Harold's Blog

Cary #13 in America for Safest Cities to Trick-Or-Treat

Monday I received information that Cary was one of the safest cities to trick-or-treat in America according to SafeHome.org. This study ranks 161 U.S. cities according to their relative safety for children and families participating in trick-or-treating on Halloween night. Cary was ranked 13^th. The analysis integrates crime, traffic safety, and public safety resources into a composite Safety Index, ensuring that comparisons are made on a standardized basis across cities of varying size.

Council Meeting Prep

I contacted each of the council members on Monday to hear of any concerns about the upcoming agenda. Council members expressed concerns with the Alston Commons rezoning proposal.

Later in the day I met with staff to discuss the agenda items. At that time, we were not aware of any major public concerns with agenda items.

Manager One-On-One

The town manager and I met for our weekly meeting on Monday. Some of the topics we talked about included crosswalks, the accident at Panther Creek High School, the campaign season, and complaints from the individual who lives across from the Downtown Cary Park’s dog park

Wake County Mayors

I attended a meeting of the Wake County Mayors Association on Monday night. Attending were the mayors of Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Zebulon.

A representative from NCDOT Division 5 (mostly Wake County) gave a presentation. I hope to provide some of that information in a future post. One interesting note was about monies spent for the recovery of Hurricane Helene. The money spent will not prevent or delay future projects but instead will be taken from highway maintenance.

Council District B Community Meeting

A community meeting for District B was held Tuesday night in the Cary theater. Council member Craig gave opening remarks, I gave a brief presentation on the State of Cary, and staff provided other information and updates related to the district and the town overall. Then council member Craig and I were joined by council members Bush and Kohn-Johnson to address questions from the audience. After about thirty minutes of questions, we adjourned and continued to answer questions for another thirty minutes. There were about three dozen people in attendance.

Town of Conover

Wednesday night I had the pleasure of meeting with the Mayor of Conover NC, a few of their council members, the city manager, and several staff members. They were here mostly to see Downtown Cary Park. We had a great conversation and shared stories of issues we have in common. They were a great group and Conover is well represented. Before they left I had my picture made with the mayor, council, and manager.

Council Work Session

Council held a work session on Thursday evening to discuss the council schedule, get an update on utility payment and meter reading, and transportation system requirements.

There were two council calendar entries of note, a quarterly meeting will be held on November 13 and the swearing in of council members will be on December 4.

The first topic was on Cary’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure. Key Points in this discussion:

• Cary’s first-generation smart meters have surpassed their intended life span of ten years.
• Supply chain disruptions delayed meter replacement efforts.
• Full replacement of all first-generation smart meters (28,436) is planned by the end of 2025.
• All 14 base stations have already been replaced to improve performance.
• The original meters were SRII meters which were first generation and lasted about ten years.
• The new meters are IPERL meters, have no moving parts, and should last twenty years.

The second topic of discussion was about cumulative effects of development projects on traffic. Key takeaways from this discussion include:

• Review of approved zoning cases over the past three years shows no cases would have triggered a cumulative Traffic Analysis Report (TAR) analysis.
• Zoning conditions are voluntary and must be offered by the applicant.
• Practices of neighboring municipalities may offer potential TAR changes depending on the Council’s desired goals.

After much discussion on what triggers a traffic study and what neighboring municipalities are doing, the staff agreed to discuss with developers and provide additional information in the future.

Council Meeting

The last regularly scheduled council meeting of October was held on Thursday night. The agenda included three presentations, four consent items, two public hearings, and two discussion items. One item for discussion, 22-REZ-20 Alston Commons PDP, was tabled indefinitely at the request of the applicant when the agenda was adopted. It was questionable as to whether the Alston Commons PDP proposal had enough support for approval.

Presentations included a proclamation recognizing Diwali to the SV temple, a proclamation recognizing Cyber Security Awareness month, and a proclamation recognizing the 66^th Cary High School band day on November 1^st.

The first public hearing was a rezoning proposal 25-REZ-08 on Green Level Church Road for up to six single family homes on 3.31 acres. Speakers complained about traffic and stormwater that would come with the development. This will go to Planning and Zoning Board for their review and recommendation and will be returned to council in a few months for a final decision.

The second public hearing was for an annexation 25-A-07 on the corner of Bayoak Drive and High House Road. The owner’s intention is to develop residential detached dwellings. There were no speakers, and this was approved unanimously by council.

The discussion item was for Data Governance Strategy Policy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Review. After discussion and questions the council unanimously adopted Policy Statement 188: Data Governance Strategy and Policy Statement 189: Artificial Intelligence. AI continues to evolve rapidly as will these policies.

After a close session the council meeting concluded after about three hours.

Dorcas Rebrand

Dorcas has recently merged with Western Wake Crisis Ministries. As a result, they are launching their rebrand at their annual fundraising breakfast on November 13^th. I was asked to be part of a short video that will also include Apex Mayor Gilbert and Morrisville Mayor Cawley. I was interviewed for my part on Friday morning with questions focusing on being a good neighbor.

Legislative Update

The following is this week’s legislative update was provided by Checkmate Government Relations:

“Tensions between legislative leaders resurfaced this week as discussions around the state budget and major policy items once again stalled.

Senate Rules Chairman Bill Rabon returned four bills to the House that were ruled ineligible under the chambers’ agreed-upon rules for the October session:

• SB 378 – Align Medicaid Eligibility with Federal Law
• SB 405 – Healthcare Investment Act
• SB 599 – State/Teacher Pay & Local LEO Bonus
• HB 491 – Medicaid Rebase Funding

The Senate argues the House violated procedural rules by sending bills over not permitted under the current adjournment resolution, while the House continued advancing its preferred versions. The dispute underscores the ongoing rift between legislative leadership, leaving major issues such as state employee pay raises, Medicaid funding, and the overall budget unresolved.

You can read the full press release from Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger here.

Still, not all was lost this week. Lawmakers enacted SB 449 (SL 2025-97) Continuing Budget Operations Part IV., which includes several positive changes, such as waiving State Health Plan local government surcharges and clarifying criminal history background check requirements, two issues created under prior legislation this session.”

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

This week reminded me of how many ways our community comes together to celebrate, serve, and support one another. I was honored to join Governor Josh Stein and community members at the SV Temple for the signing of the Diwali Proclamation and designating Hindu Heritage Month, a celebration that beautifully reflects Cary’s spirit of unity and inclusion.

I also had the opportunity to connect with inspiring mothers and daughters at the National Charity League event, where service and leadership go hand in hand, and at the Equality NC Gala, which honored decades of advocacy for a more equitable North Carolina.

The week ended close to home at the Advisory Volunteer Event in Downtown Cary Park, where we recognized the dedicated residents who lend their time and expertise to Cary’s boards and commissions. Their contributions help shape the thoughtful, community-driven decisions that make Cary such a special place to live. Thank you to everyone who continues to invest their time, energy, and heart in making Cary stronger together.

Carissa Kohn-Johnson

All Hands Meeting

Councilmember Jack Smith participated in the Town’s internal All Hands meeting, where staff honored him as the longest-serving councilmember. His decades of experience continue to provide valuable insight and leadership.

Habitat for Humanity Anniversary Event

Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Lori Bush attended the 40th Anniversary celebration of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. Habitat’s work has empowered families for decades by building homes, stability, and hope. With one in four Wake County residents housing cost-burdened, their mission is more vital than ever.

Celebration at SV Temple

Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the signing of the Diwali Proclamation and designating Hindu Heritage Month by Governor Josh Stein at the SV Temple. The event honored the cultural significance of Diwali and celebrated community unity.

Furniture Store Grand Opening

Councilmember Jack Smith attended the grand opening of Bob’s Discount Furniture in Cary. The company, originally founded in the Northeast, is expanding its presence into North Carolina with this opening.

Groundbreaking for Lucy Daniels Center Expansion

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Lori Bush attended the groundbreaking of the expanded Lucy Daniels Center for Early Childhood. The expansion will triple the number of children served annually, providing essential mental health services to over 1,500 children. The Center has supported families across the Triangle for 35 years.

National Charity League Event

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended a National Charity League event. The organization empowers mothers and daughters through leadership and service, contributing nearly three million volunteer hours annually to over 6,000 charities nationwide.

Equality NC Gala

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the Equality NC Gala. Equality North Carolina is the nation’s oldest statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, working to build a safer and more equitable future for all.

Advisory Volunteer Event

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith attended the Advisory Volunteer Event at Downtown Cary Park. The event recognized the service of outgoing, current, and incoming advisory board volunteers as part of the Jazz’d Up Sundays concert series.

Grand Opening of Local Spa

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended the grand opening of Aura Bliss Spa, supporting a new local business in our community.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

Assistant Town Manager Danna Widmar and I had the opportunity to present at the UNC School of Government this week on building trust through equitable engagements, specifically how Cary works to move beyond individual preferences toward a shared sense of responsibility. The session offered a chance to reflect on the partnership between elected officials, staff, and citizens that defines our community. Danna’s thoughtful remarks on Count Me In, Cary! captured the depth of her leadership.

The questions and dialogue reminded us that Cary’s success is rooted not in a single program or policy, but in the culture of learning and collaboration that Council has made possible. I left feeling deeply grateful for the partnership of colleagues like Danna, for the hospitality of UNC’s faculty, and for the continued opportunity to represent Cary among those who serve with purpose.

On a personal note, I am off today spending time with my daughter who is home on fall break.

Sean

Early Voting

Additional Early Voting sites will open on October 25. Wake County voters can vote at Herb Young Community Center, and Chatham County voters can vote at New Hope Baptist Church in Apex. This is in addition to the Wake County Board of Elections and the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, which opened last week.

Early Voting ends November 1, and Election Day is November 4. You can vote early at any Early Voting location in the county where you live, but on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling place.

Weston Parkway Bridge Maintenance

Beginning October 27, the westbound lanes of Weston Parkway will close for bridge maintenance over Black Creek through early December, weather dependent. To maintain two-way traffic, westbound vehicles will be shifted to an eastbound lane. Turning movements at Verizon Driveway and Winstead Drive will be limited to right-in and right-out only, with detours available via Norwell Boulevard and Old Reedy Creek Road. Drivers should anticipate changes in traffic patterns and possible delays.

GoCary Service Changes

On November 1, GoCary will launch two new routes with connections to Raleigh and Apex. Route 2 will connect downtown Cary, NC State University Centennial Biomedical Campus (CBC), and the NC State Fairgrounds. Route 9 will replace the Apex-Cary Express with a local route offering all-day service between downtown Cary and downtown Apex. In addition to the new routes, schedule changes to existing routes and systemwide accessibility improvements will expand access, enhance mobility, and strengthen regional connections.

Moldovan Delegation Visits Cary

On Thursday, Assistant Town Managers Danna Widmar, Shelley Curran, and Scot Berry, along with Town Attorney Lisa Glover, Chief Strategy Officer Susan Moran, Marketing & Creative Manager Kristy Buchanan, and Marketing Strategist Sean Maroney, welcomed a delegation from Moldova hosted by the NC Department of Secretary of State.

The group included mayors, local government division directors, and a county commissioner who were interested in Cary’s public-private partnerships, organizational structure, and stormwater management. They were highly impressed by the Imagine Cary Community Plan’s long-range vision and the walking tour of the Downtown Cary Park. Here’s what the group’s district council president shared online.

EDF Cities Initiative and SSDN Meeting

Cary welcomed 40 local and regional leaders to Bond Park Community Center on Tuesday for a joint meeting of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Cities Initiative and the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN). NC Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) Secretary D. Reid Wilson, and representatives of Duke Energy and the Sierra Club, led thoughtful discussions on North Carolina’s Carbon Plan, non-residential solar and battery storage opportunities, and the challenges facing communities in advancing climate and energy goals. Cary showcased the Pierce Volterra electric fire truck, inspiring other municipal leaders to explore similar innovations.

WWWRF Forcemain Repair Training

This week, local contractors joined staff to participate in a steel pipe repair training session focused on repair methods for the 54-inch steel effluent force main. This style pipe has been in service since 2014, and transports treated wastewater 11.5 miles from the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WWWRF) to the Cape Fear River. Participants were trained in the latest repair techniques and materials to ensure readiness and collaboration in the event of an emergency.

Harvest Fest Recap

Harvest Fest welcomed a record 1,500 guests to Good Hope Farm last Saturday, reflecting growing community interest in Cary’s agricultural and environmental initiatives. The event showcased strong partnerships with organizations such as Future Farmers of America, NC Forest Service, NC Bluebird Society, Piedmont Fibershed, Farmer Food Share, NC Conservation Network, and others that help advance Cary’s sustainability and local food goals. Participants enjoyed engaging environmental education, children’s activities, and farm tours connecting them to the people and programs that keep Cary rooted in environmental stewardship and cultural heritage.

Mummy and Son Ball

On October 21, the annual Mummy and Son Ball brought Halloween magic to life as mummies and sons gathered for an evening of spooky fun and laughter. The event featured a variety of carnival games, a Halloween costume contest, and the “Not So Scary” Halloween tale of the Giant Whistling Frog said to live in the mysterious woods of Ritter Park. To end the night on a sweet note, families roasted “ghosts” over the fire for delicious s’mores.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting Cancelled

The Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting for 25-REZ-13 & 611 E. Chatham has been cancelled at the applicants request.

For more information visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Important Dates

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, October 27
6:30 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

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

• Agreeing with me that “blame and hurt is the culture today”.
• A complaint about the Weston rezoning proposal 24-REZ-14.
• Several complaints about Eastman’s mailer which used a logo very similar to Cary’s logo.
• A complaint debris on Jones Franklin Road, tree limbs down on West Chatham, and buckling pavement on Meeting Street.
• Thanks for the police officer’s help in a hit and run case.
• A request to not pick up leaves to help wildlife.
• A complaint that I didn’t respond to an email “You silence is deafening. Hope your children and grandchildren are not listening. You have allowed a very vile old man to take your humanity and your dignity. …” (Wow! This was after he agreed with me that blame and hurt is the culture of today. I didn’t know he was waiting for a response. I certainly will.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a State of Cary address at Carpenter Village, a joint meeting of the Capital Area MPO and Triangle West Transportation Planning Organization, and the 5^th Annual Taste of China Festival.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, November 2^nd, 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.

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 28^th through July 5^th.

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 36^th 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 11^th 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.

25^th 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.

• 25-REZ-13 607 & 611 E. Chatham

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 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 26^th, 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.

New Legislation Harms Cary’s Authority

Monday I received information about new state legislation that took effect. On September 25^th 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 25^th 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 25^th SAS Championship and the 2^nd 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 25^th 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 11^th 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 25^th 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 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 17^th 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 19^th, 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.

NC Legislative Update

Monday I received a legislative update from the Executive Director of the NC Metro Mayors:

“On last week’s special Coalition call, we provided a wrap-up of last week’s General Assembly session, which took place from September 22 to 24. During their three days of meetings, legislators considered a variety of topics, including criminal justice, regulatory reform, and specific appropriations. Below is a brief overview of the issues discussed and some of the bills that were passed.

Mini Budget

As negotiations on a comprehensive budget plan remain stalled, legislative leaders introduced their second proposal to provide additional funding for state programs.HB 358 Continuing Budget Operations IIincludes funding for a variety of programs, including $65 million in state relief funds to communities damaged by Tropical Storm Chantal in July, as well as continuing relief monies for those communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. The bill also allocated funds to support various economic development projects.

The following issues are not addressed in this bill. These two items, while a fraction of what was included in each chamber’s comprehensive appropriations proposals, represent areas of significant disagreement between House and Senate leadership. 

• Funding for the proposed UNC-Duke Children’s Hospital in Apex. 
• Additional funding to support future gaps in Medicaid funding as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress earlier this year. 

Regulatory Reform

Lawmakers compiled various regulatory reform provisions from bills that did not become law, along with a few new ones, into HB 926 Regulatory Reform Act of 2025, which was considered this week. The wide-ranging bill includes provisions related to on-site wastewater facilities and civil actions to recover for a trespass. The bill comprises more than 30 sections spanning over 25 pages, with 10 sections of particular interest to local governments in general. We refer you to the September 26 email from the NCLM Government Affairs team, which summarizes all of these provisions.

Criminal Justice 

Legislators introduced HB 307 Iryna’s Law, to address numerous criminal justice issues that were both borne out by the situation related to the individual charged in the case, as well as other items of interest to legislative leadership. Many of the items included in HB 307 were supported by Governor Josh Stein and reflected in his recent public statements. The bill contains procedural changes on topics such as pretrial release, aggravating sentencing factors, and involuntary commitment, as well as a study of mental health and the criminal justice system, and additional assistant district attorney positions in Mecklenburg County. The bill also includes a provision that would open the opportunity for consideration of other methods of execution if the current method, lethal injection, is deemed unconstitutional. Additionally, it clarifies the statutory language related to medical professionals’ participation in the execution process, addressing a long-standing dispute between the state and medical providers.

The bill passed the Senate by a 28-8 vote and the House by a vote of 81-31. It now proceeds to the Governor for his consideration. If the Governor vetoes the bill, both chambers would likely have the votes to override it, as the Senate had two Republican members absent, which would bring their total to the required threshold.

Also, while seven bills remain on the list of those vetoed by Governor Stein, none were considered for an override vote during last week’s session. They remain eligible for consideration through the end of the biennium next year. 

Notwithstanding any emergency issues requiring their earlier return, legislators will be back in Raleigh October 20 through 23 for their next monthly session.”

Cary #2 Real Estate Market in US

WalletHub recently named Cary as the second-best real estate market in the US. Here is what the Triangle Business Journal said about that ranking:

“One of the hottest towns for growth in North Carolina is getting national status.

Cary has been named the second-best real estate market in the U.S. due, in large part, to its relatively low cost of living. The town was also highlighted in a recent study from WalletHub for its relatively low home energy costs, phone service costs and home maintenance costs.

But housing affordability remains an issue.

“It can be a bit pricey to buy a house to begin with, as Cary ranks 96th for housing affordability — but that’s still in the cheapest third of the 300 cities in our study,” WalletHub noted. “In addition, once people buy a house in Cary, the value is forecasted to rise by 0.1% per year” — the 45th-highest increase among the 300 cities studied.

The study also found that Cary had the second-lowest foreclosure rate.

The median sales price for a single-family home in Cary in August was $690,000, according to Doorify MLS, down 8 percent year-over-year.

Durham ranked No. 4 in the study and Raleigh came in at No. 13. The only other North Carolina city in the top 30 was Charlotte, which ranked No. 12.

To determine the best local real estate markets in the U.S., WalletHub compared 300 cities of varying sizes across 17 key indicators of housing-market attractiveness and economic strength. The data set ranged from median home-price appreciation to job growth. …”

I am proud that Cary is once again being recognized nationally as one of the best.

Manager One-On-One

Monday, the manager and I met for our weekly one-on-one. Topics included speeding enforcement at West Cary Middle School, holidays, the convenience center, potential future bonds, and the SAS Championship.

Oktoberfest

Friday evening I joined council members Smith and Craig for the 11^th Triangle Oktoberfest opening ceremony at Booth Amphitheater. This tradition has become an opportunity for all surrounding communities to come together to share great food, music, and fellowship. It is sponsored by the Cary and Apex Rotary Clubs and benefits charitable organizations like the Miracle League of the Triangle.

The opening ceremony includes remarks from Rotary representatives, sponsors, and the mayors of Cary and Apex. Then I usually tap the keg. This year I passed that honor to long time council member Jack Smith, who was born in Germany, and is serving his 36^th and last year as council member.

After the opening I visited and had my picture made with several people including Mayor Gilbert of Apex.

Special guests at this year’s event included a delegation from Wiesbaden, Germany. It is my hope that Wiesbaden and Cary will be sister cities soon.

Wiesbaden Delegation Visits

Sunday morning, I, along with council members Smith and Craig, joined members of Cary Sister Cities and visitors from Wiesbaden, Germany for brunch at the Mayton Inn. The Wiesbaden visitors spent Saturday touring Cary, visiting Oktoberfest, and attending a soccer match at WakeMed. Their Sunday itinerary included shopping in Fenton with entertainment and meals at Sports and Social. Monday they will visit Fire Station #2 and Wake STEM Early College before heading home.

After our brunch we exchanged gifts. Part of my gift was a letter from Wiesbaden mayor Gert-Uwe Mande:

“Dear Mayor Weinbrecht,

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your kind invitation to visit Cary, which I extend also on behalf of the Magistrate of Wiesbaden.

The three distinguished representatives from our Committee on Education, Culture, and Twin Cities – Mr. Martin Woltschell, Mr. Christian Diers, and Mr. Thomas Schwarze – are very much looking forward to their stay in Cary. They will be delighted to engage with your community, and it is a wonderful opportunity for them to learn more about your city and its citizens.

I hear they are particularly excited about participating in the Oktoberfest festivities. I am sure it will be fascinating for them to experience such as a deeply rooted German tradition with an American twist.

Please convey my warmest regards to everyone involved in making this visit possible. I am confident that our representatives will return with great memories and valuable insights, and I look forward to hearing about their experiences.

With kind regards from Wiesbaden

Gert-Uwe Mende”

I thoroughly enjoyed talking with the visitors from Wiesbaden and we have a lot we can gain from each other. I look forward to the beginning of a partnership that hopefully will last for generations.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

October is a month that truly reflects the richness of our community. Across many cultures and traditions, this is a time for reflection, remembrance, and celebration. From honoring history and heritage, to gathering with loved ones, to enjoying the lighter side of the season, October brings a wide variety of holidays that highlight the diversity of Cary.

What makes our town so special is how each of us can celebrate in ways that are meaningful to our families while also appreciating the traditions of our neighbors. These moments remind us that Cary’s strength lies in our ability to come together, learn from one another, and celebrate both what we share and what makes us unique.

As we move through this month, I encourage you to take time to connect—with your family, your neighbors, and your community. May October be a season of discovery, celebration, and unity for us all.

Jennifer Bryson Robinson

Mayor Pro-Tem

Cary Honored with Anthemion Award

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Capital Area Preservation (CAP) Anthemion Awards Dinner, where the Town was honored for its collaborative work to preserve, repurpose, and adaptively reuse the historic Ivey-Ellington House.

White Oak Foundation Tour

Councilmember Sarika Bansal met with Charles R. Tyner for a tour of The White Oak Foundation, Inc., a beacon of hope and stability for countless families. With a mission spanning foreclosure prevention, community education, food security, scholarships, and crisis assistance, White Oak transforms lives and strengthens communities. Continued donor support ensures their impact will endure, bringing greater economic stability and brighter futures across the region.

Exploring Innovation in the AI Era

Councilmember Lori Bush participated in the Public Sector Executive Accelerator on Innovation in the AI Era. The program provided an open exchange of ideas and solutions, discussions of emerging opportunities and challenges, and valuable peer learning with leaders navigating AI’s evolving role in government.

Cary’s Fleet Excellence Recognized

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson, and Council joined Fleet Division Manager Brandon Pasinski and the Fleet Division to celebrate Cary’s leadership in municipal fleet operations, recognized by Pasinski’s selection as both North Carolina State and National Fleet Manager of the Year.

Commitment to Aging Advocacy

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined Michelle Barrett, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging, along with incoming Senior Advisory Board Chair Erin Nortenen and Vice Chair Ron Brigham, at the NC Coalition on Aging Annual Luncheon. The gathering brought together advocates, policymakers, and leaders statewide to celebrate accomplishments and set future priorities, reaffirming Cary’s commitment to supporting older adults through collaborative, statewide efforts.

Farm to Fork Support Good Hope Farm

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Lori Bush and Michelle Craig joined the community for the annual “Farm to Fork” event on Friday, September 26. The experience featured locally sourced food and drinks with a gourmet buffet, live music, and curated beer and cider. Proceeds support Good Hope Farm’s mission of connecting the community to local food, supporting new and beginning farmers, and preserving Cary’s agricultural legacy.

Community Fun at Hangout Bar & Grill

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Lori Bush and Michelle Craig joined the community for the annual “Farm to Fork” event on Friday, September 26. The experience featured locally sourced food and drinks with a gourmet buffet, live music, and curated beer and cider. Proceeds support Good Hope Farm’s mission of connecting the community to local food, supporting new and beginning farmers, and preserving Cary’s agricultural legacy.

Mayor Reads Duck for President

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht served as a Mystery Reader at Adams Elementary on Friday afternoon, reading Duck for President to two third-grade classes.

Try Transit Week at Cary High School

Councilmember Michelle Craig and GoCary staff connected with students at Cary High School during their lunch to wrap up Try Transit Week. With a bus stop near campus, this was an opportunity to share the ease of taking the bus for free with more than 200 stop options. They can get to jobs, recreation, shopping, and so much more. 

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

SAS Media Day is one of those events that shows off Cary at its best. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate this week, and it was canceled.

Next week we welcome the SAS Championship, one of the highlights of Cary’s sports calendar. SAS week shines a national spotlight on Cary and reinforces our reputation as a premier sports destination. We’re grateful for the partnership that makes these events possible and look forward to another successful tournament.

Sean

Follow up on Weston Rezoning 24-REZ-14

During the public hearing for the Weston rezoning case (24-REZ-14) last week, there was discussion regarding the study that was recently done for the Weston PDD. Specifically, based on various inquiries, staff brought a proposal to Council in December 2021 to initiate and fund a bicycle, pedestrian, and transportation study for Weston. Council appropriated $150K for a study to evaluate needs and make recommendations regarding how to achieve a better multi-modal environment in the future.

The study was completed in November 2024. In addition to recommendations regarding mobility, the study also makes some preliminary land use recommendations for future development and redevelopment. In response to the study, at the Council’s annual retreat in February 2025, staff suggested the idea of creating a Special Planning Area (SPA) for Weston in the Cary Community

Plan. Council was receptive to pursuing this concept. Staff is working on procedural options for this process and anticipate sharing these options with Council in 2026.

In the interim though, the Weston Mobility and Land Use Study is simply a study and has not been adopted at this time. Thus, the study does not serve to regulate rezonings or other development proposals in Weston. In response to inquiries from citizens, we have added a link to the study on the project’s webpage.

Crime Statistics

Statistically, overall crime in Cary is down this year compared to last year. Violent crime is certainly down, but we are very concerned about the number of gun related incidents and increased gun related activity. Overall crime in Cary is driven by property crimes, particularly larceny from auto, auto theft, and shoplifting. Although larceny from motor vehicle incidents (vehicle burglaries) are down about 15%, the number of vehicles broken into has skyrocketed.

We report crime data to the State and FBI through their Incident-Based Reporting (IBR) system.

These numbers are the resource used for cross city/town comparisons. To understand how these are counted: if five cars are broken into at Bass Pro Shop, it is counted as one incident, even though there are five victims. That is one reason we internally track victimization (the number of vehicles) as well.

AMI Updates

I’m pleased to share progress on our meter replacement program, and the significant progress that has been made this year. Our focus on Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and replacing aging smart meters is vital for ensuring we generate the revenue needed to sustain our essential utility

services for Cary, Morrisville, RDU, and Wake RTP.

Meter Program and AMI Updates:

• Revenue Impact: Our smart water meters generate approximately $90M annually for Cary’s water and sewer utility services.
• Meter Population: Cary’s total smart meter population is approximately 75,000 meters.
• Replacement Progress: Meter replacements of aging first generation mechanical meters are actively underway and will continue through the end of this calendar year until completed.
• Zero-Read Reduction: Meters with no registered usage, often called zero-reads have decreased to fewer than 450 and continue to decline. This is a significant improvement from around 3,600 zero-reads referenced earlier in the year when failures were more common due to colder weather combined with failing meters at the end of service life.
• Aging Meter Replacement Timeline: We remain on track to complete all remaining first-generation model #SRII (mechanical meter) replacements by the end of 2025.
• Tower Gateway Base Station Upgrades: We’ve replaced 14 tower gateway base stations with modern equipment, which improves the overall performance of automated meter reading.
• Progress to Date: By the end of 2025, we will have replaced 28,436 meters over the last three years, as follows:
  • 1,500 large commercial meters replaced 22,249 residential meters already replaced
  • 4,687 residential meters remaining to replace
  • 28,436 total meters replaced by end of 2025

While we’ve made substantial progress, we remain committed to a proactive, asset management-driven approach. This ensures that future meter replacements are done at sustainable intervals, helping us to maintain long-term efficiency and performance.

Koka Booth Amphitheater Parking Strategy and Revenue Optimization 2025

Koka Booth Amphitheatre (KBA) is a 7,000-capacity outdoor venue owned by the Town of Cary, hosting more than 120 events annually and welcoming over 330,000 attendees each year. The Town contracts with ASM Global to manage the facility, including operations, marketing, and event booking. KBA manages 2,143 parking spaces across several lots, serving staff, ADA patrons, VIPs, and general attendees.

Koka Booth Amphitheatre routinely charges for parking depending on the size of the event, type of rental, and goals associated for the event. Parking fees are tiered based on lot location and the nature of the event. Parking revenues are commonly leveraged per event, per group, to meet goals of each stakeholder involved. Currently staff believe the fees associated with parking satisfy most stakeholder groups, maximizing a balance between revenue / ability to secure artists and events /cost / staff time / etc. Staff regularly assess, often on a case-by-case basis, these factors and how they fit into our overall budget strategy for KBA.

Parking Space Allocation:

Category	Space	Fee (if applicable)
Staff	60 max	Free with credential
ADA	96	Free with hang tag
VIP	82	Free with credential
Premiere	181	$25
Preferred	200	$20
General (lots at 9000 & 11000 Regency Lakeview)	1524	Usually Free, sometimes $5-$15 depending on event.
Total	2143	–

Types of Events at Koka Booth:

In general, KBA is a performance rental venue. KBA works with rental groups to determine parking based on the size and scale of the event. KBA typically requires traffic control when an event draws 2,000 attendees or more. To pay for traffic control to manage the event size, the rental organizer often elects to charge for parking.

Charging for parking is a tool KBA routinely uses to control traffic flow in and around the venue. Once a decision is made to charge for parking at an event, additional staffing is required to manage parking passes/charge for parking passes at all entry points.

Type of Event	Examples of Event	Parking Considerations
Rentals – Free Parking	Josh Cellars Jazz Series Triangle Wind Ensemble’s Koka Kids concerts Charity events (i.e. Triangle LUNGe Forward 5K, LLS Light the Night, Unleashed Pet Expo)
Rentals – Paid Parking + Traffic Control	Hub Sub Diwali Triangle Oktoberfest Night Nation Run	$10 General/ $20 Preferred $5 General/$15 Preferred $15 Event Parking
National Touring Acts	An Evening w/ John Legend Billy Strings Maren Morris	$25 Premier/$20 Preferred Sharing ancillary revenues such as parking is standard among show deals featuring national acts. Because of the limited number of premium seats, the venue depends on revenue from parking and other ancillary sources to remain competitive in attracting national touring acts.
NC Symphony Partnership		$25 Preferred
Chinese Lantern Festival		Paid parking ($10 car) is limited to the parking lot within easy walking distance to the venue.

Chinese Lantern Festival

The Chinese Lantern Festival (CLF) runs for approximately 58 nights each season. On most nights, cars are charged $10 to park in the closest lots. This rate reflects both the duration of the event and what the market will bear. Unlike concerts, which typically last 3–4 hours, the average CLF

attendees spend about one hour at the event, allowing for higher turnover of spaces. As a result, the per-night revenue generated per space is comparable to concerts.

Parking is not charged on select low-attendance nights, when the cost of staffing and traffic control would outweigh the benefit.

The chart below shows our three-year average for paid parking at CLF is $154,017 in revenue to $48,486 in costs, which gives us a cost of 31 cents to collect each dollar. Making CLF, as it is across the board, a financial win for Cary. CLF covers both its own costs and assists in supporting

the entire venue financially.

2022-2023	2023-2024	2024-2025	3-year Avg
$127,200	$144,880	$189,970	$154,017	Revenue
$(33,848)	$(42,671)	$(63,937)	$(46,819)	Staffing Cost
$ –	$ –	$(5,000)	$(1,667)	Lot Rental
$93,352	$102,209	$121,033	$105,531	Net Revenue

Parking Financial Overview (For Fiscal Year 2025)

Collecting parking fees is a revenue source but comes with an operational expense. In 2024 parking operations resulted in a net positive margin of $135,343. In general, for every dollar generated, it costs Cary 65 cents to collect it due to staffing and infrastructure needs for parking management.

Parking fees collected for events help offset some of KBA’s operational expenses, as non-profits often receive waivers and steep discounts on rent and other fees.

Gross Revenues

Paid General Parking	$41,690
Preferred/Premiere Parking	$299,775
Labor Billed to Show Promoters	$58,871
Total Gross Revenue	$400,336

Expenses

Parking Staff Wages	$123,462
Overflow Lot Rental (8000 Regency)	$20,000
Show Promoter Revenue Share	$80,031
Safety Equipment	$10,000
Signage	$10,000
Equipment Rental	$21,500
Total Gross Expenses	$264,993

Strategic Considerations

When determining whether to charge for parking, there are a variety of factors at play. Those include:

• Staffing Capacity: Additional staff is required to manage payment collection at all entry points across the venue’s 120+ annual event nights.
• Infrastructure Needs: Expanding Wi-Fi coverage and installing payment hardware are essential to enable electronic transactions in the outer parking lots. Additionally, shuttle service to and from the most distant lots may be needed if those areas become paid access.
• Event Attendance Impact: Introducing parking fees could reduce attendance at smaller or free events hosted by local businesses, nonprofits, and charities, who may also seek a share of parking revenue or struggle with the added expense.
• Distance Optics: The furthest lot is 1,960 feet from the gate—comparable to the walk between the Cary Depot and the Cary Arts Center. Charging for remote lots without adequate infrastructure, such as shuttle service or pay stations, could create negative public perception.
• Spillover Parking Risks: Monetizing all on-site parking could lead patrons to park in nearby private business lots or on residential streets, potentially creating tension. Future solutions may require formal agreements and payment to utilize offsite parking areas.
• Operational Complexity: Expanding paid parking requires careful balancing of revenue goals with considerations of fairness, logistical feasibility, and the potential impact on the venue’s public image.

Avalon Cary Demolition Permits

The developer of Avalon submitted demolition permits for the structures on the majority of the proposed development site on Wednesday and began erecting chain link fencing around these areas on Thursday. Although a development plan has not been approved for the site, the developer is allowed by ordinance and statute to request demolition of structures on their property.

Avalon is a proposed mixed-use building located on a 3.4-acre site downtown that is bounded by Walnut Street, S. Walker Street, and Byrum Street. The site is an assemblage of 13 existing lots with detached homes and duplexes. The proposed project is permitted by existing Town Center MXD zoning and is currently in its second round of development plan review.

Academy Street Crosswalks Updates

As part of continued improvements to the downtown mobility network, a Pedestrian In-Road Warning System was installed Thursday evening on Academy Street at the mid-block crossing near the GoCary stop and Academy Pavilion. This upgrade provides drivers with clear visual warnings through in-road light pucks and roadside LED-enhanced signs, both activated by pedestrian push buttons. 

Downtown Regional Wetland Nears Completion

For years, homes along Parkthrough Street experienced flooding during heavy rains. A regional wetland, nearing completion at 206 South Harrison Avenue, was designed collaboratively with private developers and built through a public-private partnership to address this issue. Unlike typical stormwater devices that serve only a single development, this wetland will manage runoff from First Baptist Church, Meridian Cary, the new South Academy Street parking deck, and the surrounding neighborhood. When complete, it filters stormwater, reduces runoff, and direct flows into the downstream pipe network instead of behind homes. Planted with native species and supported with interpretive signage, the wetland will also serve as a “living classroom,” highlighting environmental benefits while supporting local wildlife. The wetland will be maintained by Cary.

Water Emergency Response Plans Updated

As part of the American Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, all U.S. water systems were required to develop Emergency Response Plans, certified with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2020 and updated every five years. At the same time, the NC Division of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) established a similar requirement for Source Water Resiliency and Response Plans. In September, Cary completed its five-year updates to both plans and submitted certifications to the regulatory agencies. The process allowed staff to review response procedures, confirm mutual aid options, and incorporate lessons learned since 2020. These updates strengthen Cary’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to any incident impacting the water system.

Regional Wastewater Collaboration Study

Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to fund a study to explore regional wastewater solutions for the three communities. This collaboration follows the release of the Regional Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Concept Plan for the U.S. Hwy 421 Corridor by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) in May 2024. The plan, issued in accordance with Session Law 2023-134, recommends that Holly Springs consider partnering with Cary and Apex to address wastewater capacity challenges.

As part of the study, consultants will evaluate strategies for conveying and treating wastewater from Holly Springs at both the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WWRWRF) and the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF).

Bridge Repair Projects on Lochmere Drive and Weston Parkway

Repairs of the Lochmere Drive bridge will begin today, work is expected to take about one week. Once complete, crews will begin bridge repairs on Weston Parkway over the Black Creek Greenway. This project will extend through winter and require two 20-day closures in each direction. Two-way traffic will be maintained during closures. The work, funded through the Powell Bill and Vehicle License fees via the Capital Reserve Fund, includes concrete and joint repairs along with new asphalt surfaces.

Cary Adopts 100% Biodegradable Matting

In response to a resident concern about wildlife safety, Cary implemented new standards requiring all erosion control matting on construction and rehabilitation projects be 100% biodegradable. This change prohibits the use of plastic netting and synthetic stitching, which do not break down naturally and can contribute to microplastic pollution and wildlife entrapment. Biodegradable alternatives, including straw, jute, or coir matting with natural fiber stitching, offer the same level of erosion protection while aligning with Cary’s sustainability goals.

Downtown Cary Park Showcases Smart City Infrastructure

On Tuesday, over 45 technology leaders came together for a special dinner meeting at Downtown Cary Park co-hosted by Society for Information Management (SIM) Research Triangle Park (RTP) Chapter and the Triangle Technology Executives Council (TTEC). The evening showcased how Cary is transforming public spaces with state-of-the-art smart city infrastructure. Attendees had the chance to tour the park with Cary’s IT team, gaining firsthand insight into how sensors, networks, and analytics are solving operational challenges and enhancing visitor experiences.

Billy Lee Awarded APWA Stormwater Professional of the Year

Stormwater Operations Manager Billy Lee was honored with the H. Rooney Malcolm Stormwater Professional of the Year Award at the 2025 American Public Works Association (APWA) NC Stormwater Management Division Conference. This award is the division’s highest recognition, celebrating professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, service, and dedication to the field. Billy accepted the award before an audience of nearly 400 stormwater leaders from across North Carolina. The entire Stormwater Division attended the conference to connect with peers, share best practices, and highlight Cary’s leadership in stormwater management.

American Dance Festival: Made in NC

Downtown Cary Park partnered with the American Dance Festival (ADF) to present the Made in NC Celebration on September 19 to highlight 919 Day. Nearly 900 guests attended to experience four ADF-commissioned world premieres by NC based choreographers, showcasing both extraordinary artistry and local creativity. In the days leading up to the performance, choreographers taught masterclasses at the Arts Center giving residents the chance to learn from artists working at the highest level. The program reflected both global perspectives and local roots underscoring Cary’s commitment to cultural diversity, creativity, and community connection.

Summer Vibes in the Park Music Series

Summer Vibes in the Park is a three-part music series that brings residents and visitors together for live music, food, and family fun. The series wrapped up last week at Ritter Park, following earlier shows at Davis Drive Park and Jack Smith Park. Across the three events held from July through September, an estimated 350 people attended.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, October 6
5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, October 6
6:00 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion, & Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, October 7
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, October 8
6:30 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 large construction trucks parking in neighborhoods.
• A complaint about e-bikes on greenways: “… it is a huge mistake what the Town of Cary decided to do, such as to allow electric power vehicles on the greenways.”
• A message from McAdams World Changers and Warriors: “The wild beast was captured as was the false prophet”. Wow! I am not sure if I am being referred to as the wild beast or the false prophet. Since the Bible is being referenced, how about Matthew 7:1-5, which states, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For with the judgment, you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you”.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Barkitecture Pre Pawty, SAS Championship Pro-Am activities, Folds of Honor at the SAS Championship, Diwali, and the SAS Championship.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, October 12^th, 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.

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.

10^th 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.

10^th 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 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 5^th, 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.

Divan Center Event

Monday afternoon I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson, and council members Bush, Kohn-Johnson, Craig, and Bansal at the Divan Center in Cary. While their members are mostly Turkish, they are open to anyone. Here is how they describe themselves:

“Divan is a 501 (c) (3) charitable, cultural non-profit non-governmental organization dedicated to addressing the social, spiritual, cultural, and educational needs of the people living in North Carolina.

Through dialogue Divan enables people of diverse cultures to create a foundation of understanding which nurtures friendship, respect, and charity. 

Divan was founded in 2003 and supported by individuals who are affiliated with Hizmet social movement.

At Divan, we consider dialogue as a key philosophy to settle differences and move forward as a community. To achieve this ideal, Divan Center organizes and promotes activities including diversity awareness seminars, cultural festivals, dialogue dinners, community service, art performances, and cultural trips where people from different backgrounds can meet and find common ground. 

Everyone is welcome at Divan!”

Organizations that promote togetherness rather than divisiveness are what makes Cary one of the greatest places to live in the US. It is only through recognition, respect, and mutual understanding that a community can reach its full potential. 

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday evening I joined mayors from Garner, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Zebulon for a Wake County Mayors Association meeting on Dix campus in Raleigh. We met and had dinner in All Faiths Chapel. Then we toured the new Gipson Play Plaza. Since opening in June, this is the second most visited destination in North Carolina behind Wrightsville beach. The park cost close to $75 million and was partly funded with over $20 million from Raleigh philanthropists. According to their staff, this 18-acre park has seen over 10,000 visitors in just one weekend day.

Wake County is blessed with municipalities with great parks. BTW, Raleigh Gipson Play Plaza staff collaborates with Cary Downtown Park staff on several issues.

CAMPO

Wednesday afternoon I attended a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) Executive Board. The agenda included a joint public hearing with GoTriangle Board of Trustees, 3 consent agenda items, 1 public hearing, and 2 discussion items.

The consent agenda was unanimously approved and included minutes; the recommended performance measures and targets for TAM and State of Good Repair and sign the resolution; and authorizing the Executive Director to sign and execute the Mobility Management Program Funding Agreement.

The public hearing was on the SPOT (Strategic Transportation Prioritization) 8 draft project submittal list. After the public hearing the board unanimously approved the project lists for submittal to NCDOT’s prioritization process and direct staff to maximize coordination with Division Engineers which may result in alternate projects being submitted with Chair approval. One interesting note was that our division (Division 5), which covers 7 counties, only had $73 million available for selected projects.

The discussion items were for information only and included an update on the 2055 MTP/CTP (Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Comprehensive Transportation Plan), and the Federal Functional Classification Changes which began in February as a statewide review and update of the Federal Functional Classifications.

Dragon Boat Practice

Friday night I joined the Cary Sister Cities team in practicing for the Dragon Boat races held Saturday. In the practice we learned commands, how to position your body, how to hold the paddle, and how to row as a team. This was the second time I have participated Dragon Boat races.

Asia Fest

Saturday I participated in the opening events of Asia Fest by reading a proclamation. To make it more fun I had the audience do the “whereas” parts. The following was the proclamation:

“CELEBRATING ASIA FEST 2025 IN CARY, NC

WHEREAS, the cultural tapestry of North Carolina is enriched by the vibrant and

diverse contributions of the Asian community, who bring a rich array of traditions, languages, and innovation that invigorate our society and enhance our communities; and

WHEREAS, Asian Focus NC has exemplified dedication to fostering an inclusive

environment by celebrating and promoting appreciation for the unique heritage and accomplishments of Asian individuals and communities across North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the mission of Asian Focus NC is to build bridges among diverse

communities, encourage collaboration, and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and talents that lead to mutual understanding and shared prosperity for all residents of Cary and of our state; and

WHEREAS, through initiatives such as educational programs, cultural events, and

advocacy, Asian Focus NC empowers individuals and organizations within our community, enriching lives through the promotion of unity, equality, and respect for all cultures; and

WHEREAS, our commitment to the values of diversity and inclusion is stronger

and more meaningful through the collaborative endeavors and contributions of Asian Focus NC, exemplifying the spirit of togetherness and progress that defines Cary and the great State of North Carolina;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold Weinbrecht, Jr., Mayor of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Council, do hereby celebrate the ongoing support and recognition of Asian Focus NC as a vital partner in advancing cultural understanding and community enrichment in Cary, North Carolina.

PROCLAIMED this 20th day of September 2025.”

After the opening ceremony, many pictures, and meet-n-greets I changed clothes to participate in the Dragon Boat VIP dragon boat race. Cary police and fire department members were divided into two teams with VIPs on each boat. I was joined by Morrisville mayor Cawley in my boat. The race was fun and competitive, and we were lucky to finish ahead of the other boat. It was a lot of fun, and I committed to participating again next year.

Speech about Jack Smith

Jack Smith is serving his 36^th and final year as a council member. He was honored last week at the Cary Chamber Awards Ceremony. Town manager Sean Stegall gave the following speech about Jack:

“Good evening.

This evening, we gather to recognize a remarkable individual, a man whose name has become synonymous with service, integrity, and community here in Cary. For 36 years, Jack Smith has represented our town on the Cary Town Council. To serve in elected office for more than three decades is, by itself, a rare achievement. But what makes Jack’s career truly exceptional is not just its length—it is the way in which he carried out his duties, always with the people of Cary at the center of his work.

One of the foremost scholars of local government, John Nalbandian, once wrote: “Bridging is what local officials do. They bring together competing values, competing interests, and competing visions—and in doing so, they build community.” That is precisely what Jack Smith has done for 36 years. He has been a bridge-builder—between long-time residents and newcomers, between neighborhoods and businesses, and between Cary’s proud traditions and its future as one of the dynamic, most vibrant communities in the country.

Think for a moment about the Cary of 36 years ago. Our town was much smaller, quieter, still more rural in many places, with fewer neighborhoods and less traffic. Since then, Cary has grown into one of the most desirable places to live in America—recognized for its excellent schools, safe streets, thriving businesses, and remarkable quality of life. That transformation did not happen by chance. It happened because leaders like Jack Smith worked tirelessly to guide growth while preserving the character and values that make Cary unique.

Jack was there to wrestle with the difficult questions—how do we welcome new families and businesses while protecting our neighborhoods? How do we expand infrastructure while keeping Cary’s charm intact? How do we preserve green spaces while embracing progress? These are the challenges that defined Cary’s evolution, and Jack helped us navigate them with wisdom, patience, and balance.

Public service is demanding. It asks for time, for sacrifice, and for a willingness to place the needs of others above one’s own. Jack met that challenge with tireless energy. He was the council member who returned calls late at night, who met with residents on weekends, and who wore out more than one pair of shoes walking Cary’s neighborhoods to better understand the needs of his constituents.

If you ever called him about an issue—whether it was as large as a rezoning or as small as a pothole—you knew two things would happen. First, he would follow through. And second, you would hear a story. Because Jack understood that local government is about people, not just policies. He used stories to connect, to teach, and to remind us that even the most routine matters affect the lives of neighbors and friends.

That gift for storytelling became one of his hallmarks. A resident could ask about road repairs, and before long they would be hearing about how that same street once connected to a farm, or how a neighbor organized a block party there years ago. What might have been a dry, technical answer instead became a glimpse into Cary’s living history—offered with humor, perspective, and heart.

Jack’s storytelling was more than entertainment. It was a way of helping us remember where we’ve come from, and why the choices we make matter for Cary’s future. He reminded us that behind every road project, every development, every ordinance—there are people, families, and neighborhoods that give Cary its character. Through his words, Jack helped us see not just issues, but stories of community.

Jack’s influence was not confined to council chambers. For years, he was a constant presence with the Cary Chamber of Commerce events.

But his involvement went deeper than attendance. Jack believed that Cary’s business community and its neighborhoods were inseparable—that the prosperity of one supported the vitality of the other. He worked with the Chamber to ensure that growth in Cary was balanced, thoughtful, and community-minded.

At Chamber events, Jack was more than a council member—he was an ambassador. And, true to form, he used stories to make people feel at home. A new business owner might have expected a polite handshake, but instead they received a history lesson about downtown revitalization, or a story about the importance of diversity and his beloved Sister Cities. He made every entrepreneur, resident and Town staff member feel they were part of something larger—the ongoing story of Cary, always growing, always striving, always connected. That is leadership rooted in both vision and humanity and vulnerability.

And now, there is a park in Cary that bears his name. Few honors are as fitting. A park is where families gather, where children play, and where a community comes to life. To have his name permanently associated with such a place is not just a tribute—it is a reflection of his life’s work. Just as a park strengthens bonds and creates belonging, Jack devoted his career to building bridges, nurturing relationships, and ensuring that Cary would always feel like home.

When children play there, when families gather for picnics, when neighbors meet for a walk—they will see his name. They may not know every policy he debated or every vote he cast, but they will know this: Jack Smith gave his life’s work to Cary, and the park will stand as a lasting reminder of that devotion.

The true measure of a leader is not found in titles or accolades, but in the trust they earn and the lives they touch. For 36 years, Jack embodied integrity. He approached decisions with honesty, he met disagreement with respect, and he placed the interests of Cary’s residents above all else. His courage was not only in standing firm when necessary, but also in listening deeply, seeking compromise, and valuing every perspective.  Much more than a Councilmember, Jack has been one of Cary’s Trustees.

And while Cary has transformed dramatically over his years of service, Jack ensured that what makes Cary special—our sense of community—remained strong. He was a steady presence through growth and change, always reminding us that progress means little if it comes at the expense of connection.

Closing with Nalbandian’s Wisdom and Award Presentation
On behalf of the Town of Cary, we express our profound gratitude. Thank you, Jack, for 36 years of tireless service. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to Cary’s residents. Thank you for your presence at the Cary Chamber of Commerce, where you reminded us that progress is a shared effort. Thank you for your stories, which gave meaning to our work and reminded us that government, at its best, is personal.

And finally, thank you for your legacy—one that will live on in the park that bears your name, in the businesses you supported, in the neighborhoods you walked, and in the countless lives you touched.

Let me return to John Nalbandian’s words: “Bridging is what local officials do… and in doing so, they build community.” For 36 years, Jack Smith has been that bridge for Cary. His example will continue to guide us, not only as leaders, but as neighbors who care for one another.

It is therefore my great honor, on behalf of the Cary Chamber of Commerce and this entire community, to present to Jack Smith the Legacy of Service Award. This award represents our highest gratitude—not only for the length of his service, but for the values he brought to that service: integrity, compassion, vision, and the ability to bridge differences for the common good.

Jack, this Legacy of Service Award is a symbol of all you have given to Cary, and all you will continue to inspire in us. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor and thank you for your extraordinary service.”

We are so very blessed to have had Jack serve Cary for all these years. Thank you, Jack!

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

Hello Cary! I moved to Cary a decade ago with my family, and there is truly no other place I can call home. While I love District D, I also believe every part of Cary is equally special, and I encourage everyone to explore and enjoy the unique places that make our Town so beautiful.

With 25 percent of Cary residents born outside the United States, our community is wonderfully diverse — and it’s this diversity that makes us strong.

One truly magical moment for me this season was meeting the members of Cary’s Woman’s Club as they celebrated their 90th anniversary — a wonderful milestone for a group that has contributed so much to our community.

Be sure to check out our Town calendar to stay up to date and make plans to join in the fun.

Two celebrations I want to highlight:

• 10th Asian Fest and Dragon Boat Festival — September 20 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre
• Diwali Celebration — September 29 at Downtown Cary Park with vibrant performances, a live DJ, and delicious food

Join me in enjoying the newsletter below to see where your Town Council has been out and about in the community — and I hope to see you at one of our events soon!

Sarika Bansal

District D Council Member

Meridian East Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmember Lori Bush attended the ribbon cutting for Meridian East Chatham. This multi-family residential and mixed-use commercial development is located at the corner of Chatham Street and the future Hunter Street extension in Downtown Cary.

District C Community Meeting

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Lori Bush, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Jack Smith participated in the District C Community Meeting at Middle Creek Community Center. Councilmember Jack Smith welcomed attendees, followed by Mayor Weinbrecht who shared an updated State of Cary. Staff provided updates on public safety, senior services, and finances. The evening concluded with a Q&A session with Council.

BikeWalk NC Summit

Councilmember Lori Bush attended the annual BikeWalk NC Summit in Hickory, NC, the state’s premier forum for advancing sustainable transportation and active mobility. Bringing together policymakers, planners, engineers, and advocates, the summit provides a unique opportunity to examine best practices, explore pressing policy issues, and collaborate on strategies that enhance safety, accessibility, and connectivity, while working to shape the future of transportation and community development in our state.

Fenton Hotel Brand Reveal

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht spoke at the reveal of The Pagemore Hotel at Fenton, a seven-story, 186-room property set to open in fall 2027. Council members Jack Smith, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal joined the celebration, marking this exciting new addition to Fenton.

Chamber Annual Banquet

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht provided welcome remarks at the Cary Chamber’s Annual Banquet, an event organized by the Chamber of Commerce to recognize board members and celebrate community accomplishments. Councilmember Jack Smith was presented with the Legacy of Service Award in honor of his lasting contributions to Cary. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson were also in attendance.

Sister Cities Students Presentation

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented letters of recognition to two Cary students selected for the 2025 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit. The students visited Town Hall to share their experiences at the summit. Each student received a $1,000 scholarship from the Cary Sister Cities Association and the Cary Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program.

Troop 200

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson had a great conversation with Troop 200, who are working toward their Communication Badge. 

Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe Show

Councilmember Michelle Craig presented a letter on behalf of the Mayor and Council to organizers of the NC Taiwanese Cultural Arts event celebrating Taiwan’s National Day. The program featured a performance by the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe.

Cary Woman’s Club 90^th Anniversary

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht presented a proclamation recognizing the Cary Woman’s Club during its 90th Anniversary celebration. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Sarika Bansal also attended. The program featured reflections on the club’s history and its many contributions to Cary’s civic life.

Town Manager’s Report

Russ’ Message

Council,

It was good seeing many of you at the annual Triangle Community Coalition (TCC) meeting. I thought we had a productive meeting this week. I always love when Council, staff, and the development community of Cary get together, listen, and chat about ideas. Thank you to the TCC for hosting this event.

Enjoy your weekend.

Russ Overton

Deputy Town Manager

Walnut Street Gravel Lot Closing

The gravel lot on Walnut Street next to the Library Parking Deck will be temporarily closed Sept. 22 until Sept. 24 for necessary maintenance in preparation for an upgrade in January. The lot will be closed for several weeks in January as it gets refreshed per a development agreement adopted by Council in June.

Southern Water Utility Roundtable

Last week, Utilities staff attended the Southern Water Utility Roundtable in Charlotte. The event, held by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), brought together utility leaders from across the southeast to discuss key challenges like PFAS, regulatory changes, compliance, and disaster response. The discussions were an opportunity to build relationships and share innovative ideas, solutions, and strategies to strengthen the region’s water sector.

BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival

The 8th annual BEYOND: The Cary Film Festival was held last weekend at The Cary Theater, drawing nearly 1,400 attendees and filmmakers from the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. This year’s event featured 24 short films in competition, two independent features, and a live screenplay reading. Attendees enjoyed in-depth Q&As with filmmakers, industry workshops, and networking at the Opening Night Film & Party and Filmmaker Happy Hours. The festival concluded with an Awards Brunch recognizing five filmmakers and one screenwriter, followed by screenings of the award-winning films. 

Electric Fire Truck at Cary Rotary Club Meeting

The Cary Central Rotary Club welcomed Assistant Town Manager Danna Widmar, Fire Chief Mike Cooper, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Parker, and Engineer Justin Chamblee for a presentation on the first electric fire truck on the East Coast. The Pierce Volterra electric pumper, housed at Fire Station 9 on Walnut Street, combines reliability, performance, and environmental benefits. The near-zero-emissions dual powertrain seamlessly transitions between battery-powered operation and diesel backup when needed and is significantly quieter, allowing firefighters to communicate on scene without shouting over an engine. Rotary Club members enjoyed learning about and experiencing this public safety investment.

Community Connections at the Cary Senior Center

As part of the new Community Connections educational series at the Senior Center, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett led a first of its kind class The Changing Landscape of Aging: Trends, Growth, and Community Services on Wednesday. This kickoff session explored the shifting demographics of aging, highlighting the rapid growth of the senior population and their evolving needs. Participants learned how Cary is responding with innovative programs, partnerships, and age-friendly initiatives. Future sessions in the Community Connections series will feature educational presentations from other departments, including Fire, Police, 911, and 311, offering older adults direct access to the information and services that matter most to them.

Scam Jam Equips Seniors with Tools to Fight Fraud

This morning, the Senior Center hosted Scam Jam, an educational event focused on helping older adults recognize and protect themselves from scams and fraud. Councilmember Lori Bush opened the program by introducing North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, who shared valuable insights into current scam trends and how seniors can safeguard their personal information. The event also featured presentations from representatives of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Insurance. Each speaker offered clear, actionable advice on avoiding common scams and highlighted resources available to victims.

Important Dates

Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, September 25
6:30 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 that Cary should be more about “the Carying Place Gala” rather than the Pagemore Hotel unveiling.
• A question about a future sidewalk in MacGregor Downs.
• A complaint about solicitation going into the Cary Regional Library.
• A complaint about a neighbors yards having rats and snakes.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the Cary Chamber Candidate Forum, a Council meeting, a mystery reader at an elementary school, and the dunk tank at Public Safety Day.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 28^th, 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.

Central Catawba River Basin Symposium

Monday I was a joint speaker at the Central Catawba River Basin Symposium in Gastonia. I was joined by one of the engineers from WithersRavenel. Our topic was focused on the success story of Downtown Cary Park, its water features, how those features helped with flooding issues, and the park’s impact on the local economy. My focus was on the history of the park, the vision, and our downtown. The engineer focused on the details about flooding and the water features. We had about 100 in the audience. BTW, the trip was not paid for with taxpayer dollars.

Council Prep

Monday I contacted council members to hear of concerns about the upcoming agenda. Three council members expressed concern about phasing of the 22-REZ-20 Alston Yards rezoning request. The applicant asked for that proposal to be tabled later in the week.

I met with staff later in the day to go over the meeting items. Since it was short agenda the meeting with staff was brief.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

Monday night I participated in a meeting of the Cary Tennis Classic Board. We spent a lot of time reflecting on our visit to the US Open before getting down to business. Next year’s Cary Tennis Classic will be June 28^th through July 5^th. We are looking to have community events at next year’s tournament including abilities, wheelchair, kids’ day, adult red ball and triples, and the WWTA Charity Classic.

District C Community Meeting

Tuesday night I joined Council members Bush, Kohn-Johnson, and Smith for a community meeting in District C.

I gave a high-level ten-minute version of the State of Cary. This was followed by topics of interest from the fire chief, police chief, and Senior Program Manager. Next was the Assistant Town Manager who gave a development and financial update. Then the council members held a Q&A for about twenty minutes.

Fenton Hotel Brand Reveal

Wednesday morning, I joined council members Smith, Craig, and Bansal and the brand name unveiling of the new boutique hotel in Fenton. The hotel, named Pagemore, will be a 7 story, 186 room hotel that will open in the fall of 2027. It’s designed to be a hub for Cary’s social scene, bringing together food, culture, and experience. Included will be a signature Eastern Mediterranean restaurant called Barouk, a coffee shop, and a lobby bar. It will have venues for up to 200 guests, including a ballroom, culinary studio, and an outdoor event lawn. Mainsail Lodging and Development with Ross Hotel Partners will develop and operate the Pagemore.

The reveal event included several speakers and videos of what the new hotel will look like. Speakers included the President and founder of Mainsail, the Managing Director of Hines, me, the Wake County Commissioner Chair, the President and CEO of Visit Raleigh, the Cary Chamber President, the VP of Mainsail Operations, and the VP of Hospitality for Mainsail.

After remarks everyone walked to the hotel site for photo ops behind the Pagemore sign. Instead of a ribbon cutting, there was a countdown with special guests sending up streamers. This will be a unique hotel designed to reflect Cary to visitors and be a designation for locals.

Cary Chamber Annual Banquet

Wednesday I attended the Cary Chamber Annual Banquet.

Council member Jack Smith was honored with a Legacy of Service award for his 36 years on the Cary Town Council.

The keynote speaker was Ed Rapp who is a retired Caterpillar Group President. His talk with very inspiring as he touched on his life and his ongoing 10-year battle with ALS. The focus of his talk is that we should all be working on our work-life balance.

The Business of the Year award went to Cary Towne Bank, and the Citizen of the Year award went to Barry Mitsch. Congratulations!

Sister Cities Students Presentation

Thursday afternoon I met with two students from Cary that were selected to attend the 2025 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit earlier this summer in Washington DC. Cary Sister Cities Association and the Cary Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Program granted them a $1,000 scholarship. At this presentation I presented letters of acknowledgment followed by pictures.

Council Work Session

Thursday evening the council held a work session to discuss Cricket, Artificial Intelligence & Data Governance, and an update on the Sales Tax.

In the Cricket discussion it was pointed out that pickup cricket was being played at Mills Park next to the Community Center site that was voted down at the last election. We were told that there are parties interested in creating a cricket field using little or no tax dollars. The council unanimously passed a motion to do RFP to see what kind of offers we get to build a cricket pitch.

Some of the takeaways from the AI discussion include:

• Core AI definitions:
  • Generative AI: It doesn’t just analyze; it creates something new like meeting minutes.
  • Agentic AI: They are goal driven actors not just assistance. For example, automating the permitting application process.
  • Predictive AI: This is focused on what will happen. For example, flood predictions.
  • Autonomous AI: Operates independently in the real world. For example, self-driving vehicles.
  • Conversational AI: Provides human-like dialogue experiences. For example, the town’s virtual assistant for 311.
• Cary is building an AI & Data Program that connects the pieces:
  • AI & Data Strategy (In Development): Brings AI, Data Governance, and Data Management together into one integrated strategy, rooted in Cary’s values and centered on serving citizens.
  • AI Policy (Drafted): Establishes guardrails and ethical standards for AI use.
  • Data Governance Policy (In Development) Provides the rules, roles, and oversight needed to ensure data is trusted, secure, and used responsibly.
  • Data Management Program (In Development): Focuses on the day-to-day quality, organization, and accessibility of data, ensuring information is reliable and ready for AI and analytics.
• On October 23^rd the council will have a discussion on AI and Data Governance policy. This will be followed by facilitated data workshops in the winter.

The update on sales tax, which is 20% of our revenue, showed a FT2025 growth rate of 0.94% which is below budget by $391,779. The FY2026, which began on July 1, should be close to flat.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its first meeting of September. The agenda included four consent items, no public hearings and one discussion item. The discussion item for at Alston Commons was tabled at the beginning of the meeting so that the applicant to address concerns of phasing.

There was one speaker for the Public Speaks Out portion of the meeting. The consent items were approved unanimously and the council meeting adjourned in about ten minutes.

About a dozen scouts were in the audience to earn merit badges for Communication. Since the council meeting was short, six of seven council members, including me, talked with the scouts for about half an hour. I am glad that our youth are being exposed to local government.

Cary Woman’s Club 90^th Anniversary Celebration

Sunday I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson, council member Craig, and council member Bansal in the 90^th anniversary celebration of the Cary Woman’s Club. I was one of three speakers recognizing this milestone. Here is the proclamation I read:

“RECOGNIZING THE 90^th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CARY WOMAN’S CLUB

WHEREAS, the Cary Woman’s Club is commemorating its 90th anniversary on September 14, 2025.  In 1935, the Cary Woman’s Club was organized and received its charter in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs.  With the 90th Anniversary Celebration, we continue the mission to promote civic, cultural, social and educational advancement of Cary and to provide service to our community.   

WHEREAS, the Cary Woman’s Club’s primary goal in 1935 was support of public education, it provided volunteers and funds to staff the Cary High School library for students during the school year and the community in the summer. In 1960, the Cary Woman’s Club played a major role in the establishment of the Cary Public Library.

WHEREAS, the Cary Woman’s Club, during World War II, volunteered daily in the Red Cross Sewing Room, planted trees in Hillcrest Cemetery honoring military veterans and continued the club’s environmental mission over the 90 years by planting a variety of street trees which contributed to Cary’s tree canopy.

WHEREAS, the Cary Woman’s Club formed a Girl Scout Troop in 1938.  In the 1940s the Cary Woman’s Club led the support of art activities by having student art exhibits and fostered the exchange of art between Cary Elementary School and the African American School, now Kingswood Elementary. In addition, the Club co-sponsored the first and second Annual Cary Art Exhibition and founded the Cary Arts Guild in the 1960’s. Also, the Club organized the senior citizens XYZ Club in 1970, and the Friends of Hemlock Bluffs in 2001.

WHEREAS, the Cary Woman’s Club during the last 25 years has awarded $120,000 in Scholarships and $101,850 in Grants to our community.

WHEREAS, the Cary Woman’s Club has two members, Dorothy Schmelzeis and Lillian Smith, with 50 plus years of service and leadership

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold Weinbrecht, Jr., Mayor of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Council, do hereby recognize the 90th anniversary of the Cary Woman’s Club and I encourage our citizens to join me in thanking the Cary Woman’s Club for their continued efforts and many contributions to the civic, cultural, educational and social betterment of Cary.

PROCLAIMED this 14^th day of September 2025.”

We are so grateful for all the Cary Woman’s Club has done over the years and look forward to celebrating their centennial in a decade.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

Last week, Cary felt even more like home after returning from vacation. Whether I was out on the greenways catching up with old friends or simply sharing a smile with folks downtown, being surrounded by our caring neighbors reminded me why this community means so much. 
I had the privilege to attend The Carying Place Gala, a celebration of hope that resonates deeply for me. The room was full of warmth and determination, with families sharing stories of how The Carying Place has helped them learn new life skills, open doors to independent living, and build a brighter future together. Moments like that make me grateful not just to witness Cary’s spirit, but to be part of shaping it. Each connection, each conversation, and every act of kindness continues to prove how compassion and progress always walk side by side here. 

Thank you for letting me share these moments with you and for being part of our town’s story. There’s so much more ahead, and I’m excited to walk this path together.

Lori Bush

At-Large Council Member

Turner Creek Elementary Visit

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht visited Turner Creek Elementary, speaking with second-grade students about local government and the importance of citizenship in the community.

Ribbon Cutting at Art Swarm

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht participated in the ribbon cutting for Art Swarm and the opening of the Fine Arts League of Cary’s new location at the Waldo House. Instead of a traditional ribbon cutting, attendees collaborated on a community painting. The event showcased the creativity and energy of artists, some internationally known—who contribute to Cary’s thriving cultural scene.

Cary Environmental Symposium

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson delivered kickoff remarks at the Cary Environmental Symposium, joined by Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson. The event featured a panel discussion on waste reduction, composting, and building resilient communities, highlighting Cary’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Heart of Cary Association Meeting

Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Michelle Craig attended the Heart of Cary Association’s September member meeting at the Cary Chamber of Commerce, connecting with community members and sharing updates. This month’s meeting featured Katherine Loflin and her newly released book, Hidden History of Cary.

Meeting with Hindu Swayamsevak Sang USA

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson met with representatives of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA, who shared about their volunteer work in the community. Council members also received symbolic red bracelets signifying good luck, protection, and connection.

New Business Spotlight – The New York Butcher Shoppe

Councilmember Michelle Craig and Jack Smith welcomed The New York Butcher Shoppe to Cary, celebrating the addition of this new small business to the community.

The Carying Place Gala – A Night in Hollywood

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended The Carying Place Gala. The event, themed A Night in Hollywood, raised funds to support families on their journey out of homelessness and toward stability.

Rock Your World Festival

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended Rock Your World, a free community music festival that raised funds for several nonprofit organizations, including Hope for Haiti Foundation, Musical Empowerment, NC Leap, and US Veterans Corp.

Minor League Cricket – Coin Toss Ceremony

Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended the coin toss at the Minor League Cricket match between the Morrisville Raptors and the Baltimore Royals at Church Street Park. The Raptors represent North and South Carolina in the nation’s premier domestic T20 league.

Town Manager’s Report

Russ’ Message

Council,

I enjoyed seeing you all at the various events this week and hope you have a great weekend.  

Russ

District C Community Meeting

On Tuesday evening, staff attended the District C Community Meeting at Middle Creek Community Center. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht opened the meeting delivering an updated State of Cary and was followed by Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry, who gave a development and budget update. Fire Chief Mike Cooper, Police Chief Terry Sult, and Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett also attended to provide updates. Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Lori Bush, Carisa Kohn-Johnson, and District C Representative Jack Smith wrapped up the meeting with a Q&A session.

Fenton Development Unveils New Hotel

On Wednesday, Fenton Development revealed the name and branding identity for Cary’s newest hotel, The Pagemore Hotel at Fenton, a seven-story, 186-room property set to open in fall 2027. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Jack Smith, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal attended the unveiling ceremony, along with Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton and Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry. The marketing team from the hotel spent the Tuesday touring Cary’s facilities, including the Downtown Cary Park, the Cary Theater, and the Page-Walker Arts and History Center researching topics for a promotional video highlighting what guests of the hotel might enjoy downtown.

Chamber Annual Banquet

On Wednesday evening, staff attended the Chamber’s Annual Banquet at Prestonwood Country Club. The event recognized incoming and outgoing Board Members and celebrated community accomplishments through a series of awards. This year, Town Manager Sean Stegall delivered remarks and presented Councilmember Jack Smith with the Legacy of Service Award in honor of his lasting contributions to our community.

Area Wide Optimization Award

This week, the NC Division of Water Resources recognized the Cary-Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) with the Area-Wide Optimization (AWOP) Award for the 14th consecutive year, maintaining the facility’s Gold Star Status. This award recognizes facilities with outstanding turbidity removal and those that consistently surpass federal and state drinking water standards. The CAWTF is one of only 20 facilities in the state to receive this designation. Meeting the requirements for this award is one of the many ways staff at the CAWTF work to ensure that high quality drinking water is delivered to citizens.

Sewer Inspection Update

Cary maintains more than 1,000 miles of sewer mains and performs annual inspections as part of a proactive maintenance routine. This week, contractors performed Cary’s first official laser profiling inspections on the Lynn’s Branch Interceptor in Lochmere, in addition to the traditional video inspections. Laser profiling uses a rotating laser to capture precise measurements of pipe diameter, ovality, and surface condition, creating a 3D profile of the sewer. These inspections help Cary prioritize maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement needs, ensuring cost-effective investments and reducing the risk of unexpected system failures. 

Crescent Green Intersection Improvements

Staff installed new traffic signs and pavement markings at the intersection of Crescent Green Drive and Crescent Commons Drive. These improvements include a more intuitive pavement marking design and vegetation removal to improve sight lines. The new traffic signs, including stop signs and one-way indications, employ the principles of the Safe System Approach used for Vision Zero designs, seeking to reduce conflict by more clearly separating users in space and time.

Important Dates

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, September 17
6:00 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, September 18
6:00 p.m.

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, September 17
6:15 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 e-bikes and scooters in Cary.
• Concern about a data center in New Hill (this is in Apex’s jurisdiction).
• Suggestions about what to do with the Cary Town Center site (this is private property, and we have no authority to do anything except make sure it is not a danger to the public).
• A complaint about loud noises on highway 55 near the Fieldstone community.
• A complaint about rezoning 25-REZ-05 (council will receive a staff report when there is a public hearing).
• A request to have a First Night on New Years Eve (great idea except it would be a significant expense).
• A complaint about “walking conditions” going to Horton’s Creek Elementary.
• A request for a sidewalk in MacGregor Downs.
• A request to have a public memorial service for Charlie Kirk because “Cary had services for George Floyd” (not true, but there were public events).
• A complaint about the May Quarterly meetings not being ready.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Divan Center event, a Mayors Association meeting, a CAMPO executive board meeting, and the 10^th annual Asia Fest with Dragon Boat races.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 21^st, 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.

Turner Creek Virtual Visit

Tuesday I had the joy of having a virtual meeting with three third grade classes from Turner Creek Elementary. They are learning the difference between state and local government and the responsibilities of leaders, including mayors. I spent about ten minutes talking about municipal governments, how they function, and how our authority comes from the legislature. Then I answered several questions from each classroom. As always, it was a lot of fun, and I hope they invite me to participate in a future meeting.

Manager One-On-One

Later Tuesday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one meeting. Our topics of discussion included the remaining 2019 bond funding options, BANS (Bond Anticipation Notes), council races, and future bond projects.

Art Swarm

Wednesday afternoon I participated in an event that celebrated the beginning of Art Swarm and the new location of FALC (Fine Arts League of Cary).

Art Swarm was a five-day event of art exhibits shared by artists, some of which were internationally known. It showcased artist energy and imagination that thrive here in Cary.

The event was held at the new location of FALC, the Waldo house on Park Street next to the Mayton and adjacent to the Downtown Park.

After greeting people for several minutes, I made a few welcoming remarks to the few dozen in attendance. Rather than cutting a ribbon, FALC decided to do a community painting instead. I was given the honor of making the first paint mark on a canvass that everyone in attendance participated in creating.

I hope this event is one of many and creates an art scene in our downtown.

Cary Tennis Classic Community Appreciation Reception

Wednesday night I participated in a reception for supporters of the Cary Tennis Classic, which is a professional tennis tournament held at Cary Tennis Park every year.

Tennis is growing in popularity, in Cary and all over the United States. The US had over 25.7 million players in 2024 which is the fifth consecutive year of growth.

The Cary Tennis Park has been recognized nationally for its excellence and hosts recreational players, tournaments, college players and tournaments, and professional tournaments every year creating millions in economic benefit.

This event was to bring sponsors and supporters together to engage and talk about this tournament and growing tennis in Cary.

We were so very blessed that this reception was hosted by Rey’s restaurant, who supplied us with food and the venue for the event. In case you didn’t know, Rey’s is one of the finest dining restaurants in Cary and is known for its New Orleans-inspired steakhouse cuisine, including high-quality steaks, seafood, and classic desserts.

Meeting with Religious Leaders

Thursday afternoon I met with two leaders from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints representing the Raleigh, North Carolina Stake. They talked about how they were involved in the community and wanted to know more ways to help in our community. We are so blessed to live in an area where people want to help our community get better.

Citizen Concerns About Downtown Park

Later Thursday I met with two individuals complaining about the Downtown Park Dog Park. One of them stated that he and his wife were suffering physically and emotionally from the barking. He stated that the town did not consider his health and safety when designing the park. The second individual said the dog barking was keeping his children awake at night.

Staff have been working with these individuals and agreed to work with them in the future. Recently the council reduced the dog park hours, but these individuals said that would make it worse since there will be more dogs concentrated in a shorter amount of time.

The only comment I will make is that safety is always the highest concern. While some may not agree with our decisions, safety is always considered.

Raksha Banhan Ceremony

Thursday evening, I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson, Council member Bansal, Council member Kohn-Johnson, Council member Craig, and Fire Chief Cooper at the Page-Walker for the Raksha Banhan ceremony by members of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh USA (HSS).

Raksha Banhan involves a sister tying a sacred thread bracelet called a rakhi onto her brother’s right wrist, symbolizing love, protection, and a promise of support from the brother to the sister. This ritual, rooted in ancient stories and traditions, occurs on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Shravana and extends beyond siblings to other community members, and the brother traditionally gives his sister a gift in return for her prayers and blessings.

The ceremony included introductions, the history of Raksha Banhan, the tying of the bracelets, and then a reception. The HSS members said that our bracelets were for good luck and protection as well as feeling a loving connection to others.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

Hi everyone! I hope you’re having a great week. Like many of you, my family is adapting to a new and busy schedule for the start of the school year. I recently visited East Cary Magnet Middle School with my youngest child for orientation, and I walked the schedule with my 10th grader at Cary High. Once again, I started this school year working at Briarcliff Elementary. As a parent and teacher, I absolutely love seeing students, school staff, and families coming together with excitement for what’s ahead. Moments like these remind me of how deeply connected Cary is through our schools, neighborhoods, and businesses, and the relationships that we all share.

I’m also looking forward to the many opportunities this season brings to gather as a community. From arts and cultural events to enjoying time in our parks and greenways, there are countless ways to connect with neighbors. I continue to be in awe of how our community comes together to help one another and celebrate what makes Cary so special.

As a quick reminder, the District C Community Meeting is coming up soon — Tuesday, September 9 at 5:30 p.m. at Middle Creek Community Center. I encourage everyone in District C to attend if possible. It’s a valuable opportunity to hear updates, ask questions, and stay engaged in shaping the future of our community. Your voices and perspectives matter, and these meetings are a great way to be involved.

Thank you for all you do to make Cary such a welcoming place. I look forward to connecting with many of you at events and in the community in the weeks ahead. In addition to festivals, you may see me at one of the school events to which I’m personally connected. If you do, come over and say hi. I’ve made it out to several other schools in Cary in the last couple of years. Please reach out if you’d like me to visit one of your school events or plan a field trip to Town Hall and the Page-Walker Arts and History Center. I love making new connections. 

Michelle Craig

District B Council Member

Joint Meeting with Holly Springs Council

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson provided welcoming remarks at the Joint Meeting between the Holly Springs and Cary Councils. Other Cary Councilmembers in attendance included Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson. In addition to elected officials, leadership staff from both municipalities also participated. 

Hidden History Book Launch and Author Reception

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Hidden History Book Launch and Author Reception. Cary’s own Dr. Katherine Loflin was celebrated by friends and community leaders for her latest book, “Hidden History of Cary.”

International Leadership Foundation and NC Asian American Coalition Young Entrepreneur Award Ceremony

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson attended the International Leadership Foundation and NC Asian American Coalition’s Young Entrepreneurship Award Ceremony. The winning team, led by a local student, was recognized for their innovative pitch of a 3D-printed “Bluebird Nest” house design. 

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

We have a full week ahead with the District C Information meeting on Tuesday, the Chamber’s Annual Banquet on Wednesday, and a Work Session followed by the Council Meeting on Thursday. Thank you for your continued leadership, and I hope you enjoy your weekend.

Sean

August 28 Work Session – Open Space

At the council work session on August 28^th questions were asked about existing funding for watershed protection. Funding for watershed protection is calculated based on consumption. Detailed information about that funding can be found here.

PFAs Settlement Payment Begins

In 2024, Cary joined with water utilities around the country in submitting class action claims against 3M, DuPont, Tyco, and BASF for their roles in polluting American water supplies with PFAS compounds. These compounds are known as “forever chemicals” for their persistence in the environment. Recently, Cary received the first payment from these claims, approximately $1.3 million dollars from 3M’s settlement. Over the next ten years, Cary is expected to receive over $7 million dollars in settlement payments from the four companies. Cary has been treating its drinking water for PFAS since 2018, and these funds will partially offset the cost of this treatment.

Clermont, Florida Visits to Observe 311 and Smart Cities Initiatives

Staff from Clermont, Florida visited Cary this week after reading The Top of the Arc to learn more about 311 and smart cities initiatives. Their visit included a tour of Downtown Cary Park, where they were able to see firsthand how Cary is leveraging sensor technology to enhance community experiences, plus hands-on shadowing in 311, and conversations with staff on the adaptive approach to 311 operations and service delivery. This peer-to-peer exchange reflects the growing recognition of Cary’s leadership in innovation and strengthens relationships with other communities.

Cary Parkway and Norwell Boulevard Traffic Signal Update

A new traffic signal at Cary Parkway and Norwell Boulevard has been successfully activated, marking Cary’s 229th maintained signal and the first to feature fully radar-based detection on all vehicle approaches. Above ground radar sensors replaced traditional in-pavement loops, offering greater reliability, lower maintenance costs, and faster installation with less traffic disruption. The signal also includes GPS-based Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP) allowing first responders to communicate with the system to temporarily adjust signal timing reducing response times. Additional features include Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push buttons, full integration with Cary’s connected vehicle platform, and a new sidewalk constructed along the south side of Cary Parkway. By combining radar detection, connected vehicle communication, and pedestrian infrastructure, this project advances commitments to smart mobility and multimodal accessibility.

North Carolina Transportation Summit

This week, staff attended the annual North Carolina Transportation Summit in downtown Raleigh. The event kicked off with a welcome from Governor Josh Stein and remarks from USDOT Deputy Secretary of Transportation Steven Bradbury, City of Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell, NCDOT Secretary Joey Hopkins, and several state transportation and commerce leaders.

The devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene and the extraordinary response to restore western North Carolina’s infrastructure were central themes at the conference. Presenters shared progress on transportation repairs, stories of perseverance, and lessons for future disaster response. Sessions also covered Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transportation, community engagement, financing strategies, innovative solutions, mindful mobility, DMV updates, and the smart vehicle revolution.

Cary Recognized as Top Green Fleet

Cary has been ranked #28 in the Top 50 Green Fleets in North America by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). This recognition reflects Cary’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation in municipal operations. Through the use of cleaner fuels, advanced technologies, and strategic fleet management practices, Cary continues to reduce its environmental footprint while maintaining reliable services for the community.

Environmental Symposium

Hosted in collaboration with our nonprofit partners Trees for the Triangle, the 3rd annual Cary Environmental Symposium kicked off this week. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson opened the event highlighting our longstanding commitment as leaders in the preservation and protection of natural resources and shared about the recent addition of the Enrich Chapter to the Imagine Cary Community Plan. Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined community members for a panel discussion on soil health with representatives from Good Hope Farm, McGill Environmental commercial composters, Toward Zero Waste, and The ReCollective. Staff at the Cary It Green booth shared information on composting, Harvest Fest, and tree species selection.

Growing Forestry Education for Staff

With 80% of Cary’s urban forest canopy residing on privately owned land, staff is innovating strategies for tree care education and outreach. This week, Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) staff completed a training series led by Cary’s Urban Forester Leslie Moorman and Public Works Urban Forestry Expediter Kelly Blair. The series covered topics such as simple pruning, proper planting, and tree health indicators. Increased tactical trainings like these empower staff to provide in-depth citizen education and support the Urban Forest Master Plan goals.

Important Dates

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, September 8
5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, September 8
6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, September 8
6:30 p.m.

District C Information Meeting
Tuesday, September 9
5:30 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 9
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, September 10
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting Work Session
Thursday, September 11
5 p.m.

Town Council Meeting Regular
Thursday, September 11
6:30 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 request to list projects available for philanthropic funding.
• A complaint about construction work in Carpenter Village.
• A complaint about a Lazy Daze postcard arriving after the event (we are working to find out how the post office messed this up).
• A complaint about school reassignment (the Wake County School Board has this authority, and nothing is final until November).
• A complaint about softball field registration.
• A complaint that taxes are going up and “the road in front of the house and school behind the house have not changed in the last 20 years” (Flat revenues – 1% growth; inflation – much in double digits, related to fire, police, water, sewer, parks, and neighborhood streets are the main reasons).
• A complaint that trash bins are too large.
• A complaint that the Barkyard in Downtown Cary Park is “one of the leading point sources of noise pollution in all of Cary”, like that of I40 and some areas in RDU.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a talk about Downtown Cary Park in Gastonia, a District C Community Meeting, the Cary Chamber Annual Banquet, an event with Sister Cities Students, a Council Work Session, a Council Regular Meeting, and the Cary Woman’s Club 90^th Anniversary Celebration.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 14^th, 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.

Manager One-On-One

Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one meeting. Our topics of discussion included the budget, debt, providing information to council candidates and council, Diwali, and council – staff relationships.

Cary Tennis Classic Board in New York

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday I joined most of the members of the Cary Tennis Classic board in a trip to the US Open in New York. We were treated to great tennis and even access to the President’s box. It was a great time, especially if you are a tennis fanatic like me.

Council Work Session

On Thursday evening the council held a work session to review the meeting schedule, discuss the residential lighting, receive an update on the open space plan, and hear announcements from the town manager.

In the residential lighting discussion, the staff talked about issues between residents and the issues between residential and commercial lighting. They plan to bring a proposal that would measure maximum illumination values at the property line. A potential ordinance could be crafted similar to ordinances already in place by other municipalities.

The staff is currently working on the Cary Open Space Plan. The plan defines open space as both public and private lands with shared responsibilities and opportunities and will strengthen and support existing Cary plans and additional efforts. The staff presented existing open space at developed parks, significant sites, cultural landscapes, green corridors, lowlands and uplands. Five goals and thirteen objectives were presented to develop interconnected network through Cary. The five goals of the plan are:

• Protect open spaces for future generations
• Support health connected ecosystems
• Manage open spaces for ecological health and resilience
• Grow nature-based experiences
• Continue to support the role that open space plays in Cary’s unique sense of place

The plan will be finalized in the coming months, and council will vote on the plan in 2026.

The manager presented an update on sales tax in his segment of the meeting. Sales tax makes up 20% of the town’s revenue:

• May Sales Tax Receipts are down 0.1% Year over Year
• April Sales Tax Receipts were up from last year
• May Sales Tax Receipts are down 2.02% Month over Month
• FY2025 growth rate of 1.1% over FY2024 = $571,619
• ($370,115) below FY2025 budget at this point

All signs point to our revenue being basically flat again for this fiscal year.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of August. The agenda included a recognition of a gift, eight consent items, six public hearings, and one discussion item.

The Shane Pegram Family Foundation reached out to Cary staff earlier this year regarding adonation focused on playground renovation. The Pegrams are long-time Cary residents with an interest in using their foundation to support inclusivity at the playgrounds they visit and love. Davis Drive Park’s playground renovation planning was already in progress as part of Cary’s larger routine capital maintenance efforts. After discussing this location with the foundation, it was determined that the Davis Drive Park playground, due to its size, topography, and position on staff’s maintenance plan, aligns well with the donor’s desire to provide an inclusive play experience for all abilities. The $400,000 donation from the Shane Pegram Family Foundation fully funds the Davis Drive Park playground renovation and will bring accessibility amenities to this much-loved playground. The council approved this unanimously. We are so blessed to have this philanthropic gift. I just wish there was more of it in Cary.

All consent items were approved unanimously. An item on Cary Policy changes was pulled by Mayor Pro-Tem Robinson to help describe why policies were changed. The council also gave direction that further explanation should be given regarding these types of changes. Other consent items included an annexation at 227 and 309 Barbee Road, a rezoning to allow fourteen single family homes at 227 and 309 Barbee Road, a technical correction in rezoning for 200 Glendon Way, a bid rejection because of cost for the Optimist Farm Road Water Main Extension and Holly Springs Interconnection Project, an agreement with Verizon Wireless to maintain its equipment on the Ridgeview Water Tank, and a $4 million bid award for the water main replacement project including pavement replacement on Kildaire Farm Road.

The first two public hearings were for the annexation and rezoning proposal for 606 and 694 Pittard Sears Road. This drew complaints from nearby residents that the density and lot size didn’t fit with surrounding properties. These proposals will come back to council in a few months after a review and recommendation from the Planning and Zoning board.

The third public hearing was for the annexation of an assemblage of properties on Yates Store Road. This had no speakers and will pair up with the rezoning request going through the process. It will come back to council with the rezoning request for a vote in the future.

The fourth and fifth public hearings were for the annexation and rezoning proposal on White Oak Road with 4.33 acres. This proposes detached dwellings at a maximum density of 1.5 dwelling units per acre. This will come back to council in a few months for a vote.

The sixth public hearing was for the extension of the 2019 bond orders. In 2019, Cary voters approved $225 million in general obligation bonds to fund long-term projects that benefit both current and future residents. To date, the full amount has not been borrowed due to factors such as project costs and potential tax impacts. The authority to borrow the remaining funds is set to expire in October 2026. Following discussion, the Council approved a three-year extension, allowing but not requiring the Town to borrow the remaining $100 million as originally authorized. Of that amount, $78 million is planned for transportation projects and $22 million for parks. Some transportation projects are already underway and have been funded with cash, meaning the Town will reimburse itself once the bonds are issued. Issuing bonds at the end of projects helps minimize the impact on taxes.

The discussion item was for the use of General Obligation Bond Anticipation Notes. General Obligation (GO) bonds are typically issued for the full cost of a project. If bonds are sold at the beginning of a project, the Town starts paying interest on funds that may not be used immediately. To avoid unnecessary interest costs, it’s more efficient to wait until the end of a project to sell the bonds. In the meantime, projects can be funded using cash or through Bond Anticipation Notes (BANs) short-term, low-interest loans. BANs carry lower interest rates than GO bonds, helping to reduce borrowing costs and keep taxes low. The Council unanimously approved the issuance of $50 million in BANs.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

Hello, Cary friends and neighbors! As one of your at-large representatives, I’m thrilled to connect with you and offer a look at what your Council has been up to this week in our vibrant town. For nearly 30 years, I’ve watched Cary grow from a place of promise into a thriving community that still feels like home. It’s this unique blend of progress and heart that makes our town so special, and it’s a privilege to be part of the team shaping its next chapter.

Cary’s strength isn’t built at Town Hall alone — it’s a collective effort. It comes from neighbors, staff, and leaders who share a vision for an inclusive, innovative, and connected community. Every conversation I have with you, whether at a community event or one of my many walks with my dog, reinforces the trust you’ve placed in us.

In this newsletter, we aim to pull back the curtain on how your Town Council is working for you. Below, you’ll find a few highlights from the past week, showcasing how we’ve been engaging with our community, celebrating milestones, and tackling important issues. I invite you to read on, get involved, and help us continue to build a community we can all be proud to call home.

Carissa Kohn-Johnson

At-Large Council Member

Courtyards at West Cary

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended a neighborhood meeting at the Courtyards at West Cary to hear community priorities and share town updates.

Milkshakes With the Mayor

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht joined residents at Glenaire for the Milkshakes with the Mayor event, a casual gathering to connect, answer questions, and enjoy a sweet treat together. 

Fly Away Home

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson, serving as the Public Art Advisory Board council liaison, participated in the Fly Away Home sculpture trimming, celebrating the ongoing care and creativity behind Cary’s public art.

GRCVB Awards Ceremony

Councilmember Jack Smith attended the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) Meeting at the A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater, where Cary received the Thad Eure Jr. Memorial Award for Downtown Cary Park, recognized for its innovative design and national acclaim. 

Town Crier Reception

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Jack Smith attended a reception at The Mayton Inn to welcome Town Crier John Webster and his wife, Mary. Hosted by Cary’s Sister Cities Executive Board, the event highlighted the Town’s ongoing commitment to strengthening international friendships and cultural exchange.

Women’s Equality Day

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Women’s Equality Day celebration, joining local leaders to mark the historic significance of the day and highlight ongoing efforts toward gender equity. 

Vibha DreamMile

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson participated in the Vibha DreamMile event at Bond Park, while Councilmember Sarika Bansal attended the medal ceremony to present awards. The annual fundraiser supports Vibha’s vision of ensuring high-quality public education for every child.

Lazy Daze Opening Ceremony

Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Jack Smith, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, and Michelle Craig took part in the opening ceremonies of the Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, celebrating Cary’s largest annual cultural event with artists, performers, and thousands of visitors. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmember Sarika Bansal joined the festivities throughout the weekend.

Pakistan Independence Day

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the Pakistan Independence Day Celebration in Preston Village.

Old Wake Rivalry Game

Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmember Craig cheered on Cary High School at the Old Wake Rivalry Game against Apex. The historic football matchup, dating back to 1925, marked its centennial year. Go Imps! 

Council Members’ Schedule

Throughout the year, the Mayor and Council participate in various events, ceremonies, and activities. To see where Councilmembers will be this week, view the official schedule here.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

Thank you for your thoughtful engagement during last night’s work session on residential lighting, open space planning, and sales tax revenue. Your continued leadership and collaborative approach to these important community issues strengthen our ability to navigate both opportunities and challenges together.
As we discussed, our sales tax performance shows a mixed picture – while we’re seeing positive year-over-year growth of 1.1% for FY 2025 totaling $571,619, we remain $370,115 below our budgeted projections at this point. The sales tax trends data offers additional context for our ongoing financial discussions, and I look forward to our continued work together as we monitor these patterns and plan accordingly.
A quick reminder, Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed on Monday for the Labor Day holiday. Enjoy your weekend.  

Sean

Council Joint Meeting with Holly Springs August 26^th

Slides presented at the joint meeting can be found here. 

Shading the Future Grant Award

This week, Cary accepted a $25,000 grant award from the Duke Energy Foundation to support the ‘Shading the Future: Trees for Energy Savings and Community Resiliency’ pilot initiative. This effort is designed to enhance the community’s climate resiliency through the strategic planting of 200 trees in targeted areas with lower urban tree canopy coverage and higher average surface temperature. By leveraging existing community partnerships, staff will inform and engage citizens in areas of consideration throughout the pilot.

Cary’s New Vision Zero Webpage

This week staff published a new Cary webpage dedicated to sharing information about Town Council’s recent adoption of Vision Zero. Available at www.carync.gov/visionzero, the webpage highlights Cary’s on-going efforts to improve multimodal infrastructure, and how existing programs support the principles of Vision Zero. Staff will continue to integrate Vision Zero concepts into existing programs while progressing towards a unifying definition of the goals and priorities for a Vision Zero strategy that aligns with Cary’s values, policies, and actions.

Changes to Aquastar Usage Alerts

Aquastar, our long-time wireless water meter system, no longer has the capability to send usage text messages to customers. However, text message was the only one communication method to receive this usage information. Customers still have an option to receive usage alerts by email. Customers can access the online portal at carync.gov/digipay to view account details and modify or create usage alerts.  

Annual Water System Performance Report

Cary has issued its annual wastewater report, which summarizes the outstanding performance of its collection and treatment system that supports Cary, Morrisville, Wake RTP, and RDU Airport. The report provides quick facts, descriptions of our treatment facilities, system metrics, and tips to keep the system working smoothly and the environment free from sewer spills. In FY 2025 Cary had no reportable sewer overflows, an outstanding achievement. Visit carync.gov/wastewaterreport to view the report online.

Old Apex Water Main Construction Update

Construction of the new 24-inch water main along Old Apex Rd. has steadily progressed through the summer. More than half of the roughly 8,000 linear feet of new water main has been installed. Earlier this week, a new traffic pattern was installed at the intersection of Old Apex Rd. and W. Chatham St. This traffic shift is expected to remain in place for two months to allow for the safe installation of a water main across W. Chatham St. The installation will occur by trenchless methods allowing two-way traffic to be maintained on both Old Apex Rd. and W. Chatham St. The project remains on track for completion in fall 2026.

Black Creek Greenway Update: Phase One Opens Today

Progress continues on the Black Creek Greenway Renovation project. Phase One (W. Dynasty Dr. to Livingstone Dr.) is complete and opens today, just in time for the Labor Day holiday. Phase Two (Livingstone Dr. to just north of Weston Pkwy) will begin after Labor Day. This section of the greenway will close for construction, which is expected to be completed in the first half of 2026.

Staff Presents at Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference

On Wednesday, Assistant Fire Chief Chris Parker presented on first responder vehicle options at the Sustainable Fleet Technology Conference in Winston-Salem. Chief Parker shared Cary’s implementation of idle-reduction technology (IRT) across Fire’s fleet vehicles. He emphasized its benefits, including lower fuel costs, reduced emissions, and decreased environmental impact, all without compromising emergency readiness.

Urban Water Consortium Quarterly Meeting

The Urban Water Consortium (UWC) represents a unique collaboration of twelve of the largest water utilities across North Carolina partnering with the academic community to advance water research priorities. Cary has been a founding member since UWC’s inception in 1985 and benefits from contributing to this long-standing forum to learn and share among water managers from the most populated areas of the state. The Urban Water Consortium held its quarterly meeting on Tuesday at Orange Water & Sewer Authority. The meeting included an in-depth discussion of emerging water contaminants and a tour of the water treatment facility.

Centennial Football Celebration: Cary HS vs. Apex HS

On Saturday, Cary, National Amateur Sports, and the Wake County Public School System partnered to host the historic 100th anniversary football game between Cary High School and Apex High School at WakeMed Soccer Park. The celebration drew more than 2,200 fans and alumni from both communities, with Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmember Michelle Craig, and Apex Mayor Jacques Gilbert in attendance. The event gave student athletes a memorable opportunity to compete in a premier stadium environment, complete with amenities far beyond those of their traditional home fields.

Lazy Daze 2025 Recap

Lazy Daze 2025 welcomed an estimated 55,000 attendees to Downtown Cary, energized by perfect weather and a weekend full of art, music, and community spirit. The festival kicked off with Demo Daze, featuring 11 live artist demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages. New this year was the Inclusive Artist Market, spotlighting artists with disabilities, alongside returning favorites like the Kid Collectors Market, Chalk Walk, and Kid Daze. Entertainment included performances from Squonk, four live stages, and 25 diverse food trucks, while the Hype Daze initiative connected festivalgoers with downtown businesses offering themed specials. With support from over 300 volunteers and Town departments, Lazy Daze 2025 was a major success as Cary looks ahead to its 50th anniversary celebration in 2026.

CaryLIVE with Squirrel Nut Zippers

CaryLIVE! with the Squirrel Nut Zippers drew its largest audience yet on Saturday evening, with over 4,000 people gathering in Downtown Cary just down the street from Lazy Daze. Many festivalgoers stuck around to enjoy the free concert, creating an energetic and festive atmosphere. The night was made even more special with a mini reunion as founding member Katharine Whalen opened the show with her Jazz Squad and later joined the Squirrel Nut Zippers on stage for a few songs. With record attendance, unforgettable performances, and the perfect continuation of a day filled with community celebration, this CaryLIVE! concert was a tremendous success.

Important Dates

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, September 2
6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, September 3
12:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday, September 3
6:30 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 finding parking in the library deck during Lazy Daze.
• A thank-you for supporting Cary at the Cary-Apex 100-year anniversary football game.
• A complaint that the USTA and Western Wake are taking tennis courts at “peak times”.
• A compliment about Lazy Daze and the Downtown Cary Park.
• A complaint about the median placement on North Harrison at Montibello Drive.
• A complaint about the dog park at the Downtown Cary Park.
• A complaint that Cary needs to get a YMCA discount for Marigold Apartments (we don’t have that authority).

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a virtual visit to Turner Creek Elementary, a Human Relations Inclusion Diversity Advisory Board meeting, a ribbon cutting for Art Swarm, an appreciation reception for the Cary Tennis Classic sponsors, a Triangle Community Coalition Coffee Chat, a North Carolina Metro Mayors meeting, and the Rock Your Word event at Fenton.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, September 7^th, 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.

Cary Housing Continues to Soar

According to a recent article, Redfin calculates that the medium home price in Cary has risen 18.2% over the last year. More details can be found here.

Audit Inquiry

Monday I was interviewed by a Cherry Bekaert accounting firm representative as part of our annual audit. They asked questions about potential fraud, misuse of funds, etc. Of course, I had no knowledge of any misuse of taxpayer dollars. In all my years of being involved as an elected official in Cary government the staff has done an amazing job with the town’s finances.

Manager One-On-One

Monday evening I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Our topics of discussion included council-staff relationships, the evolution of the downtown park, bonds, and reviewing the social district expansion.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday night I participated in a meeting of the Wake County Mayors Association which was held in Apex. In attendance were mayors from Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Morrisville, and Rolesville. Most of our discussions were about what was going on in each municipality and the upcoming municipal elections.

Milkshake With the Mayor

Tuesday afternoon I visited Glenaire for “Milkshake with the Mayor”. There were about fifty in attendance. For more than an hour, I visited each table and talked to residents about issues they were interested in. It was a lot of fun, and a great way to have several one-on-one conversations. I was impressed with the knowledge base Glenaire residents have on so many complex issues.

CAMPO

Wednesday I participated in a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s (CAMPO) Executive Board. This board has over thirty members comprised of over elected officials from member governments, as well as stakeholders from other agencies. CAMPO is the federally mandated agency responsible for continuous and comprehensive transportation planning in the greater Raleigh area. Its primary functions include developing long-range transportation plans, programming transportation projects into a short-range plan, and coordinating with local governments and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to meet the region’s transportation needs. This includes planning for all transportation modes, such as roadways, transit, and pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure, and conducting studies on regional transportation issues.

This month’s agenda had four consent items, three public hearings, and four discussion items.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously and included minutes, a Unified Planning Work Program Amendment, record retention and schedules, and a sub-allocation award for the Raleigh Urbanized Area funding partners.

All three public hearings were held without speakers and were approved unanimously. The first public hearing was the 2050 Metropolitan Transportation Plan Amendment #2 & Air Quality Conformity Determination Report. CAMPO is required to demonstrate conformity between the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for air quality. This is a required step for the development of an Air Quality Conformity Determination analysis and report. This is also required for updates and changes to the MTP and/or the TIP.

The second public hearing was the FY 2026-2035 TIP. CAMPO staff update the TIP every two years. This is a draft TIP completed to meet the federal requirement stating that the TIP and State’s Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) must be identical. This had implications for Cary. In this draft the Trinity Road bridge project will be in the first decade of FY2026-FY2035, and the Chatham/Maynard bridge project will follow in the next decade.

The last public hearing was for the Locally Administered Projects Program (LAPP) FY2027 Target Modal Mix. This determines the percentage funding mix of roads, bike/ped, and transit.

Under discussion the board received information on the Federal Functional Classification Changes, the 8^th update for SPOT (State’s Prioritization for transportation), and an update for 2055 MTP/CTP (Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Comprehensive Transportation Plan). In one other discussion item the board endorsed the North Harnett Transit Study Recommendations for use in the Metropolitan Transportation Plan.

EAB Discussion

Thursday afternoon I met with staff members to go over the Environmental Advisory Board applications. After discussing the qualification of several applicants and the goals for the board, we decided on candidates that we will recommend to the rest of the council.

Lazy Daze Dinner with the Websters

Thursday night I joined members of Sister Cities in a dinner to welcome our town crier and his wife, John and Mary Webster, for Lazy Daze. John and Mary are from our sister city in Markham, Canada, and John has been our town crier for over 25 years. We are blessed to have had his friendship and participation all these years. John presented a proclamation and a gift from Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti.

Lazy Daze

Saturday I participated in the opening ceremony for the 49^th Lazy Daze Arts and Craft festival in Cary which is the premiere event of its kind in the southeasts. This year there were 250 artists from 19 states. Dan Pike welcomed the crowd and introduced the Cary High School Band which played our national anthem. This was followed by the Town Crier who read a proclamation on my behalf. Then I provided welcoming remarks including recognition of the Lazy Daze founder, Jerry Miller, who passed away earlier this year. Thankfully, his daughter was there with us.

The weather was perfect for both days with temperatures in the upper 70s and lower 80s for both days. IMHO, it was another great success.

Cary vs Apex Football 100-year anniversary

Saturday night I joined council member Craig for the 100^th anniversary of the Cary and Apex football rivalry. As part of the pregame Apex Mayor Gilbert and I met at midfield for the coin toss which was performed by Wake County Schoolboard member Swanson who represents both Cary and Apex. The game was a tough fought battle that was closer than the score. In the end the mighty Imps from Cary prevailed by a score of 25 to 10. Congratulations to all those who “bleed green”.

Council Out and About

Message From Mayor and Council

As the longest-serving elected official in our town’s history, representing District C since 1989, I’m honored to share a few reflections with you this week. Nearing the end of my service on Council, I take great pride in having played a role in Cary’s thoughtful growth, strong community spirit, and dedication to environmental stewardship.
Cary continues to thrive because of your involvement and dedication. Our success has always been built on collaboration — neighbors, staff, and elected officials working together toward a shared vision. I’m proud to serve alongside you and grateful for the trust you place in me.
This newsletter is one of the many ways we aim to keep you connected to what’s happening in Cary. Below, you’ll find updates on recent events and opportunities to engage with your town government. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read through and stay involved — your participation is what makes Cary such a vibrant and welcoming community.

Jack Smith

District C Council Member

GoCary at Cary High School

Councilmember Michelle Craig joined staff last Tuesday at Cary High School’s first IMPressions Freshman Camp sessions, where GoCary hosted an information booth to introduce incoming students to routes and services.

Cary Fire Department Graduation

On Friday, Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the Cary Fire Department’s graduation ceremony. They joined family, friends, and colleagues in honoring 20 new recruits for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments as they enter the fire service family.

Meeting with County Meath

On Saturday, August 16, Councilmember Jack Smith met with Meath County Councilmember Brian Fitzgerald to discuss upcoming Sister Cities activities between Cary and Meath. As part of the visit, Brian received an autographed copy of Town Manager Sean Stegall’s recently published book, The Top of the Arc.

India Independence Day Celebration

On Sunday, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson and Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Michelle Craig, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended the India Independence Day Celebration hosted by Hindi Vikas Mandal at the Hindu Society of North Carolina in Morrisville. The event featured a flag-hoisting ceremony, cultural performances highlighting India’s heritage, and an informal community lunch, bringing families together in the spirit of freedom and unity.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,

As a reminder, Lazy Daze takes place tomorrow and Sunday. Town Hall closed at noon today to allow staff to prepare for the two-day festival. I continue to be amazed at the creativity and energy our staff pour into making Lazy Daze a success.

On Tuesday evening, I will join you for our joint dinner with the Holly Springs Council and staff. This dinner is an important opportunity to connect and deepen relationships while discussing the utility and sewer needs of Holly Springs and the potential role Cary might play in supporting them in the future.

As always, thank you for the way you show up for these moments. The work we do together creates conditions for excellence not only in Cary, but in the region.

Wake County Approves Green Level West Road Renaming

This week, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to rename a portion of Green Level West Road to High House Road, between NC 55 and Green Level Church Road, as was previously approved by Council on June 12. Staff will begin the process of notifying property owners along the corridor by mail early next week and coordinating street sign replacement. For more information on the renaming process, visit the street renaming projects website. 

Cary-Morrisville Traffic Signal Agreement Adopted

Cary and Morrisville have renewed an agreement to incorporate all traffic signals in Morrisville into Cary’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS). Under this agreement, Morrisville will fully reimburse Cary for the direct costs of operating and maintaining its signals. By managing a larger, more coordinated network, the ATMS improves traffic flow across town boundaries, reduces congestion, and enhances overall system efficiency. In addition, Cary will have a greater role in planning Morrisville’s transportation network as they update their Comprehensive Transportation Plan, which will include traffic signals and Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure.

Draft Open Space Plan

Staff is seeking feedback on the draft Open Space Plan now through Sept. 28 and will be available to answer questions at a Lazy Daze booth this weekend.

Staff Recognized at National APWA Conference

This week, staff attended the American Public Works Association’s (APWA) annual Public Works Expo in Chicago. Fleet Manager Brandon Pasinski was named APWA’s Professional Fleet Manager of the Year, a national honor recognizing his leadership in advancing Cary’s award-winning green fleet through innovations such as renewable propane conversions for police vehicles, optimizing the motor pool with the addition of electric vehicles, and initiating Cary’s first Fleet Technician Intern Program. Urban Forester Leslie Moorman also presented on Cary’s tree care program, sharing how decentralized responsibility and shared resources across departments foster flexibility and resilience in municipal tree management. Her talk sparked conversation among urban forestry professionals nationwide about new ways to strengthen local tree programs.

Downtown Cary Park Honored at GRCVB Annual Meeting

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) was honored this week at the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau’s (GRCVB) annual meeting with the 37th Thad Eure Jr. Memorial Award. Named for well-respected local leader, Thad Eure, this award recognizes individuals and organizations that embody the ideals of hospitality and service that were hallmarks of his life. This award is the GRCVB’s highest accolade for contributions to our hospitality landscape and honors the work that Cary and the PRCR Department have accomplished with the development and opening of Downtown Cary Park. Assistant Director of PRCR Dana Kennedy, Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis, and Downtown Cary Park Assistant General Manager Sarah Preston attended to accept the award along with Councilmember Jack Smith. 

Cary Appears Again in Southern Living

Marketing Strategy Team Efforts Pay Off, Highlighting Town’s Regional Strength

Cary earned another major national spotlight this week with a feature in Southern Living. The piece also was picked up by Yahoo Life and AOL, in total reaching more than 418 million online readers and generating nearly $4 million in PR value for Cary. The story echoed the team’s pitch, saying “Cary is making the case that there has never been a better time to do a little further digging into the state’s famed Research Triangle.”

Tree Removal at Depot

The Cary Depot was temporarily closed last Friday after Cary’s Urban Forestry Expeditor Kelly Blair identified a large tree near the south platform as an immediate fall risk. The tree posed a threat to nearby railroad tracks and bus shelters. Transit staff enacted the GoCary Emergency Operations Plan, rerouting bus service to Town Hall Campus while the tree was removed. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of Transit, Urban Forestry, 311, Public Works, and Police, the disruption was minimal and normal operations resumed within a few hours.

Downtown Pedestrian Crossing Enhancements

As part of continued improvements to the downtown mobility network an enhanced pedestrian crossing was recently installed at the intersection of South Harrison Avenue and West Park Street. This upgrade provides clearer visual warnings for drivers with new yield line markings and signs in advance of the crosswalk along with pedestrian activated LED-enhanced signs at the crosswalk.

Wake Technical Advisory Committee Meeting

On Wednesday, Cary hosted the Wake Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) at WakeMed Soccer Park, welcoming staff from neighboring municipalities for a quarterly discussion on solid waste and landfill operations. Stadium and Facilities Operations Manager David Crotts opened the meeting by highlighting the venue’s top-tier operations and events. Through the South Wake Landfill Interlocal Agreement, staff actively participate in these regional conversations to shape long-term waste management strategies and strengthen Cary’s solid waste services.

Cary-Apex Water Treatment Facility Future Planning

This week marks another successful year of operation at the Cary-Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF). Over the last 32 years, it has grown from a 12 million gallon per day capacity to 56 million gallons per day and it currently provides high-quality drinking water to over 300,000 people. To celebrate the anniversary, the facility kicked off a new master planning project this week. The project will take a deep dive into the treatment processes and anticipated water demands, which will be used to create a measured plan for incremental expansion, ensuring the facility can meet the drinking water needs of our citizens for the next 30 years and beyond. 

Important Dates

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, August 25
6:30 p.m.

Cary and Holly Springs Joint Meeting
Tuesday, August 26
5:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, August 27
6:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, August 28
5:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, August 28
6:30 p.m.

Cary Candidate Filing

Filing for Cary Town Council ended on July 18^th. 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 4^th.

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 the median placement on North Harrison and Montebello Drive.
• A complaint about old homes being torn down and large homes replacing them in the downtown area.
• A complaint about programming of tennis courts.
• A request for support for the Carying Place.
• A complaint about the downtown park dog park.
• Requests for statements of support.
• A request to expand recycling.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a trip to New York, a work session, and a council meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, August 31^st, 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.