of rising fuel prices, and the new build-by-right legislation.
Multi-Modal Center
The proposed Multi-Modal Center will serve as a central hub for public transportation, bringing together local and regional bus service, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), intercity passenger rail, commuter rail, bike share, and rideshare services. The site encompasses just under 10 acres.
- Funding: All transit-related components will be funded through the Wake Transit Plan, which has funded all work completed to date.
- Planning: Town staff will lead most of the work, with support from outside consultants as needed.
- Public Input: Public engagement is scheduled to begin in January. Community feedback will help determine what additional amenities or services residents would like to see at the site, as well as what is physically and financially feasible.
- Council Decisions: Council is expected to make decisions regarding the project in the winter of 2028.
- BRT Timeline: Bus Rapid Transit service cannot come to Cary until the Multi-Modal Center is open. BRT service in Cary is currently expected to begin after 2030.
Impact of Rising Fuel Prices
Rising fuel prices are creating additional budget pressures for the Town, despite a decrease in overall vehicle fuel consumption.
- Gas Tax Suspension: The General Assembly voted to suspend the state gas tax through November, resulting in an estimated $330 million in lost revenue.
- Increased Fuel Costs: Fuel costs are up 54.1% compared with FY2026, representing an increase of $663,393.
- Budget Outlook: Fuel expenditures are projected to exceed the budget by $373,417.
- Projected Spending: Total fuel expenditures are estimated at $2,653,198.
- Reduced Consumption: Town vehicle fuel consumption is down by 171,660 gallons, a 1.4% decrease compared with FY2026.
Build-by-Right Legislation
Signed into law on August 11, 2026, the new build-by-right legislation changes how certain properties can be redeveloped in municipalities that meet specific population thresholds. The law applies to municipalities with populations of at least 80,000 in counties with populations of at least 1 million, based on the most recent census. This includes Cary, Raleigh, and Charlotte.
Under the legislation, qualifying parcels zoned for nonagricultural commercial, business, or light industrial uses may be redeveloped with multifamily buildings containing four or more residential units as a permitted use. This means qualifying projects can move forward without a Council approval decision. The law also establishes no height limits below 60 feet.
Hundreds of parcels in Cary are now subject to this legislation. The following rezoning cases currently in process are taking advantage of the new provisions:
- 26-REZ-06: Regency Woods
- 24-REZ-06: Regency MF
- 25-REZ-12: Trenton Road
- 26-REZ-10: E. Chatham
The legislation represents a significant change in the Town’s development review process, limiting Council’s role in decisions involving qualifying properties
Council Meeting
The Cary Town Council held its first regularly scheduled meeting of October on Thursday evening. The agenda included recognition of outgoing advisory board members, four consent agenda items, and one discussion item.
One notable consent agenda item was approval of the rezoning of the Hatcher Property, located off Morrisville Carpenter Road, to allow for the development of 52 detached dwellings.
The discussion item was a proposed ordinance amendment addressing smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes. Cary’s existing smoking ordinance, adopted in 2007, prohibits smoking in Town-owned buildings and vehicles but does not extend to outdoor Town property, the Town parks system, or enclosed public places throughout Cary.
The proposed amendment would update Town ordinances in three key ways: (1) prohibit smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices on Town grounds and throughout the Town parks system, including greenways and trails, in addition to Town buildings and vehicles; (2) prohibit smoking and the use of electronic smoking devices in private enclosed public places throughout Cary, while allowing limited, designated outdoor smoking areas that meet specific criteria; and (3) establish enforcement provisions consistent with state law.
Approval of the amendment at this meeting required the support of five of the six council members present. At future meetings, a simple majority would be sufficient. Council Member Bansal raised an objection, noting that she wanted additional information before moving forward. I chose to support her objection so the item could return at a future meeting, with the hope that council would have the information needed to receive unanimous support.
Town Manager’s Report
Council,
It was great seeing so many of you this week.
It looks like we might be in for a rainy weekend with the forecast from Hurricane Isaias, and I wanted to let you know that our Public Works and Public Safety teams are ready to respond if anything comes our way. After all the dry weather we’ve had, I’m hoping we’ll get some much-needed rain, just not too much at once. And since it’s hurricane season, it’s also a good reminder to sign up for ReadyWake alerts and encourage friends and neighbors to do the same.
I hope everyone has a great weekend.
Russ Overton
Interim Town Manager
Moving Forward Dashboard
Cary has updated its Moving Forward Dashboard to reflect progress through this week, changing the status of one recommendation to Complete (WBD 15) and one recommendation to Research (WBD 20).
Monthly Snapshot for Districts
NCDOT NE Maynard Grade Separation Public Meeting
On Tuesday, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) held a public meeting in downtown Cary to review proposed designs and answer questions about the proposed railroad grade separation on Northeast Maynard Road near East Chatham Street. The project would replace the existing at-grade crossing used by the North Carolina Railroad (NCRR), Norfolk Southern (NS), and CSX, separating vehicle and rail traffic to improve mobility. The project would also shift a portion of East Chatham Street south to relocate it outside the existing railroad right-of-way. The NCDOT public comment period is open through Oct. 27. Project design is being finalized, with right-of-way acquisition scheduled to begin in 2028 and construction expected to start in 2031.
Chamber Economic Development Meeting
Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry attended the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Meeting at the SAS Global Education Center on Wednesday. The program, “Inside SAS: Innovation & Growth — A Look Back and a Look Ahead,” explored SAS’s history, community impact, and outlook for future growth. Participation in these meetings is part of Cary’s ongoing economic development partnership with the Chamber to strengthen Cary’s business community.
Citizen Convenience Center Construction Begins
Beginning Monday, contractors will begin work at the Citizen’s Convenience Center to prepare for upcoming site changes. Planned improvements within the NC Railroad right-of-way require Cary to relocate portions of the facility’s operations. Work will include milling and paving in the lower facilities maintenance area to establish a new traffic pattern and access point for yard and food waste drop-off. The facility will remain open to residents during construction, with yard and food waste drop-off continuing at the site once work is complete.
CAWTF Receives Area-Wide Optimization Award
This week, the North Carolina Division of Water Resources (NCDWR) announced that the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) received the Area-Wide Optimization Program (AWOP) Award for the 15th consecutive year. This award recognizes drinking water facilities that consistently surpass federal and state drinking water standards. The CAWTF is one of only 20 statewide to earn gold star status by meeting AWOP requirements for at least 10 consecutive years. It recognizes outstanding turbidity removal, which is an indicator of drinking water quality.
GoCary Field Trip
Fifteen seniors participated in the first GoCary Field Trip, learning to navigate Cary’s fixed-route bus system with confidence. Seniors and Aging Program Manager Michelle Barrett and Transit Public Outreach Specialist Fabian Rodriguez guided participants through hands-on experience using the service. With 56 residents on the waiting list, the strong response highlights the importance of programs that support independence, mobility, and community connection. Additional field trips are planned for winter and spring.
Bands, Bikes, and Boats Recap
Approximately 250 people gathered at the Bond Park Boathouse on Oct. 3 to attend the Bands, Bites, and Boats season finale, enjoy food from local vendors, sample craft beer, and relax by the waterfront while listening to live music. The series drew approximately 2,457 attendees across six events from April through October and will resume next spring.
Mini Arts Fest at the Arts Center
On October 3, the Arts Education team hosted Mini Arts Fest at the Arts Center as part of National Arts and Humanities Month. The event celebrated visual, studio, and performing arts. Attendees enjoyed art classes, hands-on activities, demonstrations, a Shakespeare performance, a family dance party, an artist vendor market, face painting, and photo opportunities.
MEAC Fall Invitational Recap
The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) hosted its third Fall Tennis Invitational Oct. 2-4 at the Tennis Park. The tournament featured the conference’s top players competing in men’s and women’s singles and doubles. Winners earned automatic qualification for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I Singles and Doubles Championships in November.
Important Dates
Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, October 13
6:00 p.m.
Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, October 14
6:30 p.m.
Town Council Work Session
Thursday, October 15
5:30 p.m.
Greenway Committee
Thursday, October 15
6:00 p.m.
Mayor’s Mailbox
- A complaint about western Cary not having scheduled transportation: “I am sick and tired of Western Cary being ignored! Why are you servicing Raleigh when we in western Cary have no scheduled transportation service.” (We are not servicing Raleigh, and we have been looking into moving funds from the downtown circulator to a route from western Cary).
- Complaints about the NCDOT rail project on Maynard that will tax businesses. (This is a NCDOT project and not a Cary decision)
- A complaint about graffiti on Maynard (It was on an AT&T box. They eventually removed graffiti after we called again).
- A request for a proclamation
- A complaint about the Twin Lakes ponds not being full. (We are waiting on permission from NC Dam Safety to be able to fill the lakes).
Next Week
Next week’s activities include staff meetings, Council Work Session, and the SAS Championship.
My next post will be on Sunday, October 18th, 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.
The council did not have enough votes to amend the current ordinance at the October 8th meeting. It will return for another vote at a future 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!
