Harold's Blog

Memorial Day

On Monday I joined Congresswoman Ross, Wake County Commissioner Stallings, Morrisville Council Member Rao, Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson, and Council members Smith, Kohn-Johnson, Craig, and Bansal for Cary’s Memorial Day celebration. Jack Smith, the council’s only veteran, served as the emcee. First we were entertained by the Cary Town band with patriotic songs. Afterwards, I read a proclamation recognizing and thanking our veterans and their families:

DESIGNATING MAY 26, 2025,

AS THE OBSERVANCE OF MEMORIAL DAY IN CARY

WHEREAS, Memorial Day has been set aside as a national holiday for all Americans to remember the sacrifices made by those who have given their lives in service to the United States through their military service; and

WHEREAS, we come here today to undertake the solemn duty of remembering those brave Americans; and

WHEREAS, we honor those we have lost throughout our country’s history; the proud men and women who served in the Air Force, the Army, the Coast Guard, the Marines, the Navy, Space Force, and the National Guard that have served in wars so that future generations would have freedom; and

WHEREAS, in Cary we are fortunate to have a place dedicated for us to gather to honor these men and women and to pay tribute to them and their families; and

WHEREAS, the National Moment of Remembrance is a voluntary observance for each of us in our own way to take a moment of remembrance and respect to honor and give thanks to all of those who have risked their lives so that we may enjoy our freedom,

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Harold Weinbrecht Jr., Mayor of Cary, North Carolina, on behalf of the Cary Council, do hereby designate May 26, 2025, as “An observance of Memorial Day in Cary,” and I urge all citizens to participate in honoring our country’s service men and women.

PROCLAIMED this 26^th day of May, 2025.

Afterwards we heard from the featured speaker, Paul Berry, who is the senior director

for Veterans Bridge Home and a 30-year United States Marine Corps veteran. At the end of the ceremony, I spoke with several veterans. We are so blessed to have brave men and women willing to serve and protect our freedom. Bless all those who serve, and have served, and their families. And we will never forget those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Jerry Miller Receives Order of the Long Leaf Pine

Tuesday I had the honor and privilege of joining NC Senator Gale Adcock in presenting the Order of the Long Leaf Pine to Jerry Miller.

The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is among the most prestigious awards presented by the Governor of North Carolina and is presented to individuals who have a proven record of extraordinary service to the state. Contributions to their communities, extra effort in their careers, and many years of service to their organizations are some of the guidelines by which recipients are selected for this award. 

The following is part of what was submitted to the Governor’s Office:

Jerry Miller, born and raised in North Carolina, has dedicated his career to capturing the essence of his state through his detailed drawings of its architecture. His expansive body of work encompasses not just the grand and historical but also the everyday structures that define the landscapes of North Carolina. With a focus that spans across 72 of the state’s 100 counties, Miller’s portfolio includes 182 drawings of Cary, 121 aircraft, 58 public schools, over 217 personal homes, 196 churches, 132 Raleigh scenes, and 35 drawings of various college and university buildings. His unique approach has not only preserved the architectural heritage of North Carolina but has also celebrated it in a vivid and accessible format.

Jerry’s love for his adopted hometown of Cary sparked the creation of the Cary Lazy Daze Festival in 1976. What began as a small community event has grown into one of the nation’s premier contemporary crafts festivals, drawing attendees and artists from across the country. Through his initiative, Jerry has significantly contributed to Cary’s cultural vitality and its reputation as a hub for arts and crafts.

Throughout his illustrious career, Jerry has received numerous accolades that testify to his talent and commitment to community service. Notable among these are paintings commissioned for former U.S. Presidents George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, and local figures such as Dr. Tom Stafford at NC State University. His artwork has also been selected to represent North Carolina in prestigious locations, including the White House.

Jerry’s influence extends beyond the arts into community and civic engagement. He has been the recipient of multiple awards including the Herb Young award, the Dick Ladd award, the Rotary award, the Jaycees award, and the Hometown Spirit Award. Additionally, his contributions to local heritage and the arts have been permanently honored with rooms named after him in several cultural institutions including the Lee County Art Center, the Templeton Art Center, and the Page-Walker Hotel Art Center.

His creative contributions have also found practical applications, such as designing the first watercolor flag for North Carolina in over two centuries, and creating artwork for telephone books for Apex and Cary, enhancing the daily lives of the local community with his aesthetic vision. Moreover, Jerry’s commitment to educational and historical documentation is evident from his extensive work for Cary High School and his contributions to the book “Around and About Cary.”

Perhaps one of the most touching tributes to his impact is a bust made in his honor, now standing in a park at the Cary Arts Center, symbolizing his lasting legacy in the community he cherishes.

Jerry Miller’s life and work embody a deep-seated passion for North Carolina and its stories. Through his art, he continues to contribute to the cultural preservation and celebration of his state, ensuring that its architectural marvels—grand and humble alike—are remembered and appreciated for generations to come.

After I provided remarks NC Senator Adcock read and presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. This was followed by several pictures. Congratulations Jerry!

NC Metro Mayors

The North Carolina Metro Mayors met on Friday morning for a legislative summary. Here is a report from Checkmate Government Relations:

General Update

The General Assembly took this week following Memorial Day off. Speaker Hall and Senator President Pro Tempore Berger will begin negotiating a state budget. The Senate is expected to vote to “not concur” with the House’s budget proposal, sending the bill to a conference committee. A new report from OSBM and outstanding federal reimbursements for Hurricane Helene recovery make it unlikely that the state passes a budget before the end of the fiscal year on June 30.  

OSBM Forecast

The Consensus Forecasting Group which includes the Office of State Budget and Management and the General Assembly’s Fiscal Research Division issued their May 2025 revenue forecast. This forecast is $180M lower than February 2025 and forecasts $364M in overcollections in FY 24-25. This change is due primarily to lower corporate income tax collections than were expected in April likely due to the recent tariffs. The individual income tax collections were higher than last spring which is attributed to high capital gains. Additionally, collections from sales tax are back on target due to a spike in consumer spending that is likely related to spending in anticipation of tariffs. Looking forward, the Total General Fund revenues for FY 25-26 are revised 0.6% lower from February. Additionally, recent business surveys illustrate that fewer businesses anticipate raising workers’ wages, and many businesses express their focus on cutting costs to support profitability amid higher prices for imports.

Eligible Bills

In the North Carolina General Assembly, crossover is an important legislative deadline. Some bills are exempt from the crossover deadline, such as budget related matters. Any bills that are subject to crossover must pass through their chamber of origin, by a certain date to remain eligible for consideration for the biennium. The purpose of the crossover deadline is to simplify legislative workload and focus on more attainable proposals. The following are notable bills that made it through crossover:

• H171 prohibits State agencies from promoting, supporting, implementing, or maintaining workplace DEI programs, policies or initiatives.
• H674 would add an option for a lifetime concealed handgun permit.
• S554 would prohibit a State bank, credit union, savings and loan association, or savings bank from denying or canceling its service to an agriculture producer based upon the agriculture producer’s greenhouse gas emissions, use of fossil fuel derived fertilizer, or use of fossil fuel powered machinery.
• S280 would allow school administrators to give consent to employees and volunteers to possess handguns and stun guns on school grounds. 
• H781 would prohibit a local government to authorize or allow any person to regularly engage in public camping or sleeping on public property.

All municipal authority comes from the legislature. It might be interesting to view the current legislation that is being considered. You can find it here.

Council Member Updates

There were no updates for this week.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

I’m looking forward to The Soccer Tournament (TST), taking place June 4 – 9, and the international spotlight it brings to Cary. Events like this not only showcase our community but also reflect the hard work and coordination happening behind the scenes.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this tournament possible — your efforts are seen and appreciated.

Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

Meeting Follow-ups

Development Update Follow-Up Items

Memorial Day Remembrance

On Monday, hundreds gathered at Veterans Freedom Park to honor U.S. military personnel who gave their lives in service. The ceremony was attended by Congresswoman Deborah Ross, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Michelle Craig, Jack Smith, and Sarika Bansal. Councilmember Jack Smith, a U.S. Army veteran, emceed the event and offered remarks alongside featured speaker Paul Berry, who movingly shared the goals and dreams of a fellow servicemember he lost in Afghanistan—a powerful reminder of the individuals behind the more than one million lives lost. The program also included a field of flags display and patriotic music performed by the Cary Town Band.

American Legion Post 67 Memorial Day Service

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmembers Jack Smith, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal attended the American Legion Post 67 Memorial Day Ceremony. Councilmember Smith delivered remarks on behalf of the Cary Town Council.

Jerry Miller Presented Order of the Long Leaf Pine

On Tuesday, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht joined Senator Gale Adcock at The Templeton to present North Carolina’s highest honor, The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, to Cary artist Jerry Miller, founder of the beloved Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson was also present to help celebrate Jerry’s remarkable contributions to Cary and North Carolina. Nominated by Howard Johnson and Joy Ennis, Jerry was honored for his decades of artistic work and community impact.

Moving Cary Forward Panel

On Tuesday evening, Councilmember Lori Bush joined Transit Director Kelly Blazey, Transportation Engineering Manager David Spencer, and Jared Draper from Toole Design as panelists in a Bicycle and Pedestrian Forum moderated by Joan Lyons from Oaks & Spokes. This forum brought together citizens for a meaningful conversation about Cary’s transportation future, highlighting shared goals and priorities. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversations about future bike infrastructure, Vision Zero, transit improvements, and other potential transportation enhancements.

Amberly Residents Club Presentation

Councilmember Sarika Bansal presented to the Amberly Residents Club, sharing updates on priorities for Western Cary, including a financial overview and current initiatives.

Western Area Reclaimed Water Service Update

Out of an abundance of caution, Cary took the Western Reclaimed Water Distribution System offline on the evening of May 23 to investigate a potential pressure issue. Over the following days, crews have been carefully repressurizing the system and restoring reclaimed water service section by section. Staff expects to complete the investigation and bring the entire system back online during the week of June 2nd. To view a map of the Distribution System service area click here. 

Annual Water Quality Report

Cary’s 2024 Annual Water Quality Report is now available. The report summarizes the treatment, testing, and infrastructure improvements that staff accomplished in order to provide 8.4 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water to the community in 2024. Cary provides drinking water to more than 300,000 citizens of Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Wake County’s portion of Research Triangle Park (RTP), and the Raleigh- Durham International Airport (RDU). Highlights include the completion of a service line inventory, proactive monitoring for emerging contaminants, and the ongoing residential water meter replacement program.

Long Range Water Resource Plan Finalized

After years of planning and coordination, Cary is pleased to present the new Long Range Water Resource Plan , which outlines the community’s water strategy for the next 50 years. Cary has a strong tradition of master planning, but this update represents a significant milestone by incorporating the vision of the Imagine Cary Community Plan alongside the latest input from regional water partners, including Apex, Morrisville, Wake Research Triangle Park (RTP), and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Developing a comprehensive strategy for both water supply and infrastructure is essential to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy living in Cary. Council will have the opportunity to learn more about the plan during a work session scheduled for August or September.

African American Education Display at Arts Center

Installed this week at the Cary Arts Center is a new permanent display, A Legacy of Learning: African American Education in Cary, which explores the impacts of segregation and desegregation in Cary education. The project was a collaborative effort involving the Page-Walker Arts & History Center, Human Resources staff, and research support from the Friends of Page-Walker.  Peggy Van Scoyoc’s book Desegregating Cary and related oral histories, along with Ella Williams-Vinson’s books Both Sides of the Track I & II, provided rich resources for the display.

Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – June 11

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will hold a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. on June 11 at Town Hall to consider designating the Levie and Clarence Braswell House, located at 309 N. West Street, as a Cary Local Historic Landmark.

The HPC agenda, including the staff report and supporting documents for the public hearing, will be available by the close of business on Thursday, June 5. Information about Cary’s 12 existing local historic landmarks can be viewed on the interactive map.

Upcoming Meetings

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, June 2
5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, June 2
6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, June 2
6:30 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, June 3
6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, June 4
12:00 p.m.

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

• Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12. Unfortunately, most of these complaints are based on information that is inaccurate or misleading. Sadly, the insults continue from the Lochmere community. One complaint included the comment “Your growth agenda has ruined this town … If this is the 5^th best place to live that does not say much for the cities and towns across this county. I hope your developer friends are happy because the people around Waverly are not!”. Others I can’t put in print.

(Fortunately, this does not represent the majority of those living in Lochmere and the surrounding areas and certainly does not represent most of the Cary citizens. In Cary, we should be able to agree, disagree, and agree to disagree all while respecting each other’s point of view. While this is not what we witness on the state and national levels it is what we expect here in Cary. I continue to be disappointed that people believe it is OK to insult others with comments, such as the ones above, that are absolutely false.)

• A series of insults about Cary because we have a street named Plantation Drive.
• A complaint that we didn’t have American flags on street poles for Memorial Day.
• A thank you for the amendments for swimming pools in downtown.
• A request to raise staff salaries higher than 3% that is in the proposed budget.

Next Week

Next week I will be on a family vacation.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, June 15^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 #5 Best Place in the Nation

Monday I was notified that the U.S. News & World Report named Cary as the #5 Best Place to Live in the U.S., and the #1 place to live in North Carolina for 2025-2026. Here is our press release of this great announcement:

CARY, N.C. – Cary has been named the #5 Best Place to Live in the United States and the #1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings. Cary also earned the #4 spot among the Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in the U.S.

This year’s expanded report evaluated more than 850 municipalities – up from 150 in previous years – using metrics such as value, job market strength, desirability, and quality of life, weighted in part by a national survey of what Americans value most in a place to live. U.S. News noted that these changes to the methodology give consumers a more complete view into what it’s like to live somewhere at the community level.

“This kind of recognition reflects years of thoughtful planning and the dedication of Cary’s citizens and staff,” said Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary. “While we don’t chase rankings, it sure feels good when others take notice of what we’ve built together.”

According to U.S. News, Cary was “propelled to the top 10 of our rankings by its abundant employment opportunities and high living standards.” The publication describes Cary as the largest municipality by population in the top 25, yet it still offers “the comforts of a small town, including safe neighborhoods, clean air, and excellent public schools.” Cary also ranked #27 nationally for college readiness, thanks to a top-tier K-12 education system that prepares students for success at nearby research universities. Additionally, the town placed in the top 5% for job market strength, supported by its proximity to the high-paying tech sector jobs in Research Triangle Park.

“While quality of life remains the top priority for many Americans – and has the heaviest weight in determining the Best Places to Live rankings – U.S. News slightly adjusted its weights to increase priority for a location’s job market amid heightened economic uncertainty,” said Erika Giovanetti, consumer lending analyst at U.S. News & World Report.

“Choosing a place to live is a life-changing decision for many people,” Giovanetti added. “The 2025-2026 Best Places to Live rankings expanded this year to identify cities of all sizes that are most likely to meet the wants and needs of those considering where to call home next.”

The rankings methodology combines proprietary U.S. News data with inputs from Applied Geographic Solutions and federal agencies, including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Federal Emergency Management Agency, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

This national recognition for Cary builds on a standout year with Niche.com ranking Cary the #1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina and the #1 Best Place to Raise a Family in North Carolina, and USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards naming The Nest at Downtown Cary Park the #1 Public Playground in America.

About Cary, North Carolina

With excellence and innovation at its core, Cary is a thriving community of around 190,000 residents representing more than 60 nationalities, positioned at the heart of North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle Park region. Consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and visit, Cary is known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive greenways, environmental stewardship, and premier sports and cultural venues. Its “people first” philosophy drives collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking public investments that make Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors. For more information, visit CaryNC.gov/about and follow us on social media @caryncgov.

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader for journalism that empowers consumers, citizens, business leaders, and policy officials to make confident decisions in all aspects of their lives and communities. A multifaceted media company, U.S. News provides unbiased rankings, independent reporting and analysis, and consumer advice to millions of people on USNews.com each month. A pillar in Washington for more than 90 years, U.S. news is the trusted home for in-depth and exclusive insights on education, health, politics, the economy, personal finance, travel, automobiles, real estate, careers, and consumer products and services.

We are so proud to once again be recognized as one of the best of the best or as we like to say, “Top of the Arc”.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday, I attempted to contact council members to hear of any concerns or questions about the upcoming council meeting agenda. There were concerns expressed about the Waverly Place rezoning proposal, and the downtown development agreement with the Walker.

Later Monday I met with staff to go over the agenda. It was decided that the downtown development agreement would be tabled for another meeting so that questions could be answered. On other items staff noted that several people had already signed up to speak at the Public Speaks Out part of the meeting.

Manager One-On-One

Later Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Topics of discussion included the Waverly Place rezoning proposal, council interactions, and property tax relief.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday night I met with the Wake County Mayors Association. In attendance were the mayors of Cary, Garner, Holly Springs, Morrisville, Raleigh, Rolesville, Wake Forest, and Zebulon.

Urban Land Institute

Monday I met and welcomed two members of the Urban Land Institute who are considering our Downtown Cary Park for their national award. After my remarks the staff focused on their criteria which are history/revitalization/growth, Master Plan to Community Acceptance, Sustainability, Running the Park, Community, and Economic Impact. Out of over 90 parks we are in the top 20 at this point.

Work Session on Budget

Tuesday night the council held a work session to go over the manager’s proposed budget. Here are some of the changes in the proposed budget and takeaways from that work session:

• A reduction of $1 million from the manager’s budget which should have been downtown Park.
• A reduction of $1.4 million from the Police due to records duplication.
• An Increase of $2.4 million for mid-year appropriations.
• Increase of $1,000,000 to Utility Engineering to correct for data transfer omission
• Reduction of ($1,000,000) from Transfer to Utility Fund Balance
• WWRWRF Regional Utility Infrastructure Review Study – $400K, added project with funding split between Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs
• Vehicle Heavy Duty Equipment Replacement Sewer – $700K, added project
• Vehicle Heavy Duty Equipment Replacement, Water – $350K, added project
• CAWTF Dredge – $235K, added project
• Water System Relocates – ($600K) removed project
• CAWTF Lab Equipment with additional $40,250 in Apex funding
• The Manager’s proposed tax rate is 34 cents per $100 of valuation which is 1.5 cents above the current rate. The council expressed concerns that with no new hires for the second year and a backlog of capital projects next year’s rate might require a bigger tax increase or a severe cut in services. They asked for more information about next year (FY2027)
• Wake proposed tax rate of 51.60 cents per $100 of valuation which is 0.25 cents above current rate
• Chatham proposed a tax rate of 60 cents per $100 valuation which is 7.04 cents above revenue neutral rate of 52.96 cents. This is 12.5 cents decrease from current rate. Chatham county residents had re-evaluation this year. Wake county residents had re-evaluation last year. They will be synchronized in 2029.
• Median Cary home value in Chatham County increases by $215,890 from $449,429 to $665,314. There are 2,513 parcels in Chatham with a worth of $1,708,432,537 total property valuation out of $53,134,743,287 or 3.2% of Cary’s total
• The manager’s proposed budget is “Maintenance Focused” with limited Capital Expenditures, no Capital Improvements, and a 1.5 Cent Tax Rate Increase. The budget totals $508 million, which is a 2.1% increase. This would include a 9.9% increase in operations and a 23.2% decrease in capital.
• Staff noted that reducing expenditures on operations will result in a reduction in services.
• The Recommended Budget reflects $26M in department-identified reductions. This includes a decrease in the Downtown Cary Park budget from $6.9M to $6.4M (further reductions discussed on June 12)
• The Recommended Budget uses a 1% increase projection in sales tax revenue. The council recommended 0%.
• The first public hearing on the budget will be May 22^nd. This will be followed by a second public hearing at the council meeting in June.
• Staff continue to provide a robust budget education campaign including all board and commission members.

CAMPO

Wednesday, I attended a meeting of the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Executive Board. CAMPO is a a regional transportation planning organization serving communities in Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston and Wake Counties. Federal funding is distributed to all Metropolitan Planning Organizations in North Carolina. Currently, there are 19 MPOs.

This month’s agenda included three consent items, two public hearings, and five discussion items.

The consent was approved unanimously and included minutes, the FY 2025 4th Quarter Wake Transit Work Plan Amendment, and a resolution of support for statewide CMAQ funding allocation application.

The first public hearing was information on the 2026 Wake Transit Work Plan. The second public hearing was for Amendment #9 to FY 2024-2033 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) which was approved unanimously. Neither public hearing had speakers.

The first discussion item was the potential tolling of US1 North. CAMPO agreed on option 2 with an additional study. This would create a toll lane. The vote was not unanimous. The remaining discussion items were for information only. They included an ITS Roadmap Update from Central Pines Regional council, a 2055 MTP Update on Deficiency Analysis & Alternatives Analysis, a report on the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities Program Project, and a 2025 Mobility Coordination Committee/Mobility Management Program Update.

Cary 101 Graduation

Wednesday night I joined Mayor Pro Tem Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Bush, Craig, and Smith at the Cary 101 Graduation. This class met once a week for eight weeks and learned about government structure, culture, and origins; what impacts Cary development; streets, greenways, bike lanes, and busses; fire, police, and 911; water reclamation facilities, systems, and biosolids; public works operations, solid waste, facilities, and fleet; recreation, arts, and leisure; and opportunities to stay connected. If you are interested in the next class, make sure to sign up early 2026.

Work Session on Development Updates

The council held its second work session of the week on Thursday evening. Topics included a development update, new weekly report called the “Council Out and About”, and an update from the Assistant Town Manager. Here are some of my takeaways from that meeting:

• “In Cary, new development drives the growth of public revenues that have supported the Town’s ability to provide high quality community amenities and services. On average, 80% of new revenue growth comes from new tax base to the Town. As growth slows due to limited land for development, new revenue generation models will be needed to maintain the level of service residents have come to expect.”
• Wake County is growing at 66 people a day, which is the 3^rd fastest in the nation for those counties over 1 million people.
• Wake County has 1,232,444 people.
• US News and World Report ranks Cary #5 in nation for best place to live.
• Cary has 10% of development land remaining.
• Cary’s annual growth rate over the decades: 90s-10%, 00s-12%, 10s-4%.
• Cary’s recent annual growth rate: 2022-1.1%, 2023-1.7%, 2024-2.2%.
• 3^rd quarter had 26 rezoning cases with 7 approved.
• Cary had 27 rezoning requests for staff, 18 pre-application conferences, but only 5 rezoning applications submitted.
• Our rezoning conversion rate is at 13%. This out of all started with requests. This means that 87% never make it to council for a vote.
• In this quarter 30 development plans were approved including 137 townhomes, 52 multi-family units, 158 hotel rooms, 13,235 sq feet of commercial, 229,385 sq feet of office space, 75,900 sq feet of institutional.
• This quarter had 151 single family permits issued.
• Meridian East at Chatham and Hunter will have their first Certificate of Occupancy this summer. It will have 220 apartments and 10,000 sq feet of retail
• The Meridian at Chatham and Harrison will open their residential portion in early 2026. Its parking deck structure is complete with 478 spaces of which 225 are public spaces. There will be 10,000 sq feet of retail and 60,000 sq feet of office in the Jordan building.
• There are three projects in the Byrum and Chatham area.  Soca 56, the Massey, and Walker Row.
• Soca 56 is on Kildaire and will have 56 townhomes and condos. The presale is soon.
• The Massey is on Byrum behind Soca 56 and will have 17 townhomes. 16 are already sold.
• Walker Row is across from The Massey on Byrum and will have 44 townhomes and condos. The first building permit is under review and 9 of 44 have been sold.
• Duke Health at the Green Level destination center had their phase two development approved which will include a 111,000 square foot, five story, ambulatory care and surgical center. They plan to submit their phase three plan for 40 hospital beds and a parking deck this summer.
• Fenton has two new restaurants, Doc B’s and Brewery Bhavana.
• The Fenton Hotel is under review and will be seven stories and have 186 rooms.
• A new weekly report, The Council Out & About, will report on council activities from Monday through Sunday and be released on Wednesday. It will have a lead story from a council member and have the entire council’s schedule at a glance.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of May. The agenda included two presentations, one hour of public comment, seven consent items, one public hearing, and one discussion item.

The first presentation was a proclamation by council member Bush recognizing May as ALS awareness month. I presented the second proclamation to Marla Dorrel recognizing the 25^th year of Marla Dorrel Park which is a park for all abilities.

The consent agenda was approved unanimously. The public hearing on the budget had two speakers, one who happened to be a candidate running for town council and the other whose main request was to pay staff more.

The public speaks out was dominated by folks opposing the Waverly Place rezoning proposal. There were also those who spoke in favor of the proposal. Although I gave specific instructions for no remarks, no applauding, and no props, these were all ignored. These rules are in place to maintain order. They have been adjusted over the decades to not only maintain order but make it easy for our citizens to participate in the process. Unfortunately, some used it for more than just expressing an opinion. One speaker talked about the biennial survey. Lecturing a council that has spent hours in public meetings on this survey bordered on mocking IMHO. Then saying the council got a C+ which is failing in the school he came from was mocking. Of course this generated laughter from his supporters. Fortunately, the one-hour time limit expired before the meeting got out of control.

This discussion item was the Waverly Place rezoning. After the staff presentation, which included jeers and catcalls from the audience, we began our deliberations. Council member Smith started and there was immediate heckling. After reminding the audience several times of the decorum of a business meeting, I was forced to call a recess for the first time in my 17 ½ years as mayor. Thankfully, this behavior does not represent the majority of the Lochmere residents nor most of the Cary residents. As one Lochmere resident said the day after, “that was embarrassing.” As a resident and citizen of Cary I agree.

After reconvening the council meeting each council member explained their position. They addressed the three major concerns traffic, stormwater, and building height. Traffic in that area is mostly commuter and will grow by 20% in the next 10 years even if Waverly didn’t exist. The Waverly rezoning would increase traffic by ½% in that 10-year time. A vault to handle stormwater was part of the proposal which would handle a 25-year storm event. In addition, money was promised to adjacent neighborhoods for maintaining their lakes. Building at a height of seven stories was already allowed on the property as office. If built, that would generate more traffic than the proposal.

As mayor I am disappointed in how the meeting played out. It is my hope that we can always respect each other, agree, disagree, and agree to disagree. In my consulting work I see councils all over the nation. To date, I haven’t seen one better than Cary’s. While one might not agree with our decisions, all Cary council members are intelligent, work very hard, do their homework, and act professionally. I would put them up against any council in the nation. Even better is our staff who were recognized as the best government in the nation just a few years ago. They are by far the best in the nation. I honestly believe that! I would like to invite everyone to learn more about your council and your town. We are blessed to live in one of the greatest places in America as was recognized this week by US News and World Report.

NC Metro Mayors

The following is a legislative summary from Checkmate Government Relations:

House Budget

The House passed its version of the 2025 Appropriations Act, Senate Bill 257, with a vote of 86–20. Notably, 25 Democrats voted for the budget bill after Governor Stein encouraged them to do so. Both chambers proposed funding cuts due to increased efforts around government efficiency and restoring the state’s rainy-day fund. The budget bill will now go to a conference committee where chairs from the House and Senate will negotiate a final package. Some of the key provisions included in the House’s proposal are:

• $500 million dollars from the previously funded NCInnovation Fund would be clawed back to be used for Hurricane Helene recovery. 
• Increasing the state-funded portion of starting teacher pay to $50,000 by the end of the biennium and restoring master’s pay for teachers. 
• State agency employees, community college staff, and UNC system personnel would receive a 2.5% raise.
• Restoring the back-to-school sales tax holiday and making the first $5,000 of tips tax-free. 
• Reducing the individual income tax rate to 3.99% by 2026.

The House budget did not include funding for the NC Children’s Hospital or proposed tax increases for Sports Betting operators. Both of those provisions were included in the Senate’s version. 

The Disaster Recovery Act (Hurricane Helene Bill)

The State House of Representatives unanimously passed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part II on Thursday. This bill appropriates $464 million for Western North Carolina for the communities and individuals impacted by Hurricane Helene and the wildfires. The Disaster Recovery Act also directs NCInnovation to transfer back to the State $500 million to fund the Disaster Recovery. Highlights of the Disaster Recovery Act are:

• $165M to the Division of Emergency Management of the Department of Public Safety to provide funds for the state match for federal assistance programs, the Private Road and Bridge Repair Program, Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program (AA Program), Disaster Relief and Mitigation Fund, and grants to Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster.
• $25M for the Aerial Asset Accessibility Grant Program. The program will disburse grants to local airports and airfields in the affected area to repair and restore infrastructure damage and improve emergency preparedness measures. 
• $76.25M to the Office of State Budget and Management for the Hurricane Helene Local Government Capital Grant Program, for debris and sedimentation removal, for grants to specified Colleges and Universities to repair damage, and for grants to the NC League of Municipalities and the NC Association of County Commissioners for assistance to local governments.
• $60M to the Department of Commerce for the Helene Business Recovery Grant Program.
• $55M to the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for the Farm Infrastructure Disaster Recovery Program, Streamflow Rehabilitation Assistance Program, and the NC Forestry Service. 
• $33M to DPI for two grant programs for damaged public-school infrastructure. 
  
  

The Disaster Recovery Act will now move to the Senate for approval.

REINS Act

The North Carolina Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act would increase legislative oversight of state agency rulemaking and clarify how courts and administrative judges are to interpret the actions of state agencies. H402 makes significant changes to NC’s rulemaking and administrative review processes, intending to limit executive overreach. 

The REINS Act would cause a delay in the effective dates of any agency rules that have a substantial economic impact or receive formal objections, giving the NCGA more time to review and disapprove such rules if necessary. Agencies proposing such rules are required to submit detailed impact analysis as well as achieve regulatory certification from the Office of State Budget and Management. 

This week, H402 was heard for discussion only in the Senate Regulatory Reform committee. The bill will be voted on during the next committee and will be sent to the Senate Rules Committee upon receiving a favorable report.

Town Manager’s Report

Danna’s Message

On Monday, we pause as a community and a nation to honor the lives of those lost in service to our country. Whether you mark the day in quiet reflection or gather with others at ceremonies like Cary’s Memorial Day Remembrance at Veterans Freedom Park, I hope you’ll join me in gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy—and for those who gave all to protect them.

This weekend also marks the start of the season with UNC Health Summerfest and the North Carolina Symphony on Saturday at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. On Tuesday at 5 p.m., the Bicycle and Pedestrian Forum at Downtown Cary Park offers a chance to help shape Cary’s future as a more walkable, bike-friendly place for all.

Most Town facilities will be closed on Monday. I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to our staff who will be working throughout the weekend to support these important events. Your service is deeply appreciated.

Wishing you a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.
Danna

Meeting Follow-up and Other Correspondence

This section provides follow-up from previous Town Council meetings, along with staff correspondence and supplemental information that may offer helpful insights.
Council Work Session (May 20):
Updated Imagine Cary Community Plan
Council Work Session (May 22): 
Update on Meter Replacement Efforts – a brief summary of ongoing efforts and progress. 

Ivey-Ellington Ribbon Cutting and Open House

On Sunday, after a two-year restoration, the Ivey-Ellington House celebrated new life with a ribbon cutting and open house. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember and liaison to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Michelle Craig gave remarks and were joined by Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson to cut the ribbon.

The House holds historical significance as outlined in the 2008 National Register Nomination report due to its rarity as a Gothic Revival cottage in Wake County, North Carolina. In 2019, Cary entered into an agreement that necessitated the relocation of the Ivey-Ellington House. Following the agreement, the Council passed a resolution committing to its preservation. In 2023, the Ivey-Ellington was stabilized, prepared for relocation, and made a one-mile journey down Academy Street to its new home where restoration began shortly after.

The Ivey-Ellington is now home to several Downtown Cary Park staff offices. 

Cary 101 Graduation

On Wednesday night, this year’s Cary 101 participants were joined by Mayor Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Bush, Craig, and Smith to celebrate their successful completion of the program. Mayor Weinbrecht thanked the graduates for their active engagement and encouraged each of them to continue contributing to our community. Over the past seven weeks, this dedicated group explored the inner workings of local government, gaining valuable insight into how Cary operates and how they can make a meaningful impact.

Greenwood Forest Affordable Housing Community Celebration

Councilmembers Lori Bush and Michelle Craig joined staff and the Greenwood Forest Baptist Church community including partners from Dorcas Ministries, The Carying Place, and Downtown Housing Improvement Corporation (DHIC), to celebrate the property’s successful rezoning, another milestone towards creating affordable housing on the site. The church plans to redevelop their property and add a mixed-use building that will include 62 residential units, office space, daycare or preschool, and a community event space. The event featured community activities and a tour of the grounds.

Heritage and Hope Day

On Monday, Councilmember Craig attended Heritage and Hope Day at Kingswood Elementary School. The event was to honor the family of Sallie Jones, whose ancestors made it possible for Kingswood Elementary School to be built. A long leaf pine, a tree with deep roots within the history of our state, was dedicated in her honor.

Urban Land Institute of the Americas Awards for Excellence Visit

Mayor Weinbrecht, staff, and community leaders were visited by jury members, Shawn Barney and Kyle Reis, as part of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Americas Awards for Excellence process. Downtown Cary Park is one of 18 finalists for one of the highest awards that the ULI Americas bestows each year.

ULI began the Awards for Excellence program in 1979 to recognize truly superior development efforts in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Winning projects represent the highest standards of achievement in the development industry—standards that ULI members deem worthy of attainment in their professional endeavors.

U.S. News & World Report Awards Cary Top Honors in State, National Rankings

U.S. News & World Report named Cary the #1 Best Place to Live in NC, #5 Best Place to Live in the US, and in the top 5% for job market strength. Cary also earned the #4 spot among the Best Medium-Sized Cities to Live in the U.S. According to U.S. News, Cary was “propelled to the top 10 of our rankings by its abundant employment opportunities and high living standards.” This year’s Best Places to Live report evaluated more than 850 municipalities – up from 150 in previous years.

CAMPO Executive Board Votes to Endorse Tolling on US 1 North

The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) has pursued converting US 1 (Capital Blvd) Corridor, north of 540, to a freeway for several decades. To address continued project delays and cost escalations, CAMPO partnered with the NC Turnpike Authority to investigate alternative and innovative methods to fund this project.
A toll study analyzed four scenarios that utilize different approaches to tolling. The conversion to freeway would remove all driveways/ intersections on US 1 and construct service roads to provide access to existing property, these access roads would be toll-free in all scenarios. Following extensive public engagement, the CAMPO Executive Board voted to approve option 2 of the US 1 North Tolling Study at their May 21 meeting. The motion was amended to include an added directive to study and improve multi-modal access within the study area and mitigate diversion of vehicles on to secondary roads. The next steps in the process will include amending the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and the pursuit of legislation needed to support tolling.

Regional Wastewater Meeting

On Tuesday, staff from Cary, Apex, and Holly Springs met to explore regional wastewater solutions. This collaboration follows the release of the Regional Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Concept Plan for the US 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.

During the meeting, staff worked to develop a scope of services for a proposed study. The study will evaluate multiple 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).

Chatham Park Water Recovery Center Visit

On Tuesday, staff visited the Chatham Park Decentralized Water Recovery Center (CPWRC), which showcases several small-scale innovative technologies for wastewater treatment supporting ongoing efforts outlined in the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Master Plan, which calls for the exploration of sustainable and cost-effective treatment strategies.

During the visit, staff observed a variety of systems in action, including an educational greenhouse where plants absorb nutrients from wastewater through their root systems. The facility also features a membrane bioreactor (MBR), an advanced technology that uses fine-pore membranes to filter out solids, bacteria, and viruses—producing high-quality treated water that is safely returned to the natural environment.

Transitions LifeCare Visit

Director of Housing and Community Partnerships, Heather Whelehan and Seniors and Aging Program Manager, Michelle Barrett, visited the Transitions LifeCare Cary campus to learn more about the nonprofit’s community services and discuss the growing need for senior housing options. In addition to in-patient palliative care, Transitions provides at-home clinician support to people across the region including hundreds of Cary residents. The organization also offers resources for families of aging individuals and bereavement counseling support within schools.

VFW Honors Police and Fire Personnel

On May 17, the Franklin-Sloan Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) Post 7383 held its annual first responders banquet and awards ceremony. Emergency Communications Officer (ECO) Albert Jones (Navy veteran), Sergeant Randy Wark (Air Force veteran), and Fire’s recently retired Capt. James Garris (Army veteran), all received commendations for their numerous contributions to public safety in the community. Police and Fire are incredibly proud of these employees, honored by their recognition, and grateful for the continued service of the Franklin-Sloan VFW Post 7383.

Upcoming Meetings

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, May 28
6:00 p.m.

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 six 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

• Several emails in support of the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12.
• Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12. Unfortunately, most of these complaints are based on information that is inaccurate or misleading. Some complaints before and after the decision included insults like “you sold your soul for the almighty dollar”. Others I can’t put in print.

(Fortunately, this does not represent the majority of those living in Lochmere and the surrounding areas and certainly does not represent most of the Cary citizens. In Cary, we should be able to agree, disagree, and agree to disagree all while respecting each other’s point of view. While this is not what we witness on the state and national levels it is what we expect here in Cary. I am extremely disappointed in what I saw and experienced in this rezoning process.)

• A concern about traffic at the Cambridge subdivision.
• A concern about safety on a property at Orchard Park Drive.
• Thank you for the Ivey-Ellington House rehabilitation.
• A request to do more for housing lower income families.
• A complaint about the condition of GoCary buses.
• A complaint about the management of The Bradford.
• A request to create a space for young adults to meet.
• A request to create legislation to “unethical and unregulated dog breeding” (We have not been granted that authority from the legislature).
• A request to do something about Senate Bill 394.
• A complaint about budget transparency and lack of ease reviewing the proposal (it is online here and has been since it was presented to council. We have had several work sessions and a public hearing. All are open meetings and all posted a week or more in advance).
• A request to dance in this year’s Diwali (of course!).
• A request to recognize a teacher at Green Hope High School.
• An appreciation “I appreciate what you have done and are doing for Cary. You have helped make it what it is today, which is pretty great…Keep the faith and do what you think is best. It’s worked for 20 years and most likely will work for the future.” (THANK YOU!)
• A request to help find a rental property.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the Memorial Day event, and the NC Metro Mayors.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, June 1^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.

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 six 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.

Cary’s Slow Growth Rate and Other Wake County Municipal Growth Rates

According to numbers supplied by the U.S. Census Bureau this week, Cary is the slowest growing municipality in Wake County with a growth rate of under 1%. The data also shows we are the 146^th largest municipality in the nation.

Garner is ranked as the #10 fastest growing municipality in the country. Other growth rates in Wake County include Fuquay-Varina at 5.1%, Holly Springs at 4.5%, Apex at 4.4%, Wake Forest at 4.3%, and Raleigh under 2%.

WUNC Due South Interview

Monday I was interviewed by Leoneda Inge of WUNC for Due South. Some of the topics covered in the interview of about 45 minutes include how I came into politics, my journey to becoming mayor, successes and challenges as mayor, Downtown Cary Park, the role of sports and recreation in the town’s identity, why Cary is a town and not a city, and the challenges and opportunities of growth.

I really enjoyed talking about Cary and probably could have talked for another hour. The broadcast of this interview is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20^th.

Manager’s One-On-One

Monday, I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Some of the topics we discussed included a criminal matter, a staff issue, utilities, a proposal in Regency, the Waverly proposal, and the budget.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

Monday night I met with the Cary Tennis Classic board. The Cary Tennis Classic will be June 29^th through July 6^th and have both men’s and women’s professionals. The tournament will have electric line calling (not common for an event our size). There will be a new Stadium LED Board sponsored by John McCabe. Our topics of discussion included community events during tournament week, food options, additional sponsors, a new VIP area, and ticket sales which begin June 1^st.

Honor A Teacher

Tuesday evening, I joined several council members in the Cary Chamber’s Honor a Teacher Award Ceremony. This was the 25^th year this has been held. There were 37 teachers award from different schools that have Cary students. Each recipient received a glass plaque and a $1200 check. Cary sponsored two of the awards. One for Green Hope Elementary and one for Green Level High School. Thanks to the sponsors for honoring these great men and women.

Jury Duty

Thursday, I did my civic duty as part of a jury pool for a criminal case. The lawyers picked the 12 jurors and an alternate in about two hours, and I, along with several others in the jury pool, was dismissed. While serving in a jury is an inconvenience to all of us, it is a vital part of our democracy, and I was honored to do my part.

Jennifer Bryson Robinson’s Campaign Kickoff

Thursday evening, I attended the campaign kickoff for Mayor Pro-Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson. Jennifer is serving in her 26^th year and is the second longest serving council member behind Jack Smith. She has been key in major decisions on how Cary has grown over the last 2+ decades. If there were such a thing as a Cary Council Hall of Fame, she would have to be in it. We have been blessed with her service.

Since Cary is almost built out, most of our future decisions will be on redevelopment. It is very important to have a council with a depth of knowledge to make the best decisions. I hope our citizens view her as I do and re-elect her on November 4^th.

Ivey Ellington House Ribbon Cutting

Sunday afternoon I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson Robinson, council member Kohn-Johnson, council member Craig, and council member Bush for the Ivey-Ellington House Rehabilitation ribbon cutting. Built in the 1870s, it was relocated from Chatham Street to Academy Street in 2023, and began the rehabilitation process in 2023. Much of the interior was restored and the house was updated to be enjoyed by the public and serve as Downtown Park offices.

The ceremony included comments from me, council member Craig, a member of the Historic Preservation Committee, and a member of the Friends of the Page-Walker. After the remarks the ribbon was cut by council members in attendance and the other speakers. To find out more about the Ivey-Ellington House go here.

Council Member Updates

There were no updates for this week.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Today, we wrapped up a busy week by celebrating our team at Appreciate the Best—a chance to recognize the people who keep Cary at the Top of the Arc. I’m especially grateful to those who couldn’t attend because they were hard at work keeping things running — thank you.

A big thank you as well to HR, Public Works, Cary Tennis Park, and everyone who helped make the event a success.

Enjoy your weekend.

Sean

Cary Chamber Intercity Visit

Last week, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Lori Bush, Jack Smith, and Carissa Kohn-Johnson, along with Town Manager Sean Stegall and several staff members, participated in the Cary Chamber InterCity visit to Chicago.

The trip offered valuable insights and sparked thoughtful discussions on innovative approaches to development and community partnerships. Most importantly, it served as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen connections among Cary’s local government leadership, elected officials, and the business community—reinforcing a shared commitment to Cary’s continued growth and success.

Affordable Properties Housing Tour in Chicago

Following the Cary Chamber InterCity trip, Councilmember Lori Bush joined Director of Housing and Community Partnerships Heather Whelehan, and Dorcas Ministries Executive Director André Anthony, in Chicago to visit affordable and mixed-income housing developments. The tour included redeveloped former public housing sites, properties with integrated daycare and other commercial uses, and developments with activated rooftops and urban farms. The group also met with several developers and community organizations to learn more about the financing models and partnerships they have created to develop housing.

Honor a Teacher

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, and Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Sarika Bansal, and Michelle Craig attended the Cary Chamber’s Honor a Teacher program on Tuesday night. Councilmember—and teacher—Michelle Craig delivered welcoming and inspirational remarks.

The Town of Cary extends its gratitude to all local teachers and schools for their continued dedication to the community’s youth.

UNC Due South Interview

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht joined Leoneda Inge in the studio for a WUNC Due South Mayor Series interview, where they discussed his upbringing in Cary, path to public service, and Cary’s transformation over time. Topics included Cary’s growth, diversity, Downtown Cary Park, tech industry presence, and the Mariah Carey proclamation.

Light Up the Night Ride

On Thursday evening, Cary hosted a Light Up the Night Ride in partnership with Oaks and Spokes to celebrate Bike Month. Councilmember Lori Bush, Greenway Committee members, and staff  joined approximately 30 community members for the mile-long ride through downtown.
To see what else is happening for Bike Month, visit Bike Cary.

Indian Wells Railroad Crossing Permanently Closing

As the final step in the agreement between Cary, CSX Railroad, and NCDOT, the Indian Wells Road (formerly Morrisville Carpenter Road) crossing will permanently close on May 19. To maintain traffic flow, Saunders Grove Lane will be restriped to connect with Carpenter Upchurch Road and permanent turnarounds will be installed on both sides of the track. Residents and businesses have been notified via postcards and electronic message boards are currently on site. For more information on the agreement, visit carync.gov/indianwells.

CAMPO Blueprint for Safety Leadership Summit

Staff from Transportation and Transit attended a leadership summit where Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO) presented their progress toward finalizing a regional multi-modal safety action plan, the Blueprint for Safety. This action plan, scheduled for adoption by CAMPO this summer, will help Cary and other local agencies implement the principles of Vision Zero in future capital projects. In addition to the presentations, attendees participated in an exercise on how to utilize the tools from the Blueprint for Safety to prioritize locations and improvements.

Lewey Drive Utilities and Street Improvements Meeting

On Wednesday, residents had the opportunity to speak directly with staff from Utilities, Transportation, Fire, Police, 311, Neighborhood Services, Finance, and Public Works about the upcoming Lewey Drive Utilities and Street Improvements Project. 
Key topics included the installation of a 24-inch water main, anticipated traffic impacts during construction, and planned sidewalk improvements near Turner Creek Elementary School. Residents shared valuable feedback on neighborhood access and school-related concerns, which has been incorporated into ongoing construction planning.
Construction is scheduled to begin in June 2025 and continue through Winter 2027.

Aviation Parkway Widening Project Meetings

On Monday, NCDOT held two informational public meetings for the Aviation Parkway Widening Project (STIP #U-5811). The first was a meeting with local officials, where NCDOT staff and their consultants presented specific design elements of the project, along with the data used to inform those design decisions, to municipal and county staff.
Following that, a public open house gave residents the opportunity to view proposed design plans and ask questions.

To address congestion and safety concerns along the corridor, the project will widen Aviation Parkway from two to four lanes between N.C. 54 in Morrisville and I-40 in Cary – a distance of approximately 2.4 miles. The project will also add pedestrian and bicycle amenities, including a 10-foot-wide multi-use path and pedestrian signals at intersections. 
Construction is expected to begin in Summer 2029.

Sewer Rehabilitation Work on Lochmere Drive

Rehabilitation of sewer lines along Lochmere Drive near Lake Lomond will begin the week of May 19. The project will be completed by SAK Construction and will involve installing cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) liners to upgrade the existing sewer infrastructure. This work will limit the amount of digging needed; however, temporary pumps and above-ground piping will be set up to divert sewer flows. Crews will then clean the lines and install the CIPP liners through existing manholes.

During construction, the bicycle lane adjacent to the westbound driving lane will be closed. Motorists and cyclists will be directed to share the road, and appropriate traffic control signage will be in place. Paved walking trails within the work area will also be closed for the duration of the project. The project is expected to be completed this summer.

Oakwood Heights Infrastructure Renewal Complete

Last week, Cary completed its annual water main replacement project in the Oakwood Heights neighborhood, with work wrapping up on Sycamore Street and Red Bud Court. The project included installing new water and sewer mains and successfully transferring services to the new lines. Both streets were resurfaced following the underground work.

Southeast Sustainability Director Network’s Annual Meeting

As a member of the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN), Cary participated in this year’s annual meeting, held last week in Richmond, VA. During the event, staff connected with sustainability professionals from other local governments, sharing Cary’s environmental achievements and learning from the experiences of municipalities across the Southeast.

Scout Troop Virtual Tour of Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility

On Tuesday, Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) Manager Ryan Lambert presented a virtual tour of the CAWTF to Scouting America Pack 312. The 3rd and 4th graders were very engaged as many of them are studying the water cycle in school.

Ritmo Latino Festival

On Saturday, the 22nd annual Ritmo Latino Festival brought lively Latin beats and delicious eats to downtown Cary, drawing more than 3,000 attendees. Presented by Diamante Arts and Cultural Center in partnership with Cary, the festival celebrates Latino and Hispanic cultures through music, dancing, cuisine, and shared community experiences.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – June 4^th

The following neighborhood meetings will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at 6:30 p.m.

• 25-REZ-05 Pittard Sears Road
• 25-REZ-07 1412 White Oak Church Road
• 25-REZ-08 8732 Green Level Church Road

For more information and to register visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Upcoming Meetings

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, May 19
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Tuesday, May 20
5:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, May 22
5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, May 22
6:30 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12. Unfortunately, most of these complaints are based on information that is inaccurate or misleading.
• Complaints about the two Regency rezoning proposals.
• A request for recognition of a student athlete.
• A request not to provide water to a development near Lake Crabtree (all annexed properties in town must be provided with water/sewer by request)
• Kudos to our firefighters for helping someone at a rehabilitation center.
• A complaint about the tennis court reservation application.
• A complaint about the closing of the Indian Wells Road railroad crossing.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a ULI (Urban Land Institute) Americas Awards for Excellence event, two council work sessions, a CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board meeting, the Cary 101 graduation, the last regularly scheduled council meeting of May, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, May 25^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 Intercity Visit

Sunday through Wednesday I was in Chicago for the Cary Chamber Intercity visit. The trip included about 70 business interests, elected officials, and staff.

The first session was about the Fulton Market District. We heard a talk from Jeff Shapack, who is developing the district, and Patrick Murphey, the First Deputy Commissioner of Chicago. They talked about the area’s history, the redevelopment process, difficulties, and successes of turning that area from an industrial to a successful, vibrant mixed-use district. Later in the evening I had the opportunity to sit with Mr. Shapack and talk about redevelopment issues in Cary. While this district’s redevelopment was on a larger scale, they are facing many of the issue we are in Cary redevelopment.

At the beginning of the second session we toured the Architecture Center and heard from their CEO, Eleanor Gorski. The center was filled with examples of design and architecture of Chicago including 3D models of Wrigley Field and the entire city. Those in our group that were developers or had developer interests were especially interested in this session.

This was followed by a boat tour on the Chicago River. From that vantage point we were able to see almost every significant building in town. Our guide pointed out buildings that took advantage of locations and those that didn’t. I heard that one person in our group met with one of the architects of one of those buildings afterwards. Of course, the scale of buildings in Cary would be much smaller than those we saw but designs can certainly be applied.

As part of the entertainment supplied by the Chamber, we were able to attend a Chicago Cubs game on Tuesday night. While attending the baseball game at historic Wrigley Field was great, it was a wonderful opportunity to mix and mingle with those who are vested in Cary.

Our last session was at the United Center where we heard from their CEO, Terry Savarise. The United Center is the home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Blackhawks. They presented plans on how new developments will occur around the existing center. This type of development could occur on a smaller scale in Cary such as at the WakeMed Soccer Park. Hearing how they worked with surrounding properties, and the city was certainly relevant since almost all of Cary’s future development will be around existing properties.

These sessions were a great opportunity to learn from the experiences of others. But one of the biggest benefits of this trip was to talk with all the stakeholders who have a vested interest in Cary.

Legislative Summary NCLM

The following is a legislative summary from the North Carolina League of Municipalities:

City Officials Stand Firm Against HB 765 as Bill Faces New Hurdles

As the General Assembly’s self-imposed “crossover” deadline approached this week, HB 765, recently rebranded as the Save the American Dream Act, became the focus of intense debate and procedural maneuvering. Municipal leaders from across North Carolina have been vocal in their opposition, warning that the bill would fundamentally undermine local authority over zoning and development decisions.

On Tuesday, HB 765 received its second hearing in the House Housing and Development committee, passing on an evenly divided voice vote. In a notable development, the bill was amended to include a minor fee provision. While this change exempts HB 765 from the crossover deadline, it also means the bill must now be considered by the House Finance committee before it can proceed further. Despite these procedural shifts, the core concerns remain unchanged: HB 765 would eviscerate local land-use planning authority, creating a state regiment of zoning and planning rules.

NCLM encourages local officials to continue engaging with their legislators and sharing their concerns about HB 765. If your community is represented by legislators on the House Finance committee it is especially important to reach out and encourage a NO vote when the bill comes up for consideration. Additionally, we urge you to highlight the innovative, locally tailored solutions your community is implementing to address the housing crisis. As the front line of the state’s housing challenges, municipalities are best positioned to develop policies that reflect the unique needs of their communities.

Senate Green-Lights Down-zoning Fix

Legislation to undo the severe consequences of a land use down-zoning law approved in December passed the Senate unanimously this week. The bill now heads to the House for consideration. The League supports the changes in SB 587 Clarify Nonconforming Uses, and NCLM Director of Government Affairs Erin Wynia spoke in favor of the bill at a Senate committee hearing Tuesday.
The December down-zoning law has undone recently approved local unified development ordinances and halted others that were being considered, slowing development approvals and preventing local governments from addressing planning needs. It’s also called into question whether other substantial zoning changes are legally enforceable due to changes regarding so-called nonconforming uses and property owner notification requirements.
SB 587 would rework language around nonconforming uses by no longer requiring blanket property owner consent, but rather allowing to continue those nonconforming uses due to changes in land development regulations, until the property owner intentionally and voluntarily discontinued the use. This bill would also allow for the reconstruction and repair of nonconformities, so long as the use or structure was not intensified or expanded in the process.

Hendersonville Water System Takeover

It is rare that a local bill attracts the attention of cities across the state, but SB 69 Henderson County Local Omnibus raises concerns by local governments due to the negative precedent it would set for how local water systems are funded and built out. As introduced by Senator Tim Moffitt, the legislation would require the Town of Hendersonville to connect properties located outside of its town limits to its utility systems, while at the same time being effectively forbidden from annexing those parcels. However, as presented in the Senate State and Local Government committee this week, the bill was expanded to include the elimination of municipal extraterritorial jurisdictions in Henderson County and require that the County approve annexations by Henderson County municipalities. As a local bill, SB 69 was approved by the Senate on a voice vote and now goes to the House.

Land Use Legislation Roundup

From parking lot reform to new rules around e-bikes and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), the General Assembly considered several local government land-use bills this week. Here’s your quick review of land-use bills and the legislative twists from Raleigh. 

SB 493 Land Use Clarifications and Changes: The bill to phase out municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) authority in smaller counties and freeze ETJ boundaries statewide advanced through the Senate this week and now awaits action in the House. The bill eliminates ETJ in counties with fewer than 25,000 residents by October 2026 and in counties with fewer than 50,000 residents by October 2027, a narrower approach than the Senate budget’s broader rollback. SB 493 also requires that public schools be allowed in commercial zoning districts and gives landowners more flexibility when their property spans multiple jurisdictions. 

HB 627 Regulation of Accessory Dwelling Units: The measure passed out of its House committees this week and saw debate on the House floor before being pulled before a full House vote was taken. The bill would require all North Carolina cities and towns to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on every lot zoned for residential use and prohibit local governments from imposing parking requirements or short-term rental prohibitions for ADUs. HB 627 would also override existing ADU ordinances to bring them in compliance with the new state mandates.

HB 369 Parking Lot Reform and Modernization Act: A narrowed version of the bill was heard in the House Housing and Development committee on Tuesday where it passed unanimously. The new version still prohibits local governments from regulating off-street parking in new developments. However, a favorable provision to authorize new tools for local stormwater programs pertaining to redevelopment was removed. The bill heads to the House State and Local Government committee, where it awaits further action.

HB 306 Affordable Housing for Local Employees: This local bill aims to authorize local governments to develop affordable housing specifically for their employees, with provisions for reasonable rents, sales prices, and resale restrictions. However, after initial movement, the bill was pulled from consideration this week when support from the majority party wavered. 

SB 576 E-Bike Definition and Local Regulation: The proposal clarifies the definition of electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes) and grants local governments authority to regulate their use. The bill allows e-bikes on all roadways, bicycle lanes, and shared-use paths, subject to local restrictions. It also permits cities to set rules regarding e-bike classes, speed limits, and helmet requirements. The bill passed out of the Senate State and Local Government committee and now heads to the Senate Transportation committee for further consideration.

Infrastructure Bill Roundup

Infrastructure issues were a focus of the legislature’s work this week, with actions on a variety of bills in both the House and Senate.

HB 364 STIP Grant Anticipation Notes: Under this bill, which the House passed on Wednesday, local governments would be permitted to borrow money to fund capital projects that are identified in the Strategic Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The bill had strong bipartisan support and now goes to the Senate.

Interbasin transfers of water were the subject of two bills this week. SB 605 IBT Subbasin/TMDL Transport Factor would reform the sub-basin designation and transfer regulation, which should provide more flexibility within river basins to make transfers. The bill passed the Senate on Wednesday and now goes to the House. Also, in the House, legislators debated HB 850 Interbasin Transfer Moratorium/Study, a bill that would enact a moratorium on interbasin transfers in the Catawba River basin. The House approved the bill by a vote of 108-1 on Tuesday and now moves to the Senate.

The annual “regulatory reform” legislation, HB 926 Regulatory Reform Act of 2025 includes a provision that has prompted concern from utility managers. Section 9 of the bill would prohibit local governments from requiring water or sewer pipe materials that are “more stringent” than current requirements in DEQ’s 2T and 18C rules. Practical issues related to good design practices and facility protection have prompted these concerns as the bill now goes to the Senate.

Legislation making the litigation process in condemnation cases a little easier cleared the House this week. The changes included in HB 212 Condemnation/Service on Spouses Not Required apply only to Chapter 136 of condemnations under the North Carolina General Statutes, and as the bill goes to the Senate, NCLM will be asking legislators to make similar changes to those condemnations allowed under Chapter 40A. While some cities have condemnation powers under the statutes governing the Department of Transportation, Chapter 136, most are classified as “public condemners” under Chapter 40A.

HB 909 State Infrastructure Bank Board passed the House this week with bipartisan support from some of the top leaders in the House. Republican Representatives Julia Howard, a Senior Chair of the House Finance committee, John Bell, Chair of the Rules committee, and Steve Ross, Chair of the Commerce committee, joined with Democratic Leader Robert Reives to sponsor the bill that would establish a state infrastructure bank at the Treasurer’s office with the purpose of funding infrastructure projects. The bank would be overseen by a board that would include representation from local governments. This bill now goes to the Senate.

General Local Government Bill Round-up

The House considered several bills this week related to general local government matters.
After advancing HB 659 Local Government Spending Transparency to the House floor on Tuesday, leadership removed the bill from the calendar and sent it back to the House Rules committee. The bill would present problems for local finance, legal, and IT departments by requiring all invoices and bidding documents to be linked on the local government’s website. Making such information public presents significant cybersecurity risks and increases the risk of disclosing information protected under public records laws.

On a mostly party-line 69-42 vote, House members advanced HB 781 Unauthorized Public Camping & Sleeping, Wednesday, sending it to the Senate for that chamber’s consideration. The measure prohibits local governments from allowing public camping or sleeping on any public property, including right-of-way under their jurisdiction, unless on designated local government property that meets certain conditions. Read more here. On a similar mostly party-line vote (69-40), the House sent to the Senate Wednesday a measure, HB 859 Local Govts/Guaranteed Income Programs, prohibiting local governments from programs that provide payments to individuals under a guaranteed income program. The bill defines the term as “a program under which an individual is issued an unconditional cash payment on a regular basis to be used for any purpose by the individual.”

Legislative Summary NC Metro Mayors

The NC Metro Mayors met on Friday to get a legislative update. Here is a summary from lobbyists Checkmate and Associates:

General Update

The General Assembly completed “crossover” week with evening votes on Wednesday. For a bill to be eligible for consideration during the biennium, it must pass out of its chamber of origin before the crossover deadline. We anticipate House committee work and floor votes to be limited as they work on finalizing their budget proposal. 

Checkmate added two summer interns to our North Carolina team this week. We are excited to have Allie Gilbert, a rising 3L at Campbell Law, and Patrick Mutch, a rising 2L at Campbell Law, join us for the summer. 

Statewide Elections Update

On Wednesday, Jefferson Griffin, candidate for the North Carolina Supreme Court, conceded to incumbent Allison Riggs. This concession followed a six month long legal challenge of votes across the state. A federal judge ruled against the challenge to thousands of ballots and ordered the certification of Riggs’ victory for the seat. Griffin will continue to serve on the State Court of Appeals, and Riggs will officially retake her seat on the State Supreme Court.

At the North Carolina State Board of Elections, in the first meeting of the new majority, the board voted to replace the current Executive Director with Sam Hayes. Hayes has served as general counsel to the House Speaker since 2021 and previously served as general counsel to the State Treasurer and State DEQ. He will take office on May 15.

PFAS Liability and Mitigation Updates

House Bill 569, PFAS Pollution and Polluters Liability, passed the House with a vote of 104-3. H569, introduced by Representative Davis (R-New Hanover), authorizes the Secretary of Environmental Quality to require culpable PFAS manufacturers to pay impacted public water systems for the costs of PFAS removal and other related impacts. Additional PFAS mitigation efforts are underway as the Environmental Management Commission directed the Water Quality Committee to develop a PFAS Mitigation Plan for the purpose of reducing high levels of PFAS in areas surrounding landfills. The PFAS Minimization Plan remains in its preliminary stages as the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) will not approve the plan’s regulatory impact analysis until further revisions are made. The plan will not advance until the regulatory impact analysis is approved. 

STIP Anticipation Notes

This week, the House approved House Bill 364, STIP Grant Anticipation Notes. The bill would allow local governments to enter into an expedited project agreement with NCDOT and enable local governments to anticipatorily borrow money to pay appropriations for capital projects identified as a regional impact or division need project. The notes must mature no later than twelve months after the first day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the capital project is scheduled to be completed, and the note cannot exceed the total funding for the project. Renewals of these anticipatory notes are not permitted, and the notes must contain a signed certificate from DOT’s finance officer. Additionally, the bill requires NCDOT to ensure that any changes made to STIP do not delay repayments of the anticipatory notes by local governments, and to develop rules and procedures for implementing expedited project agreements. 

The bill passed the House with a vote of 100-11 Wednesday night and has been sent to the Senate for consideration,

Council Member Updates

Celebrating Women in Leadership at First Bank’s Mother’s Day Event

Councilmembers Lori Bush and Sarika Bansal joined staff and local business leaders for “Her Voice, Her Impact: A Mother’s Day Celebration of Women Who Lead,” hosted by First Bank at The Mayton. The event brought together women from diverse industries—including construction, finance, education, and social services—to share experiences and celebrate the impact of women in leadership. It served as a meaningful space to recognize the contributions of women across Cary’s public and private sectors.

Dedication of First Horizon Stadium

On April 26, Councilmember Michelle Craig joined representatives from First Horizon and the North Carolina Football Club to cut the ribbon on the newly named First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. She also delivered brief remarks during the ceremony.

Asian American Student Showcase

On April 28, Councilmember Craig attended the Asian American Student Showcase. The event featured excerpts from narrator stories, student reflections, and analytical pieces. Students shared their excitement about the upcoming Asian American Studies course that Green Hope High School will offer in the 2025–26 school year. They are also creating a visual representation of their work, which will be displayed in the commons area.

Briarcliff Elementary Multicultural Night

On April 30, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Craig participated in Briarcliff Elementary’s Multicultural Night, where guest speakers read books to students.

Journey Home Breakfast Benefit for The Carying Place

Councilmembers Lori Bush, Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Jennifer Robinson, and Jack Smith joined staff and the community to celebrate The Carying Place at their annual Journey Home Breakfast Benefit. The Carying Place, a Cary-based nonprofit, supports working families experiencing housing instability on their path to independence and self-sufficiency through the Journey Home program. Cary has supported The Carying Place’s work through local and federal grants that support the purchase of housing and expansion of programming.

Presentation at Carolina Preserve

On May 1, Councilmember Bansal and Town Manager Sean R. Stegall presented to residents at Carolina Preserve. They discussed surrounding development, traffic concerns, and Chatham County’s revaluation process. Attendees expressed their appreciation for their visit.

Chamber Business Excellence Awards

On May 1, Mayor Weinbrecht attended the Cary Chamber Excellence Awards and provided brief remarks. The awards recognized Innovation, Community Service, Employer of the Year, Impact, Non-Profit of the Year, Business of the Year, and Creative Placemaking. The Public Art Advisory Board and the Cary Chamber of Commerce gave the 2024 Creative Placemaking Award to Bainbridge Companies at the Chamber’s Business Excellence Awards. Bainbridge commissioned artist Robert Tully to create a unique weather steel sculpture and benches for their property at Bainbridge Cary.

Additionally, the Board and the Chamber recognized Public Art Lifetime Champions: Ralph Ashworth, Susan Alexander, and Ann Goodnight for their leadership, early support, and enthusiasm for making Cary a special place to live. They understood that Creative Placemaking animates public spaces, improves local business, and brings diverse people together to celebrate, inspire and be inspired.

Arise Collection Program Ribbon Cutting

On May 2, Councilmembers Kohn-Johnson and Bansal attended the ribbon cutting for the Arise Collection Program. The initiative will provide services to justice-involved women, including reentry support, housing, chaplaincy, higher education, family reunification, and community resources.

Asian American Advocacy Day

On May 7, Councilmember Bansal participated in the fourth annual Asian American Advocacy Day, hosted by North Carolina Asian Americans Together and NCAAT in Action at the NC Capitol in Raleigh. The event aimed to build civic engagement—particularly among first-time participants—and highlight the growing impact of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in North Carolina.

Scout Group Meeting at Jack Smith Park

On May 8, Councilmember Smith met with a Cub Scout troop during their celebration at Jack Smith Park. The attendees were excited to meet the park’s namesake

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

I enjoyed joining many of you in Chicago for the InterCity Visit. The trip offered valuable perspectives on how other communities are navigating similar challenges and opportunities, and I’m grateful for the time we spent together exploring new ideas and places. In your inbox today there are two newsletters – one with operational updates from staff and a second that spotlights councilmember activities. Staff looks forward to discussing the concept of a Town Council newsletter at an upcoming work session, but in the meantime the group felt dividing the topics into two newsletters would make it easier to read. 
Wishing a happy Mother’s Day to all who celebrate.

Enjoy your weekend.

Sean

Quasi-Judicial Public Hearing at Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) will hold a quasi-judicial public hearing on May 14 to review a certificate of appropriateness (COA) application submitted by the owner of the Dr. John Pullen Hunter House, a local historic landmark property. Exterior and interior alterations to the main house, chicken coop, and site are proposed to convert the property from an office to a restaurant with outdoor seating.

The HPC agenda with the COA staff report and supporting documents will be available by close of business on May 8. Information on Cary’s twelve local historic landmarks may be viewed on this interactive map.

Community Meeting for Lewey Drive Improvements

On May 12, Cary will host an open house-style event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Turner Creek Elementary School to share details about the upcoming water main and sidewalk project along Lewey Drive, Fryar Creek Drive, and NC 55 scheduled to begin this summer and take approximately 18 months to complete. More details on this project can be found at this website. 

Sidewalk Construction Update

Construction is underway for sidewalk projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The eight sidewalks are distributed across Cary to improve accessibility and enhance walkability throughout the community. New sidewalks along Lilly Atkins Road and West Boundary Street are substantially complete and work along Optimist Farm Road, West Lake Road, and Weldon Ridge Boulevard. is underway. Construction for all eight sidewalks, including the remaining sidewalks along Pittard Sears Boulevard, SE Cary Parkway, and Penny Road, is anticipated to be complete by Summer 2026. More information can be found at  www.carync.gov/sidewalks.

South Cary WRF Welcomes Sheep

The South Cary Water Reclamation Facility (SCWRF) welcomed a herd of 66 sheep and 2 donkeys at the solar field this week. Sheep are being introduced as a pilot project to reduce or eliminate the need for mowing. It is important to keep the solar field mowed because any vegetation that grows will shade the panels, making them less efficient. Sheep are the species best suited for the job since they enjoy hanging out in the shade of the panels during the day and don’t mind being in tight spaces that humans would struggle to access with a mower. The donkeys will act as guardians for the sheep since they are particularly effective protectors against stray dogs and coyotes. The herd will graze for 10 days and will then relocate to another facility to graze but will return to work at SCWRF again as needed.

Red Flash Conversion

Staff from Public Works, Transportation, Police, and Morrisville Police recently completed a traffic signal project updating how signals at intersections flash to meet new NCDOT standards. Previously, signals flashed yellow in the event of a controlled outage or a signal malfunction. Now, the signals will flash red on all approaches letting drivers know to treat the intersection as a 4-way stop. This project was completed over the course of several months and prior to the July 1 deadline set by NCDOT. 

Kildaire Farm Road Water Main Replacement Complete

The Kildaire Farm Rd. Downtown Water Main Replacement project is now complete. Crews have successfully replaced approximately 1,100 feet of aging 12-inch water main between Byrum Street and Shirley Drive Construction was completed in two months and remained within budget. While water main work is complete, development work in the roadway associated with the Soca 56 project on the corner of Byrum Steet remains ongoing.

Glenaire Residents Take a Ride on Route 5

On April 23, residents from Glenaire embarked on an interactive journey along GoCary’s Route 5, guided by Fabian Rodriguez, Transit Public Outreach Specialist, and Michelle Barrett, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging. The group learned how to download and navigate the GoCary app, gaining confidence in using public transit. Along the way, they discovered the many destinations accessible along Route 5, making for an engaging and educational experience.

Senior Center’s Award-Winning Program

The Senior Center earned an honorable mention in the National Council on Aging Program Excellence Awards for its groundbreaking initiative, Speed Friending. Inspired by the speed-dating concept, this program is designed to help seniors form meaningful connections and friendships. It was envisioned and brought to life by Vicki Buckholz, a senior center aide who went beyond her usual front desk duties to create something truly special. Today, Speed Friending has become a beloved staple of the center’s regular programming.

Older Americans Month

The Senior Advisory Board marked Older Americans Month by reflecting on two significant milestones that strengthen Cary’s dedication to its senior community.

First, Heather Burkhardt from the AARP presented a certificate in recognition of Cary’s 2025 Age Friendly Action Plan. This plan represents the town’s continued commitment to fostering an age-friendly community, ensuring that older adults have access to resources and support tailored to their needs.

Additionally, the board celebrated the launch of a refreshed Aging Resources webpage, designed to provide seniors with easier access to vital town and community services. Whether seeking information on local programs, support services, or engagement opportunities, residents can now find everything in a more user-friendly format.

IBT Annual Report Submitted to State

The 2024 Annual Report required for compliance with Cary’s Interbasin Transfer (IBT) Certificate was submitted to the North Carolina Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The report demonstrates that Cary complies with all the requirements of our Certificate. The Annual Report is required to be submitted to the State before May 1 each year, with quarterly updates posted to Cary’s IBT page. History on our IBT certificate can be found on  DEQ’s IBT page. 

Town Hall Field Trip

A group of Cary-Page Rotary club members and Rotarians visiting from Sweden as part of a Friendship Exchange came to Town Hall to learn more about Cary’s history, how local government functions, and what daily life is like in Cary. The group toured the Page-Walker Arts & History Center and the Traffic Management Center and heard from Assistant Town Manager Dan Ault while visiting Council Chambers and ended their day with a visit to the Downtown Cary Park.

State Energy Conference at NC State

Staff attended this year’s State Energy Conference and served as panelists highlighting Cary’s energy management strategies and sustainability initiatives. North Carolina Governor Josh Stein was also in attendance sharing that the state is in the national top 10 for clean energy jobs and has $24 billion in clean energy investments across the state. Staff gained insight into building energy efficiency, electrification, and financing opportunities for building upgrades.

Staff Tours NCSU PULSTAR Research Reactor

Cary staff attended a tour of North Carolina State University’s (NCSU) PULSTAR research nuclear reactor through the NC Chapter of the Association of Energy Engineers. The Nuclear Reactor Program through the NCSU Department of Nuclear Engineering is home to the PULSTAR 1-MW nuclear reactor facility used for research by UNC system faculty and governmental agencies. Staff learned about the nuclear fission process typically used for energy producing facilities, which is a carbon-free energy source.

IT Hosts Cybersecurity Students

On Thursday, the Information Technology Department hosted students and instructors from Wake Tech Community College’s SENTINEL Program, a 33-week cybersecurity boot camp designed to prepare participants for careers in the cybersecurity field. During their visit, the group learned about local government information technology (IT) security best practices and Cary’s innovative approach to smart cities through its Internet of Things (IoT) program.

Spring Daze

On April 26, more than 12,000 attendees gathered at Bond Park for the 32nd annual Spring Daze Arts and Crafts Festival. This year’s Spring Daze featured 170 talented artists from across North Carolina, 17 delicious Triangle-based food vendors, and nonstop entertainment across three stages. None of it would have been possible without the dedication of so many staff and volunteers.

A standout addition to the 2025 festival was the Kid Collectors Market, designed especially for young art lovers ages 6–12. Sustainability also remained front and center through Cary It Green initiatives. All food vendors used compostable serviceware, and Cary staff went a step further by providing cutlery to every vendor, making it easier than ever to reduce waste.

Adaptive Sports Day

In partnership with NC Adaptive, Bond Park Community Center and Bond Park Boathouse hosted an Adaptive Sports Day on May 3. The free event showcased a range of adaptive sports opportunities in the triangle area for youth with disabilities, featuring hands-on sessions in basketball, climbing, adaptive cycling, fishing, and kayaking, along with several services available in the triangle.

Teen Council Bridging Generations

On April 29, Teen Council hosted a “Bridging Generations” event, inviting members of the Senior Center to join for an evening of meaningful connection. The night was filled with laughter, board games, and card-making activities, offering a screen-free opportunity for teens and seniors to bond. Through shared stories and simple fun, participants discovered the value and joy of intergenerational connection.

Science in the Spillway

As part of April’s NCSciFest, Science in the Spillway offered free pop-up events in Bond Park’s Spillway where visitors were invited to participate in hands-on science and art themed activities. Themes included exploring the senses, natural patterns, and what comes from the Earth. In total 643 attendees participated throughout the three weeks, with help from 18 Teen Council volunteers.

Star Wars Day at The Cary

Nearly 400 Star Wars fans joined forces to celebrate “May the 4th” at The Cary. The celebration included a photobooth complete with Star Wars themed props, Star Wars characters from the Carolina Garrison’s 501st, and three fan selected films from the Star Wars Anthology which the community voted on earlier this year.

Herbfest

Despite a morning full of rain, 500 attendees enjoyed Friends of the Page-Walker Herbfest under dry skies on May 4. They shopped with vendors offering a wide range of plants, garden ornaments, botanical art and plant-themed gifts, enjoyed tasty treats offered by the Young Friends of the Page-Walker bake sale, and learned about gardening, composting, beekeeping and more from booths provided by non-profit and educational partners in the garden of the Page-Walker Arts & History Center. That afternoon, “Mr. Monarch” released painted lady butterflies to the delight of the crowd.

Upcoming Meetings

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, May 13
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, May 14
6:30 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, May 15
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12 including (“why are you lying”, “is it worth people’s lives for apartments”, “we do not need more building in Cary”, “send Hines back to Texas”, “we don’t want our neighborhood ruined”, “you don’t care about anyone”, “the Town of Cary are trying to make money from this”, “this looks like greed”, “be a strong voice against this fiasco”, “this is greed and madness” and other insults. It is sad that some people can’t discuss an issue without name calling and insults. And the strategy of constantly insulting decision makers continues to puzzle me.)
• A complaint about a Regency multi-family proposal.
• A request to recognize ALS month in May.
• A complaint that a developer is dumping debris in the woods at Larboard and West Lake.
• A complaint about a neighbor who has a dead tree whose limbs are falling on a car.
• A complaint about notices for a Pittard Sears Road rezoning proposal.
• Concerns about a boarded-up property.
• A concern about businesses in plaza with DMV being affected.
• A complaint that I am not doing enough to get light rail.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting, an Honor a Teacher event, a Raleigh Regional Association of Realtors event, a campaign event, and JURY duty.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, May 11^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.

Student Interview

Monday afternoon I was interviewed by a high school student. Questions included the topics of downtown growth, maintaining our town feel, embracing diversity, historical events that shaped Cary’s culture, and how one can be more involved.

Manager One-On-One

Monday evening I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. We talked about the upcoming quarterly meeting, his proposed tax rate, moving capital projects to worthy but unfunded, the future of capital projects, past and future bonds, economic development, Waverly, and maintenance of town facilities.

Wynston Ridge HOA Meeting

Tuesday night I attended a homeowners meeting at Wynston Ridge. After their formal meeting I provided a summary of what is going on in their area and around town. I also talked about the current budget and next year’s budget.

Cary #1 for Surprisingly Affordable City for Retirees

Wednesday I was notified that Cary is the best in the nation for “surprisingly affordable cities for retirees” according to GOBankingRates. Here is what they said about Cary:

Cary, North Carolina

• Livability Score: 90
• Percentage of Population 65 or Older: 12.46%
• Total Monthly Cost of Living: $3,615

The Southern part of the United States is known for heat and humidity, and Cary is no exception with its extreme seasonal variations and a muggier period usually extending from late May to early October. Don’t worry, though, as the temperature stays in the range of 32°F to 89°F all year long.

You can read more about other cities from GOBankingRates here.

Travel and Leisure reported on this ranking and stated the following:

“While Florida remains the most popular retirement destination among Americans, the cost of living, which can exceed $60,000 per year, along with expensive real estate, may deter some seniors. However, that doesn’t mean you should give up on your dream of living your golden years in a sunny and warm spot.

In 2024, finance website GoBankingRates identified 12 affordable cities with great weather for retirees, after analyzing U.S. cities across various factors, including cost of living, overall livability, average rent, and weather. And while many of the locations are in Florida, a significant number are outside the Sunshine State, including Cary, North Carolina, which has the highest livability score on the list.

“The Southern part of the United States is known for heat and humidity, and Cary is no exception with its extreme seasonal variations and a muggier period usually extending from late May to early October,” GoBankingRates explained. “Don’t worry, though, as the temperature stays in the range of 32°F to 89°F all year long.” It also noted that the town has a livability score of 90 out of 100 and estimates monthly expenses at $3,615. Additionally, 12 percent of its population is over 65, ensuring a healthy retiree community. 

Related: 50 Best Places to Retire in the U.S. in 2025

Beyond the weather, AreaVibes also rated the city highly for its amenities, low crime rate, health, housing, schools, and employment, all of which received an A+ score. Those living in the area or from the region gave it a slightly lower, but still respectable B rating. The only category where the city performs poorly is the cost of living, which earned it a D on AreaVibes; however, it was still good enough to place Cary in the top 12 on GoBankingRates’ report. …”

Briarcliff Elementary Multicultural Night

Wednesday evening, I participated in Briarcliff Elementary’s Multicultural Night. Part of the evening included “celebrities” reading books to children. I had the pleasure of reading “Everybody! You, me, and us” to about a couple of dozen. Afterwards, I toured the school.

I was lucky to be joined by council member Craig. The event was a lot of fun, and I hope they invite me back.

Council-Staff Quarterly Meeting

Thursday the council spent half a day at its first 2025 quarterly meeting, which is Q3 of fiscal year 2025. The meeting focused on the Manager’s proposed budget and finances. Here are some of the notable statements from the meeting:

• 80% of our conversations have been on the budget
• New GDP show the US economy went into reverse in the first quarter
• “Major businesses are on hold. No one wants to expand or hire in this kind of unpredictability.” – Joseph Lunde
• The FY 2026 is NOT sustainable in the longer term – 24 months and beyond:
  • There are no new hires for the 2^nd year in a row
  • We are without employee development opportunities
  • Personnel adjustments at 3% while 5% is needed to maintain our leadership in the market
  • This is the last year we can hold services in the budget without cutting of services
• Budget does not anticipate recession or growth
• Property taxes make up 59.5% of revenue and sales tax makes up 21.3%
• Due to legislative restrictions, we have limited revenue diversity. We need revenue diversity so that property tax is approximately 25% of the revenue.
• Revenues should be acceptable. People HATE property taxes.
• Even in maintenance mode we will experience $24.6 million in increases: $8 million police, $7 million IT, $6 million personnel costs, etc.
• Sales tax collections may pressure budget
• FY2026 recommended budget expenditures: 27% police/fire/911, 27% PRCR and Public Works, 23% General Government, 10% Debt Service, 8% development and infrastructure, 4% non-departmental, 1% transfer to capital.
• FY2026 recommended Utility expenditures: $96.99 million
• FY2026 recommended budget: maintenance focused, limited capital expenditures, no capital improvements, and 1.5 cent tax rate increase

Cary Chamber Excellence Awards

Thursday evening, I attended the Cary Chamber Excellence Awards where I gave brief welcome remarks. The awards included Innovation, Community Service, Employer of the Year, Impact, Non-Profit of the Year, Business of the Year, and Creative Placemaking. We are blessed to have so many businesses that believe and invest in Cary.

Town Manager’s Report

There was no town manager report this week.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12 (“sounds like decision already made” and other insults. I can assure you that the council has not made up its mind. The strategy of constantly insulting decision makers puzzles me.)
• A complaint about the latest Regency Multi-family proposal
• A complaint about a group home
• A complaint about the rail crossing closure at Indian Wells
• Several congratulations for being the #1 place to retire in the US for Affordability at Weather
• A request to use the Cary Towne Mall site for minor league baseball (land is owned by Epic Games not the Town of Cary)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Chamber Intercity Visit, meetings with candidates for state and local offices, and a meeting of the NC Metro Mayors.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, May 11^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.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I attempted to contact each council member to hear of any questions or concerns about the upcoming agenda. The only questions were about the Regency Public Hearing. Later in the day I met with staff to go over the agenda. We believed there would be many in attendance for the Regency proposal and for the Greenwood Forest affordable housing project.

Manager One-On-One

Monday evening I met with the Deputy Town Manager, an Assistant Town Manager, and the Town Attorney. Our only topic of discussion was an economic development project.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday night I attended a meeting of the Wake County Mayors Association in Garner. In attendance were the mayors of Apex, Cary, Garner, Morrisville, Raleigh, Wake Forest, Wendell, and Zebulon. Most of our conversation was on proposed budgets and tax rates.

State of Cary at Town Hall

Tuesday night I delivered the State of Cary address in town hall. While I have given this several times to many organizations, this was the first one open to the public. I talked for about 45 to 50 minutes and then answered questions. There were about 30 to 40 in attendance.

Economic Development

Wednesday night I participated in the quarterly meeting of the Economic Development Committee.

First, the committee heard a budget presentation from Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry. Then the committee investigated scenarios as the council did in March.

The committee also heard a quarterly report from the President of the Cary Chamber. Here are some takeaways from that report:

• Unemployment: Cary 2.9%, Wake County 3.0%, NC 3.7%, US 4.2%
• Business Recruitment: 11 active projects, 2850 potential jobs, $890 million in potential development, focus is advanced manufacturing and life sciences

Private Meeting

Thursday afternoon I met a candidate running for Wake County Commissioner. While I don’t endorse candidates I will meet and talk with them. Next March there will be a Democratic primary and a Republican primary for two seats. The top vote getter in the November general election will get a four-year term and the second place vote getter will get a two-year term. There are new seats added to the Wake County Commission. I have been told there are four candidates for the Democratic primary and two candidates for the Republican primary.

Sister City Le Touquet Reception

I joined the entire council at a reception welcoming culinary students from Le Touquet, France Thursday evening. They have been a sister city for decades and we have a culinary exchange each year. My wife and I have hosted students in the past and still stay in touch with a few. They will be working in Cary restaurants for a few weeks before traveling to NY city and then back home. I wish them the best!

Town Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of the month. The agenda included three presentations and recognitions, two consent items, two public hearings, and three discussion items.

The first presentation was a proclamation recognizing May as National Tennis Month. In attendance were representatives from the Western Wake Tennis Association. Here are some of the points made in the proclamation:

“…The USTA proudly partners with local tennis programs to showcase the important health, social, and educational benefits of tennis, and make the sport available to everyone, regardless of age, environment, condition, or ability, through its USTA Adaptive grants…

… According to a Tennis Industry Association study, in 2024, 25.7 million people played tennis in the United States…

…USTA has declared the month of May as National Tennis Month to encourage players, organizations, facilities, retailers, tennis manufacturers and more to promote local programs and activities, at parks and facilities to showcase tennis and spread the word about the sport and its benefits, and to help players and non-players alike find courts and play opportunities in their communities…”

The second presentation was a proclamation recognizing April as “Cary Earth Month”. In attendance were students and faculty from Green Hope High School’s Environmental Science program. Here are some of the points in that proclamation:

“…Under the guidance of dedicated teachers, hundreds of students partnered with Cary through Spruce projects, educational outreach, green event support, and environmental restoration efforts – helping to ensure Cary remains forever green…

…Cary approaches all service and operations with a guiding ethic of sustainability, grounded in innovation and collaboration. As we look to the future, we proudly recognize April 2025 as a time to recommit ourselves to protecting the planet for generations to come. …”

The third recognition was for Le Touquet students visiting from France as part of our Sister City culinary exchange program. One of their students made remarks before I recognized them.

The consent agenda included two items. The first was a rezoning to allow two detached dwellings and the dedication of 4 feet of right-of-way on West Chatham Street at 402 Charles Court. The second was a resolution authorizing the exchange of property with Alston Yards which was approved by the council on February 6^th.

The Public Speaks Out portion of the meeting took almost the entire hour with 17 speakers. A few spoke to encourage the council to approve the Greenwood Forest affordable housing project which was up for a vote later in the meeting. Most of the remaining speakers were against the Waverly proposal coming up for a vote in May. Their complaints mostly focused on traffic. Interestingly, Waverly is at the corner of Kildaire and Tryon which are commuter roads. Those roads will continue to increase in congestion as people travel from other locations through the area to get to work and shopping regardless of what happens with the Waverly proposal.

The first public hearing was for 24-REZ-06 Regency Multi-family which about a dozen speakers all against the proposal. Complaints included traffic and density. Council also expressed concerns which included transition to single family homes.

The second public hearing was to consider approval of the 2025-2030 CDBG Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan funding recommendations for FY 2026 (HUD Program Year 2025), authorizing staff to submit both plans to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and pursue initiative implementation. This was approved unanimously by council. Here is a press release with more information:

“The Cary Town Council has approved the draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan and draft 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan, which recommends awards totaling over $3.6 million in funding.
This investment will support the construction of 62 new affordable housing units, the rehabilitation of four existing affordable rental homes, and the improvement of approximately 30 homes for low-income homeowners. In total, these initiatives are expected to benefit more than 2,000 Cary residents by supporting new housing and housing stability. A list of the organizations that will benefit from the fund allocations can be found online here.
The funding is guided by four core objectives highlighted in the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan: 

• Rehabilitate and preserve existing housing 
• Build vibrant and livable neighborhoods
• Provide more housing choices 
• Support public services for residents facing homelessness and housing instability

“These plans reflect Cary’s commitment to creating more high-quality, sustainable and affordable housing opportunities,” said Heather Whelehan, Cary’s Director of Housing & Community Partnerships. “We’re investing not just in buildings, but in people and the partnerships that build a stronger community.”
The 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan identifies immediate projects to be launched in the upcoming fiscal year with a blend of local and federal funds, ranging from new affordable housing development to housing preservation and emergency assistance. 
The draft plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for final approval. Rooted in partnerships and a People First approach, this investment supports the goals of the Cary Housing Plan and Imagine Cary Community Plan, ensuring that all residents can enjoy the high quality of life Cary has to offer. For more information on the recipients of these awards, initiatives, and drafted plans, visit housing.carync.gov.”

The first discussion item was 24-REZ-07 Greenwood Forest affordable housing project. After much praise from the council this request was approved unanimously. The project will allow religious assembly, special event center, preschool/daycare center, office, and multifamily dwelling units. Conditions ensure the housing units are affordable for 30 years at 60% AMI (if rented) or 80% AMI (if sold), provide at least 25,000 square feet of community gathering space, and provide a street-side trail along the site frontages.

The second discussion item, 24-REZ-15 Wake Western Regional Center, was also approved unanimously. The new zoning at 3.60 acres at 157 High House Road will allow Office Institutional Conditional Use (OI-CU) with zoning conditions limiting to governmental office, and the square footage shall not exceed 29,000 square feet.

In the last discussion item, the council unanimously approved Vision Zero. This will be a guide for the planning, design, construction, and operation of Cary’s transportation network. Vision Zero will shift focus in Cary from a more vehicle-centric mobility philosophy that prioritizes capacity, throughput, and level of service to one with a special emphasis on pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorists.

The council meeting concluded after a little over four hours.

NC Metro Mayors

This week’s NC Metro Mayors call focused on two bills discussed during the week of April 14, since both chambers of the General Assembly were recessed for the week for spring break. 

Legislators will return to work next week for what is expected to be a sprint leading up to the “crossover” deadline on Thursday, May 8. As a reminder, the legislative “crossover” deadline is the day on which bills that don’t deal with appropriations, elections, or annexations must be approved by the chamber where they were introduced to be considered for the remainder of the session. 

The following is a summary by the Executive Director of what was discussed by the NC Metro Mayors:

SB 257 2025 Appropriations Act

Senators released and passed their budget proposal during the week of April 14. This bill, SB 257 2025 Appropriations Act, is just the Senate’s proposal and will not be exactly how the final appropriations bill will look. This conversation has a long way to go, so please take the information you see in the following bullets with the requisite grain of salt. The House will likely consider its budget process in earnest after the crossover deadline. The Senate’s two-part budget would spend $32.6 billion in FY 25-26 and $33.3 billion on FY 26-27. It consists of a 661-page “money report” and a 440-page bill.

We discussed many of the proposal’s most concerning parts, including cutting $50 million from the Aid to Municipalities “Powell Bill” program and prohibiting funding distribution to municipalities whose populations exceed 150,000. We also discussed the inclusion of language to eliminate or restrict the extra-territorial jurisdiction authority for cities across the state. The Checkmate and NCLM Government Affairs team will remain engaged with Senate and House leaders to communicate our perspective on issues under consideration and will continue to provide information as it becomes available. House leaders will likely delay much of the development of their budget proposal until after the May 8 crossover deadline. 

We also provided additional information regarding HB 765 Local Gov. Development Regulations Omnibus, a sweeping measure poised to dismantle local land-use planning and regulations. As attendees heard, this bill represents an unprecedented shift that strips municipalities of their ability to apply tailored regulatory standards, paving the way for unchecked development in some cases while imposing rigid statewide mandates in others. Over the past two weeks, NCLM and Coalition members have been connecting with legislators to express their opposition to HB 765. We have also seen multiple resolutions from municipalities across the state expressing opposition to HB 765. All of this has made a difference! But we need to keep it up. Please continue to contact your House members and ask them to OPPOSE HB 765. 

Below are the key talking points, as well as a couple of resources to use in your outreach.

House Bill 765 will:

• Create a patchwork of state mandates and ban common-sense local land-use practices leading to unregulated and incompatible development, undermining housing affordability, and damaging existing property values.  
• Eliminate the decision-making powers granted to locally elected leaders by their voters, subjecting those officials to legal penalties during routine land-use planning decisions, and create unprecedented conflict-of-interest rules.  
• Remove the ability of residents and local officials to pursue their unique visions for their communities, which are critical to attracting new residents and new businesses and maintaining their unique quality of life.  
• Undermine meaningful public engagement and community involvement in shaping policies that address specific housing needs.  

Refer to this document for a more detailed look at the bill’s provisions, which range from massive changes to conditional zoning to mandated minimum density requirements. 

Walk to Defeat Dementia

Sunday I joined hundreds of others at the Triangle Walk to Defeat Dementia held at Fenton. I was part of the pre-walk festivities that included an a cappella group from NC State and NC State’s Ms. Wolf. The event was hosted by Dementia Alliance of North Carolina who provide personal, individualized support to thousands of families from across the state through an intentional model of support; one caregiver, one individual and one interaction at a time. Their programs offer CARE – Comfort, Assistance, Resources and Education to individuals and families living with dementia.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council, I enjoyed seeing you this week at the State of Cary. It was a great start as we continue building a more robust citizen engagement program, especially in the area of budget and finance. It is my hope and expectation that it will continue to grow and attendance will increase, thus benefiting both the Council and our citizens.
I look forward to seeing you all next Thursday at the Courtyard by Marriott for our Quarterly meeting. As is our usual practice, please do not expect a weekly report on Friday, May 2, following the Quarterly meeting.
Enjoy Spring Daze tomorrow at Bond Park.
Sean

Correspondence:
Staff received a letter from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy regarding the U.S. Department of Transportation’s position and expectations regarding compliance with federal laws including nondiscrimination laws. 

Children’s Day Festival in Downtown Cary

Last Saturday, nearly 4,000 people attended the Children’s Day Festival of Cary. This festival is organized by the American Turkish Association of NC (ATA-NC) and held in collaboration with Cary at the Downtown Park. Joined by ATA-NC presenter, Buket Aydemir, Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson offered remarks and Councilmember Michelle Craig read the proclamation. The joyous community event showcased the talents of area youth from diverse cultures.  

Celebrating Earth Week

Cary celebrated Earth Week with a full slate of engaging programs and events, reaching more than 6,000 people online and over 800 participants in-person. From hands-on volunteer opportunities to educational classes, staff thoughtfully crafted experiences that inspired connection with our environment and community. Highlights included the Mayor’s Earth Day Proclamation honoring Green Hope High School and the Spruce Program at last night’s Council meeting, as well as popular programs like Science in the Spillway and Sustainable Spirits. These efforts reflect Cary’s continued commitment to building a more sustainable future.

Cary Welcomes Exchange Students from Le Touquet

On Thursday, Council welcomed and recognized a group of exchange students from Cary’s sister city, Le Touquet, France. The students are participating in a cultural and culinary exchange in partnership with Wake Tech’s Culinary Program, expanding their skills by working in local restaurants and hotels. This long-standing exchange, initiated in 1992, is organized and supported by the Cary Sister Cities Association.

Mayor Delivers State of Cary to Cary Rotary Club

At the invitation of Dorcas Ministries CEO André Anthony, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht delivered the State of Cary address to the Cary Rotary Club, highlighting Cary’s progress and future. Councilmember Lori Bush was also in attendance to help answer questions and offer insight.

Chamber Elected Officials Reception

Mayor Weinbrecht delivered remarks at the Cary Chamber Elected Officials Reception, held at the Umstead Hotel and Spa. He was joined by Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmembers Jack Smith, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal. The event focused on fostering relationships and partnerships among elected officials, business leaders, and community members.

Pinwheel Garden Planting

On Wednesday, in honor of Child Abuse Prevention Month, Cary PD partnered with the Positive Childhood Alliance to host a Pinwheel Garden Planting event at the Academy Pavilion in Downtown Cary Park. The Pinwheel symbolizes the love, joy, and happiness every child deserves to have at the center of their childhood. Councilmembers Micelle Craig and Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined the community for a brief program focused on raising awareness of the dangers of child abuse. Following that was the Pinwheel Garden Planting, with each pinwheel symbolizing hope and a future free from abuse for children everywhere.

Nepal Day

Councilmember Sarika Bansal served as a special guest at the regional celebration of Nepal Day 2025, hosted by the Nepal Center of North Carolina. She presented a proclamation on behalf of the Town of Cary.

Homeschool Group

Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Robinson met with a homeschool group ranging from kindergarten through 12th grade to discuss the role of local government and the services it provides.

City of Durham Visits Downtown Cary Park

On Tuesday, Assistant Town Manager Scot Berry and Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, John Collins hosted team members from the City of Durham and their partners who are currently working on a feasibility study for the Durham Athletic Park. The group toured Downtown Cary Park to learn from Cary’s expertise in creating and managing dynamic public spaces. 

Cary-Apex Staff Visits Charlotte

On Tuesday, staff from Cary and Apex joined staff at Charlotte’s Sugar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant to discuss their pilot installation of an innovative technology for wastewater treatment. The Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion Master Plan has recommended investigation of several innovative technologies which could be used to expand the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility using sustainable, cost-effective strategies. The solution explored at Tuesday’s site visit includes the introduction of a kenaf product, farmed locally in North Carolina, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the treatment process.

Invicta Pilot Tour

Last Thursday, staff welcomed officials from Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) and the Carrboro Town Council for a tour of the Invicta Water Process Pilot, located at Cary’s water intake on Jordan Lake. The Invicta Water Process is an innovative technology designed not only to remove but also destroy perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) from drinking water—a key differentiator from most current treatment methods, which typically only remove PFAS without eliminating them.

During the tour, staff from both Cary and Invicta provided in-depth explanations of the pilot process, as well as the PFAS treatment methods currently in use. Invicta, a North Carolina-based company led by Cary residents, has attracted national interest and the data gathered through this initiative will be instrumental in evaluating how the technology can be scaled up and implemented at modern water treatment facilities.

Annual Utility Coordination Meeting with RDU Staff

On Monday, staff met with RDU Airport for their annual utility coordination meeting to review ongoing operations and explore opportunities for continued collaboration. With projected growth to serve up to 10 million passengers by 2033, RDU is preparing for continued expansion. Cary and RDU staff have worked closely to incorporate updated forecasts into Cary’s Long Range Water Resources Plan, ensuring alignment between airport development and regional utility planning.

Cary PD Hosts Regional Traffic Reconstruction Training

Last week, the Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team hosted a quarterly training day for traffic reconstruction teams from the region at the South District office. Participants included teams from the NC State Highway Patrol, as well as police departments from Garner, Fuquay-Varina, Raleigh, and Holly Springs. Presentations were delivered by representatives from the Wake County District Attorney’s office, as well as Cary’s own Property & Evidence Manager Melanie Houle. The discussions covered important topics such as navigating legal challenges in case law, best practices for evidence gathering, and reviews of high-profile traffic homicide cases. The day emphasized the themes of collaboration, mutual aid, and the significance of maintaining strong relationships between agencies.

Transportation Staff Attend NCAMPO Conference

Last week, Transportation Director Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos and Assistant Transportation Director Juliet Andes attended the 2025 Annual NCAMPO conference in Wilmington, where Senior Project Manager Kyle Hubert and Transportation Planner Sandi Bailey presented on Cary Transportation Initiatives. This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gap – Embracing Change & Delivering Innovation,” inspired thought-provoking discussions, explored cutting-edge strategies, and provided actionable insights that can shape the future of transportation. Conference highlights included keynote speaker Wes Marshall, engaging breakout sessions, mobile tours showcasing Wilmington’s transportation landscape, networking opportunities with colleagues from across the state, and an opportunity to earn professional development credits.

Dementia Friendly Movie Screening at the Cary Theater

On April 22, The Cary Theater proudly hosted North Carolina’s first-ever Dementia Friendly Movie event! Spearheaded by Michelle Barrett, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging, in collaboration with Lani Simeona, Operations and Program Supervisor at the Cary, this groundbreaking event brought together community members for a special screening of the Elvis classic, Viva Las Vegas.

With the support of our community partner, Dementia Capable Cares, as well as dedicated volunteers and staff from The Cary Theater, Cary Police Department, and board members from both the Senior Advisory Board and Friends of the Senior Center, the event was truly a collective effort.

More than just a movie screening, the event fostered social connection and engagement for attendees. The excitement continues—our next Dementia Friendly Movie event is scheduled for August 12.

Upgrades Improve a Cary Parkway Intersection

Through a collaboration between NCDOT, the Town of Morrisville, and Cary’s Public Works Signals Team, the intersection at Cary Parkway and James Jackson Avenue was enhanced to improve efficiency and safety for both drivers and pedestrians.

Upgrades included the installation of pedestrian refuge islands, leading pedestrian intervals, and high-visibility crosswalks on all four approaches, creating clearly marked and safer crossing points. Left-turn phasing was also added in areas that were previously designated as through-left lanes, contributing to a smoother and more intuitive traffic flow.

This successful cross-agency effort highlights the value of proactive problem-solving and teamwork in addressing community infrastructure needs.

Water Main Replacement Project Update

After 10 months of construction, water mains were successfully replaced on Turquoise Creek Drive, Cloud Crossing Circle, and Preston Ridge Court in the Preston Trace neighborhood. During this work, aging sewer lines were also replaced as needed. Following the utility upgrades, the streets were repaved. This project enhances the reliability of the local water distribution system. Throughout, staff worked closely with residents to minimize disruptions and provide regular updates.

Model Railroad Show

The All Aboard! Model Railroad Show, held April 12-13 at Herb Young Community Center, attracted over 1,500 train enthusiasts. Visitors explored detailed S and N Scale layouts, interactive children’s displays, and creative train scenes. The NCDOT Rail Division promoted rail safety, offering kids the chance to earn Junior Engineer caps by completing a quiz. It was a weekend of family-friendly fun, creativity, and train-themed excitement!

2025 ACC Tennis Championships

The Atlantic Coast Conference Tennis Championships took place at Cary Tennis Park from April 15 to 20. This year’s tournament saw the addition of Stanford University, the University of California, and Southern Methodist University. In the Women’s Final, the University of North Carolina defeated the University of Virginia to secure their second consecutive ACC Championship. In their first ACC appearance, Stanford University won the Men’s Final, defeating the University of Virginia.

With over 3,500 attendees throughout the week, the tournament set a new attendance record for the ACC Tennis Championships.

USA Baseball National High School Invitational

Since 2012, USA Baseball has hosted the National High School Invitational (NHSI) at Cary’s USA Baseball National Training Complex, showcasing the nation’s top high school baseball programs. This year’s event featured 16 teams, with Venice High School (FL) defeating Trinity Christian Academy (FL) 3-2 in the championship. Sponsored by the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, the event attracted over 10,000 spectators, players, and scouts from April 9-12.

Community Meeting for Lewey Drive Improvements

On May 12, Cary will host an open house-style event from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Turner Creek Elementary School to share details about the upcoming water main and sidewalk project along Lewey Drive, Fryar Creek Drive, and NC 55, scheduled to begin this summer.

Representatives from Wake County School Transportation, the Turner Creek Elementary PTA, and the project’s contractor, J.F. Wilkerson Contracting Co., Inc., will join Cary staff at the event. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet the full-time field inspector from Hollins Construction Services, who will serve as the on-site point of contact throughout construction.

The project is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – May 7

The following neighborhood meetings will be held on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:30 p.m.

• 25-REZ-05 Pittard Sears Road
• 25-REZ-07 1412 White Oak Church Road

For more information and to register visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Upcoming Meetings

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, April 28
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting ​​​​​​(Quarterly)
​​​​​​​Thursday, May 1
1:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Dozens of complaints about the Regency proposal 24-REZ-06
• Several complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12 including comments that called me a liar and other comments like “You simply do not represent taxpayers. Never have” (The strategy of name calling and insulting the decision makers has always fascinated me.)
• A request to condemn terrorist attacks on Hindus in Kashmir (Cary does not make public statements about national and international issues. Instead, we focus on our core services)
• A question about PFAS remediation
• A request to have all major decisions be a referendum (referendums have a process with the board of elections and each one would cost close to $1million)
• Several requests to vote for the Greenwood Forest Affordable Housing proposal
• A thank you for supporting Vision Zero
• Several requests to attend events
• A complaint about trash left from concert at Koka Booth Amphitheater after a Billy Strings concert

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, an interview with a high school student, a homeowner association meeting, participation in the Briarcliff Elementary School Multicultural Night, the Council-Staff Quarterly meeting, the Cary Chamber Excellence Awards, the NC Metro Mayors, and the Cary Chamber Intercity visit.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, May 4^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. Topics of discussion included the capital projects review, council interactions, and the upcoming town hall State of Cary address.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

Monday night I met with the Cary Tennis Classic board. Topics of discussion included sponsors, funding for the Cary Tennis Classic scheduled for June 29^th through July 6^th, the ACC tournament, electric line calling, and a potential trip to the US Open.

State of Cary at MacGregor Rotary

Tuesday I gave a 25-minute version of the State of Cary address to the MacGregor Rotary. This was my shortest presentation of the year. There were about 30 to 40 people in attendance and based on comments afterwards it was well received. I was only able to answer about three or four questions after the presentation. One of the questions was about the relocation of the cross-country trail at the WakeMed Soccer Park. I assured them this would happen before Trinity Road was extended over the railroad tracks.

Cary #1 Public Playground in US

Wednesday I was notified that Cary has the #1 playground in the nation with the Nest in the Downtown Cary Park. The bird play structures were created in Canada and shipped here. It is a one-of-a-kind playground and is one of the reasons our Downtown Cary Park gets national recognition. Here is the press release:

Cary’s signature play space, The Nest at Downtown Cary Park, has been named the #1 Public Playground in America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.

“This national recognition is something every Cary citizen can take pride in,” said Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary. “It reflects the thoughtful, community-driven values that guide our work, and the kind of quality-of-life investment that makes Cary such a special place to call home.”

Located in the center of Downtown Cary, The Nest has quickly become a landmark in the Research Triangle Park region. Its forest-inspired towers, slides, splash features, and inclusive design draw visitors from across the region—but it’s the pair of vibrant cardinal play structures, inspired by North Carolina’s state bird, that have become its most recognizable symbol. The Nest also serves as a prominent feature of Downtown Cary Park, a catalyst project driving economic activity and community engagement since opening in 2023.

“More than 750,000 people visited in the Park’s first year, and we’ve seen a direct boost to nearby businesses and events,” said Joy Ennis, General Manager of Downtown Cary Park. “This national award highlights the Park’s growing role as a community anchor, supporting local business, drawing regional tourism, and enriching Cary’s sense of place.”

Voting ran from March 10 to April 7, placing The Nest in a national spotlight among playgrounds in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Antonio, and states from Florida to Hawaii. Its top billing highlights Downtown Cary’s evolution into one of the East Coast’s most dynamic destinations—walkable, connected, and constantly drawing new energy with free events year-round.

This latest win adds to a growing list of accolades for Downtown Cary Park: 

• 2024 Voters’ Choice Award – Best Park, WRAL 
• 2024 GOLD Award, National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) 
• 2024 GRAND Award, Landscape Contractors Association (LCA) 
• 2024 Space Award, Triangle Business Journal – Top Municipal Project 
• 2022 Merit Award, NC ASLA – Analysis & Planning 
• 2020 Best of Design Award, Honorable Mention – The Architect’s Newspaper 

Visitors to Downtown Cary can explore other award-winning destinations within walking distance, including: 

• Bond Brothers Beer Company (202 East Cedar Street, Cary, NC 27511) — USA TODAY 10Best #1 Best New Brewery (2017) 
• La Farm Bakery (220 West Chatham Street, Cary, NC 27511) — 10Best pick for Best Artisanal Baker in North America (2019)

Elsewhere in Cary, several other events and locations have made the list as USA Today 10Best winners or runners up, including: 

• Hum Sub Diwali – 10Best runner-up for Best Cultural Festival (2025), held October 11 at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, a lakeside venue just a short drive from Downtown Cary.
• The Umstead Hotel & Spa – 10Best runner-up for Best Hotel Spa (2018), located 15 minutes from both Downtown Cary and Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
• Herons at The Umstead – 10Best runner-up for Best Hotel Restaurant (2021), led by James Beard semifinalist Steven Devereaux Greene and known for its seasonally inspired menus. 

The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate top destinations across the country, chosen by experts and voted on by the public. Cary’s growing presence across multiple categories underscores the town’s rise as a hub for recreation, culture, and community in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region. 

To plan your visit to The Nest and explore all that Downtown Cary has to offer, visit downtowncarypark.com. 

CAMPO

Wednesday afternoon I participated in a meeting of the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization’s) Executive Board. Here are some of the takeaways and actions from that meeting:

• This region will grow by over 1 million people and 800,000 jobs in the next 30 years.
• Amendment #8 to FY2024-2033 Transportation Improvement Program was approved. (These are recommended changes for the 10-year transportation improvement plan for the region.)
• The Executive Board will now meet every third Wednesday at 3 PM instead of 4 PM.
• The Wake Transit Plan will generate about 3 billion between FY2026 and FY2035. Roughly half of the revenue has been programmed. 54% from the sales tax collections and 24% from the long-term bond proceeds.
• The Executive Board adopted a 50% reduction in fatalities and serious injuries by 2055 instead of 0 fatalities as part of Vision Zero. An interim goal of a 10% reduction from now until 2035 was approved. The board felt that the zero goal by 2055 was not realistic.
• Four scenarios were presented for consideration that would convert Capital Boulevard (US 1) into a controlled-access highway in Wake County between I-540 and Purnell/Harris roads in Wake Forest:
  • Scenario 1: All-tolled Expressway; Standalone
  • Scenario 2: All-tolled Expressway; added to the Triangle Expressway System
  • Scenario 3: One Express Lane in each direction; Standalone
  • Scenario 4: One Express Lane in each direction; added to the Triangle Expressway System

Cary Chamber Elected Officials Reception

Thursday night I attended and spoke at the Cary Chamber’s Elected Officials Reception. In my remarks I talked about how fortunate we are to benefit from meaningful collaboration at every level: federal, state, and local. These partnerships are the foundation of our success and central to our ability to deliver the services and programs our citizens and businesses rely on.

I spent my time at the reception talking to several business leaders and elected officials including Congresswoman Deborah Ross to NC Senator Gale Adcock. I was there for a little over three hours.

NC Metro Mayors

Although the NC Metro Mayors didn’t meet this week, we did receive a legislative summary from Checkmate Government Relations:

Senate Budget

On Monday, the North Carolina Senate released their spending plan for this biennium. The Senate’s budget bill, Senate Bill 257,  prioritizes replenishing the Rainy-Day Fund, setting aside $1.3B for Hurricane Helene recovery and DOT recovery support, and initiating personal income tax cuts in 2027 (3.49%) and 2028 (2.99%). The bill was heard in committees this week and passed on the Senate Floor (30-15). Democrat Senators Blue (Wake), Lowe (Forsyth), Robinson (Guilford), and Waddell (Mecklenburg) voted for the budget and Republican Senator Bobby Hanig (Bertie) voted against it. The budget also included: 

• $638.5M for NC Children’s Hospital, a partnership between the UNC and Duke Health care systems to build the state’s first and only freestanding children’s hospital
• Total repeal of the Certificate of Need laws in North Carolina
• $110M to the Department of Environmental Quality to provide grants to local governments and water/sewer authorities for PFAS mitigation efforts. 
• Doubled the tax rate on revenue collected by sports betting operators in the state from 18% to 36%.
• Decreased annual spending on Powell Bill funding for local governments by $50M.

The House will begin working on their own budget proposal with the hope of voting on it in early June. 

House and Development Implications

Representative Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth) introduced House Bill 765, Local Gov. Development Regulations Omnibus. This legislation would make substantial changes to a local government’s ability to set development regulations. The bill contains provisions that would:

• Require local governments to provide fiscal notes regarding any ordinance with impacts on housing.
• Allow developers and citizens to sue a city under new conflict of interest language.
• Preempt local authority in regulating mixed housing units, such as auxiliary dwelling units, tiny homes, and triplexes.
• Remove allowances for parking lot minimums. 

H765 received a favorable report in the House Housing and Development Committee. It is currently sitting in House Rules. 

Legislative Spring Break and Crossover 

Next week, the House and Senate will be on a Legislative Spring break. Both chambers will not be scheduled to meet until Monday, April 28^th. Crossover deadline is scheduled for Thursday, May 8^th. A bill must pass out of its chamber of origin before May 8^th to be eligible for consideration during the biennium. 

Town Manager’s Report

No town manager’s report this week due to the holiday.

Mayor’s Mailbox

I typically receive several complaints a week. But it has always fascinated me that holidays generate several complaints. Here are the emails I received this week:

• Dozens of complaints about the Regency proposal 24-REZ-06 (Council has yet to see a staff report and hold a public hearing).
• Dozens of complaints about the Waverly proposal 23-REZ-12.
• A complaint about downtown parking during events.
• A request for help with a legacy bench.
• A request to buy someone’s property because a development “is a heartless and cruel way to treat Cary’s senior citizens by the Town.” (The town’s development follows the Cary Community Plan created by Cary citizens. In addition, property owners have a protected right to develop their property, and we have no authority to prevent that. The authority we have been given is to decide the type of use. And again, that is based on the Cary Community Plan.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a private meeting with a citizen, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a State of Cary address open to the public, an Economic Development meeting, a meeting with Regency residents, a council reception to welcome sister city students from Le Touquet, the last regularly scheduled council meeting of April, a NC Metro Mayors meeting, and the Triangle Walk to Defeat Dementia.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 27^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.

Snow Conference

I was in Grand Rapids, Michigan for the first part of the week speaking at the APWA (American Public Works Association) Snow Conference as part of my consulting job. As a result, all my council meetings early in the week were virtual. I go to conferences about five to six times a year and speak on government relations focusing on ways staffs present information to elected officials.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I attempted to contact council members to hear of any questions or concerns about the upcoming council meeting agenda. There were questions and comments about the Old Apex Rezoning and the changes for Accessory Dwelling Units.

Later in the day I met virtually with staff to go over the agenda items. We expected the Old Apex rezoning to not be a unanimous decision.

TST Promotional Video

Thursday morning I did a promotional video for the TST (The Soccer Tournament) at the WakeMed soccer park. We did several takes in various positions including on the pitch. This will be the third straight year for TST in Cary. It will have men’s and women’s brackets with each chasing a $1 million winner-take-all prize.

There is also The Cary Cup this year, which is the nation’s first 7-v-7 youth tournament using TST’s signature format.

Council Work Session

Thursday evening the council held another work session on the budget. Here are some of the takeaways from this work session:

Economic Environment has Changed

• Project scopes remain the same
• Project costs have at least doubled
• Budgeted funds aren’t enough to complete most projects
• General Fund has limited capacity to provide additional support

Project Designations:

• Continue: mandated, maintains existing infrastructure, underway at a point where it is difficult to stop
• Reassess: cost prohibitive – doesn’t have the funding to complete the project, has not begun, at the end of a phase

Resulting Actions:

• Continue: work continues as planned, funding remains in the project
• Reassess: all funding removed from the project and returned to the original source, project remains on reassess list, funding could be requested in a future year or through rolling budget

The manager’s proposed budget will be presented at the quarterly meeting on May 1^st. The first public hearing on the budget will be held on May 22^nd.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its first regularly scheduled meeting of April. The agenda included five consent items, one public hearing, and two discussion items.

The consent items were approved unanimously and included an amendment to parking, recognition of funds for the Gathering House, a bid for a new maintenance facility at the South Cary Water Reclamation Facility, a bid for a new clarifier mechanism replacement at the North Cary Water Reclamation Facility, and minutes.

The public hearing was for 22-REZ-20 Alston Commons PDP. The proposal would rezone approximately 22.74 acres, along NC 55 Hwy to allow the development of a maximum of 625 multi-family dwelling units, 200,000 square feet of office uses, and 55,000 square feet of commercial uses including a car wash up to 30,000 square feet. Other conditions include vertical mixing of uses in some pods, commitments to structured parking, 48 electric vehicle charging spaces, and renting a minimum of 5% of the residential units to renters at or below 80% area median income (AMI) for a period of 30 years. Speakers included Mr. Petty who was concerned about being landlocked by the development with no access to Hwy 55. Council provided a lot of feedback including a discussion on entering and exiting the site on Hwy 55 without a traffic signal. They also talked about the car wash that would be completely enclosed. This proposal will go to the Planning and Zoning board for review and likely be returned to the council for a decision in a few months.

The first discussion item was 21-REZ-16 Old Apex Rezoning. The proposal was for 200 multi-family units along Old Apex Road near the intersection of Chatham and Old Apex. The proposal has been in the works for years and was vehemently opposed by the neighboring residents initially. At the time of this vote and after many changes by the applicant, most of the residents were OK with the proposal. I struggled with the proposal because I felt it could be better, and it was denser than I liked. I knew if it was denied then a year would have to pass before a new proposal could be brought forward. And there was a risk that a new proposal could be worse and have more density. But I believed the density was worth the risk and voted no. The proposal passed by a 5 – 2 margin.

The last discussion item, approved unanimously, was to make changes to the Land Development Ordinance for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). The changes allowed detached ADUs in all single-unit detached-dwelling residential districts; increase the maximum ADU size relative to primary dwelling size from 33% to 50% (maximum 800 square feet remains for detached ADUs and additions to the primary dwelling that result in an ADU; however, an allowance was added for a maximum ADU size of 1,000 square feet for lots that are 40,000 square feet or greater); require one parking space per ADU regardless of the number of bedrooms; and clarify technical definitions of detached and attached ADUs. Homeowner Association rules supersede this ordinance which means this new change doesn’t apply to about half of Cary.

NC Metro Mayors

Friday I attended the NC Metro Mayors meeting for a legislative update. The following is a summary of this week’s legislative action from Checkmate Government Relations:

The DAVE Act

Senate Bill 474, the DAVE Act, introduced by Senator Berger (R-Rockingham) passed through the Senate this week.  S474 establishes the Division of Accountability, Value, and Efficiency (DAVE) within the State Auditor’s office. The bill requires state agencies to submit spending reports to the DAVE. The Auditor’s office would then compile the reports into a comprehensive plan at the end of each year that highlights which state agencies, divisions, or jobs can be cut and submit it to the General Assembly.

Similarly, the House of Representatives launched a House Select Committee on Government Efficiency earlier this year. Both moves by the General Assembly follow a national push for government transparency and efficiency. 46% of voters nationally and 51% of voters in North Carolina are supportive of efforts to tackle inefficiencies in government. 

Medicaid Requirements

North Carolina’s Division of Health Benefits inside the Department of Health and Human Services has been tasked with developing a plan alongside the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement work requirements for those who are eligible to participate in these programs. Senator Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) filed Senate Bill 403 to authorize this action. The Trump administration and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz recently issued changes in guidance that make this legislation necessary. Currently, Georgia is the only state with a work requirement. 

S403 passed out of the Senate Health Care Committee this week and has been referred to Senate Rules. 

Replacement for Senator Newton

Cabarrus County chair Chris Measmer was appointed by the Cabarrus County Republican Party to replace former Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton in the North Carolina Senate. Newton resigned on March 26^th to become the general counsel at UNC-Chapel Hill. Measmer served as a county commissioner for seven years, serves on the statewide National Federation of Independent Business, and runs his family business, the Wayside Family Restaurant in Concord. The decision to appoint Measmer was unanimous.  Governor Stein must approve the selection by the end of the week. 

The following is a legislative summary from the NC Metro Mayors staff:

This week’s Coalition meeting centered around the significant volume of bills filed in both chambers of the General Assembly over the past few weeks (current total for both chambers = 1,766). With the House’s bill filing deadline yesterday (Thursday), we expect that chamber to spend the next week considering a large number of bills in committee before it recesses the week of April 21. On the other side of the Legislative Building, Senate budget leaders have announced that their budget proposal will be released on April 15. Based on numerous reports, most expect this budget to include both spending cuts and new spending on targeted projects, though at an expected overall lower total spending than last year’s budget. We will share more information about the Senate budget as soon as it becomes available.

The following bills were discussed during this week’s call:

House Bill 801 “LRC Study Paper Towns”

House Bill 831 “Comm. Inspect. Efficiency Act”

House Bill 837 “Study Alternative Methods for Highway Funding”

House Bill 849 “Utility Forced Relocation Expenses”

House Bill 876 “Development Application Review Time Lines”

House Bill 913 “Liability/Unfair/Deceptive Develop. Actions”

Senate Bill 666 “2025 Water Safety Act”

A notable bill that we neglected to mention was House Bill 171, “Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI,” which, while passed by House committees over the past couple of weeks, was twice removed from the House calendar this week. It is currently scheduled to be heard next Wednesday (4/16).  

Most of today’s meeting focused on House Bill 765, “Local Gov. Development Regulations Omnibus,” a sweeping measure poised to dismantle local land-use planning and regulations. As attendees heard, this bill represents an unprecedented shift that strips municipalities of their ability to apply tailored regulatory standards, paving the way for unchecked development in some cases while imposing rigid statewide mandates in others. 

Black Creek Greenway Update

There have been questions about the progress of the Black Creek Greenway project. The following is the latest status from staff:

“… this project is federally funded, requires NCDOT oversight, and a total renovation of the greenway system. It is also being constructed in three phases to minimize impacts to greenway users. The first phase that is currently under construction from West Dynasty Drive to just north of NW Cary Parkway is the most complicated phase as it combines significant greenway renovation work with also the new pedestrian bridge along NW Cary Parkway. However, the contract has been set up with an interim completion date to open the section between West Dynasty Drive and Livingstone Drive by end of August and we are currently ahead of schedule to complete this phase. I can assure you that the staff is working diligently with the contractor and NCDOT to complete this work as quickly as possible assuming the weather is cooperative. …”

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Just a quick reminder that the Pimento Cheese Festival is happening tomorrow at Downtown Cary Park. This one-of-a-kind event celebrates all things pimento cheese and draws thousands to our downtown each year. A big thank you to our incredible staff for putting together such a well-loved event.

One more note, there will be no weekly report next Friday, April 18, as most Cary staffed facilities, including Town Hall, will be closed in observance of Good Friday.

Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

Council Meeting April 10^th

Height of the Good Hope Church Road Water Tank – The linked email provides the overall height of the Good Hope Church Road Water Tank, along with a map showing the heights of Cary’s water tanks throughout the water distribution system.

BridgeNCSU Civiccon

Councilmember Lori Bush joined Raleigh Mayor Janet Cowell and Raleigh Mayor Pro Tem Stormie Forte, a Raleigh City Councilmember At Large, at BridgeNCSU’s Civiccon. BridgeNCSU is a chapter of BridgeUSA, a national nonprofit organization that advocates for political depolarization and promotes civil discourse on high school and college campuses across the U.S.

The Local Gov panel shared their respective experiences and goals for working across differences in service to their communities. The event concluded with a special opportunity to meet Congressman G.K. Butterfield.

Fest in the West

On Saturday, over 2,000 attendees enjoyed Fest in the West held in its new location at Mills Park. The spotlight was on kids this year, with the festival bringing back popular attractions like the petting zoo and the gravity-defying aerialists from Cirque du Vol. It really lived up to its theme: Where Everyone’s a Star! Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson and Councilmembers Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal attended and took to the stage to thank the Western Cary community for making the festival a success. 

Cary 101 Kicks Off

On Wednesday night, Town Manager Sean Stegall, Town Clerk Virginia Johnson, Deputy Town Attorney Nick Yates, Assistant Finance Director Denisha Harris, and Budget Manager Liam Brailey helped Assistant Director of Special Projects Ryan Eades kickoff this year’s Cary 101 with a civics session. This year’s 25 participants learned about Cary’s Legal Department, Clerk’s Office, and OneCary Culture, and participated in a budgeting exercise.

Inside Downtown Cary Park

On Thursday, Chief Information Officer Nicole Coughlin hosted the Inspire Leadership Network’s TriangleCIO Chapter for an Inside Downtown Cary Park event. Attendees received a behind-the-scenes look at how Cary is using a LoRaWAN sensor network to make Downtown Cary Park smarter and more responsive.

CIOs from organizations such as BCBS, SAS, LexisNexis, Parexel, Qualitest, Pitt County, and Associated Staffing were in attendance. Cary IT staff members Justin Sherwood, Ted Urbaniak, James Leeder, and Matt Porazzo, along with Downtown Cary Park General Manager Joy Ennis and staff member Linda Depo, led a tour showcasing the park’s technology. They also facilitated an engaging, interactive discussion on Cary’s Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives and key takeaways.

Del Web Pedestrian Crosswalk Installation

This week, Public Works staff updated two pedestrian crosswalks in the Del Webb Community. This marks Cary’s first effort to install heat-in-place thermoplastic pavement markings in-house.

4437 Highcroft Drive Property Demolition

Starting on April 16, contractors working on behalf of Cary will begin demolishing a house and garage on a property purchased in 2022, located next to the Neighborhood Park at Carpenter Fire Station Road. They will also remove the septic tank and two well houses. The work is expected to take about 30 days and will not disrupt park visitors.

A Grateful Acknowledgement from Asheville

This week, the Cary Police Department received a heartfelt letter of appreciation from Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, recognizing the department’s dedicated support to the City of Asheville following Hurricane Helene. In her letter, Mayor Manheimer noted that the assistance provided by Cary officers not only delivered essential services to the Asheville community but also uplifted residents’ spirits during a difficult time. She emphasized that the collaboration and selflessness demonstrated by Cary’s staff reflect the strength and unity of the broader Western North Carolina community.

Empowering People with Disabilities Through Transit Education

GoCary is proud to partner with PRCR to educate and empower individuals with disabilities through our transit training program. This initiative provides participants with hands-on experience using public transportation, helping them develop independence and confidence while navigating the community. A recent class put their transit skills into action by taking the fare-free Downtown Loop to Downtown Cary Park for the “Live at Lunch” music series and a picnic. We look forward to more opportunities to connect residents with resources that help them thrive!

Creek Week Impact

Hosted in collaboration with the Clean Water Education Partnership , Creek Week is a regional engagement campaign focused on education and action to support healthy waterways. Thanks to a OneCary effort between Stormwater and PRCR staff, Cary engaged nearly 5,000 community members through environmental volunteer events, educational booths, a social media campaign, and water-quality-related programs during the week of March 15. Among these participants, 91 volunteers contributed a collective 182 hours performing a variety of tasks, including spreading mulch at the regenerative teaching farm and collecting 430 pounds of litter throughout Cary.

2025 Veolia North Carolina Open

Last week, Cary hosted the PPA North Carolina Cup (Professional Pickleball Tournament) at the Cary Tennis Park. The event featured the world’s top-ranked players: Anna Leigh Waters in the women’s division and Federico Staksrud in the men’s. The tournament set records for both attendance and ticket sales for any PPA event in North Carolina. Additionally, over 1,000 amateur participants took part. For more information, visit the Veolia North Carolina Open website.

Upcoming Meetings

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, April 16
6:15 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, April 17
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A request to develop around the WakeMed soccer park (not our land – belongs to the state).
• A complaint about pedestrian safety around the Downtown Cary Park.
• Requests to vote yes for 21-REZ-16 Old Apex rezoning.
• Requests to vote no for 21-REZ-16 Old Apex rezoning.
• Invitations to several events.
• Concerns about recently approved changes at entrances/exits to Bond Park.
• Comments about a utility bill and our utilities department.
• Comments about a legacy bench at Symphony Lake.
• Concerns about parking on Shirley Drive during downtown events.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tennis Classic Board meeting, a State of Cary address at the McGregor Rotary, a CAMPO Executive Board meeting, and an Elected Officials Reception meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 20^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 #1 Place to Move to in NC

Monday I was notified that ConsumerAffairs ranked Cary as the #1 place in NC to move to. Factors noted were median housing cost with median income average, affordability, low unemployment rate, a high home value appreciation rate, and low violent crimes.

Cary #1 Best Place to Live in NC

This week, Cary was named the #1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina by both Niche and Consumer Affairs. We are proud to be continuously recognized as one of the greatest places to live, work, play, raise a family, and run a business.

Jackson Robol Interview

Monday, I had a short interview with Jackson Robol. Jackson, a young adult with autism, started his show in 2020. He has interviewed hundreds of people over the years. Our interview lasted about ten minutes. You can see it on his website at https://www.facebook.com/jacksonrobolmedia.

Cary Tennis Classic Sponsor Event

Monday night I attended an event hosted by the Cary Tennis Classic board for sponsors. After mingling and getting to know each other better, we talked about ideas to make our tournament better. This year’s tournament will be the week of July 4^th. You can find out more at https://carytennisclassic.com/.

HRID

Tuesday, I participated in the Human Relations Inclusiveness and Diversity board. The meeting started with a presentation from the Cultural Arts Manager who talked about pride and Juneteenth events. In addition, he pointed out that the Cary Arts Center has one of the strongest visual arts programs in the state.

Other topics included how Cary citizen and Cary employee demographic data match up, information on Cary advisory board demographics, planning for the Ritmo Latino festival, and translating public safety information into five languages.

State of Cary at Newcomers Club

Wednesday I presented the State of Cary address to about 100 people of the Cary Newcomers Club. The meeting was held at Greenwood Forest Baptist Church’s fellowship hall. Before and after my presentation I answered a variety of questions about current town activities. I was there about an hour and a half.

ABA Ribbon Cutting

Thursday I joined council member Craig for the ribbon cutting of Priorities ABA in Cary. They specialize in behavioral consulting and therapy services for children with autism spectrum disorder. We were given a tour of the facility, participated in remarks, and was a part of the ribbon cutting. We are grateful for the service that Priorities ABA provides to our Cary citizens.

NC Metro Mayors

The NC Metro Mayors met on Friday morning to get a legislative summary. Here is a summary by the Executive Director:

During today’s Coalition meeting, the group discussed the significant volume of bills filed in both chambers of the General Assembly over the past few weeks. The House’s bill filing deadline was pushed back this week and will now be this Thursday (April 10) at 3 PM. Senate budget leaders have also been discussing their proposal, which they expect to release around April 15. Finally, following the retirement of Senator Paul Newton, Senate Republicans elected Senator Michael Lee of New Hanover County as their next majority leader.

The following bills were discussed during this week’s call:
House Bill 171 “Equality in State Agencies/Prohibition on DEI”
House Bill 570 “Responsible Firefighting Foam Management Act”
House Bill 765 “Local Gov. Development Regulations Omnibus”

Due to House Bill 765’s comprehensive nature, we recommend that you share it with your planning departments and attorneys. Please send Seth any feedback you have so we can incorporate it into our advocacy.

A link to the NCLM FY25-26 Revenue Projections Memo that was referenced during today’s meeting is provided below. 

As always, Coalition members are reminded to stay in contact with the members of their legislative delegation regarding budget and policy priorities. Please do not hesitate to reach out to Seth or any member of the lobbying team if you have any questions or gain any intelligence from your meetings that would interest the entire group. The lobbying team will continue to monitor General Assembly activities and provide updates during future Coalition calls. 

PPA Pickleball in Cary

Friday I attended a PPA (professional pickleball association) tournament at Cary Tennis Park called the Veolia North Carolina Open. It featured the #1 pickleball male, Ben Johns, and the #1 pickleball female, Anna Leigh Waters, in the world. I was fortunate to see them play in doubles. The park was packed with pickleball fans, and it was a great atmosphere. I am looking forward to this being an annual event.

Founders Day

Saturday, I participated in a play to celebrate Cary Founder’s Day. Cary was founded on April 3, 1871, by Frank Page. The play was created and organized by Catherine Loflin. Our play started at the Cary Arts Center and ended across from the Cary Depot. On the way we provided information about Cary’s past. We were all dressed in 1871 attire. I was playing the part of Frank Page and wore a suit with a top hat. Even though the weather was a bit warm for early April (mid 80s) it was a lot of fun. I look forward to doing more of these in the future.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

I’m looking forward to continuing our budget and finance discussions at next week’s work session. As a reminder, the start time has been moved to 5 p.m.
Enjoy your weekend!
Sean

Green Level Church and O’Kelly Metrics

Transportation Metrics for Green Level Church Road and O’Kelly Chapel Road – The metrics provided include travel speeds, congestion levels, crash history, operational performance, and planned future improvements.

Hum Sub Basant Bahar

On Sunday, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmembers Lori Bush and Sarika Bansal attended Basant Bahar at the Cary Arts Center. This year’s program marked 25 years of the spring music and dance celebration in Cary. 

ABA Ribbon Cutting

Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Priorities ABA this week. The facility opened in timing with Autism Awareness Month to provide specialized support and services, fostering an environment where individuals with autism can thrive. This meaningful addition reflects Cary’s continued commitment to inclusivity and support for all members of the community.

Gen Korean BBQ Grand Opening

Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmember Jack Smith participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Gen Korean BBQ at Crossroads. The event not only celebrated the restaurant’s delicious food but also marked its first location in North Carolina. They chose Cary as their home in the state, because of its growing appeal as a hub for diverse culinary experiences.

State of Cary Newcomers Club

Mayor Weinbrecht delivered the State of Cary address to the Cary Newcomers Club, a group that brings together both longtime residents and those new to the area. United by their love for Cary, the club embraces the opportunity to welcome newcomers to the community. Following the presentation, the Mayor and attendees enjoyed an engaging Q&A session.

All Ages, All Stages Kickoff Meeting

Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson represented Cary at the kickoff meeting for the ‘All Ages, All Stages’ multisector plan, held by Central Pines Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA). This event marked the beginning of the first two years of implementation efforts. Councilmember Kohn-Johnson is also serving as the co-chair of the Housing and Universal Design subgroup.

Inter-Community Seder

Councilmember Lori Bush represented Cary at the Inter-community Seder, a powerful event that united representatives from various levels of government, multiple municipalities, Wake County Commissioners, law enforcement, and diverse faith organizations. Together, they engaged in a meaningful exploration of Jewish traditions, emphasizing the importance of unity and mutual respect. It was a poignant reminder of the strength found in our connections and the hope that emerges from honoring each other’s stories and histories.

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Celebration Event

Councilmember Bansal attended a Kiran event featuring the talented writer Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, who shared her journey of creating impactful narratives. Kiran acts as a crucial lifeline for those whose paths forward seem insurmountable, particularly for those far from their support networks and the comforts of home. This organization provides a foundational support system for many.

Cheez-It Tour

Cheez-It crackers are made right here in Cary, more than 14.5 million crackers, or 23,000 pounds, are produced every hour at the local plant!
Earlier this week, Councilmember Lori Bush, Dr. Rebecca Corbin from the Cary Chamber, and Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton toured the facility, one of only two in the country that produce Cheez-Its. They were hosted by Kellanova representatives, including Plant Director Steve Surovec and Engineering Manager Tim Yost. The Cary plant has been proudly operating since 1987.

Economic Development in Action

This week, Cary was named the #1 Best Place to Live in North Carolina by both Niche and Consumer Affairs! These rankings reflect months of targeted national outreach by the marketing team to elevate Cary’s visibility and reputation.  This is one component of our larger economic development efforts.  The team also worked with PPA and Veolia to spotlight Cary’s leadership in infrastructure and innovation to global audiences—a reflection of strong cross-departmental work, especially from Cary’s utilities and sustainability teams. And heading into the weekend, marketing is supporting a visiting Forbes reporter covering Cary’s growing prominence in pickleball. Plus, keep spreading the word to vote for The Nest as USA Today’s 10Best Public Playground! It’s between Downtown Cary Park and The Gathering Place in Tulsa for #1. There’s no need to sign in; voting ends Monday at noon.

Upcoming Meetings

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, April 7
5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, April 7
6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, April 7
6:30 p.m.

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, April 8
6:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, April 10
5:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, April 10
6:30 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Complaints about the Waverly rezoning proposal.
• A complaint that Realtor Open House are dangerous to homeowners.
• A request to advocate for adults with Autism.
• A request to help those with a gifted child syndrome.
• A request for information about Marigold apartments.
• A request for a proclamation noting National Tennis Month.
• A complaint that Black Creek Greenway renovation is taking too long.
• An invitation to speak at the NC State Political Science club.
• A complaint about 311, a bent pole, a sidewalk, and trucks making illegal left turns.
• A request to speak out against HHS decisions.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a TST (The Soccer Tournament) promotional video, a council work session, a council meeting, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 13^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.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I attempted to contact each council member to hear of any concerns about the upcoming regular meeting agenda. There were questions about some of the consent agenda items but no concerns.

Manager One-On-One

Monday evening, I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. Topics included expanding the social district downtown, rezonings, and prioritizing capital projects.

Ivey-Ellington House Tour

Tuesday, I joined council member Smith on a tour of the newly renovated Ivey-Ellington House. I was amazed at the restoration and how attention was paid to the littlest details. Surprisingly the original floors, stair railing, and much of the interior was kept as original.

One interesting feature was a signature hidden in the walls from one of the plaster workers who was 19 at the time. It was dated back in the 1880s. Unfortunately, that young man died two years later.

Soon the public will be able to enjoy Cary’s newest historic downtown treasures.

Here is what Friends of the Page Walker say about the Ivey-Ellington House:

“…

The Ivey-Ellington House was one of four Cary properties individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This distinction is granted to properties that have a unique historic and architectural character and are deemed worthy of preservation for their significance to the cultural heritage of the nation.

…

Located near the former Raleigh and Chatham Railroad and constructed in the 1870’s, the Ivey-Ellington House demonstrates the diffusion of styles and ideas from urban to rural areas. It exemplifies national trends in housing reform and the popularity of architectural pattern books in the late nineteenth century.

…”

Though it was moved from its original location on Chatham Street to Academy Street in early 2023, it regained its National Register status at its new location.

Cary Downtown Park staff will be housed in the newly renovated structure that can hold up to 20 employees. They will be moving their offices there in the coming weeks. There will be a ribbon cutting event on May 18^th and it will be open to the public at that time.

Council Work Session

On Tuesday evening the council held a work session to begin going through the 193 capital projects that have been categorized as continue or a stop. These decisions will not only impact this fiscal year but the upcoming fiscal years. We will continue this process at the April 10^th work session.

Mural Unveiling at Koka Booth Amphitheater

Wednesday midday I joined council member Kohn-Johnson in the unveiling of a mural at Koka Booth Amphitheater to celebrate its 25^th anniversary.

The 25-year-old amphitheater was designed by William Rawn Associates of Boston. It is and has been a gathering place for Cary that blends with the natural beauty of Symphony Lake and its surrounding landscape. It is truly one of Cary’s greatest landmarks.

The mural was created by Sean Kernick and is known as a “Visual Translator”. That is, it mirrors both the natural beauty of the site with the vibrant energy of events that have taken place over the years. Next time you are at Booth Amphitheater make sure to check it out.

State of Cary at Carolina Preserve

Wednesday, I presented the State of Cary address to the residents at Carolina Preserve. There were about 200 attending in person and online. I was joined by district representative Bansal and at-large representative Bush. After the presentation we answered questions from the group. Since Carolina Preserve is mostly in Chatham County and Chatham County had a re-evaluation of property this year, most of their questions were related to property re-evaluation and the tax rate. After answering questions for about 30 minutes. I stayed another 30 minutes to answer questions from individuals.

Cary Water Resources 2024

Council members were provided with a report on our Water and Wastewater infrastructure on Thursday. Based on my understanding, we will continue to have capacity in both for the coming years. One interesting note is that per person daily consumption has gone from 72 gallons in 2002 to 49 gallons today. We must continue to conserve this valuable natural resource.

Council Meeting

The Cary Town Council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of March on Thursday. The agenda included 11 consent items, 3 public hearings, and 2 discussion items. Before the main part of the agenda there was a presentation from the CAP (Citizens Assisting Police). It represented all the hours volunteers performed saving police officer time. Our CAP team is one of three programs in North Carolina recognized by Volunteers in Police Service, a national initiative begun in 2002 as part of the USA Freedom Corps. CAP Team members provide a valuable service to the community by donating thousands of volunteer hours per year; providing assistance at public events, child safety seat installations, performing clerical duties and service center staffing, and promoting Community Watch programs.

The consent agenda included minutes, a rezoning at High House and Bayoak for single family housing, disposal sale of surplus property, an annexation and rezoning at Batchelor and Knotty Oaks for single family housing, the Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy, a budget amendment for the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and a schedule adjustment. These were all approved unanimously.

The first public hearing was for an annexation on Davis Drive because of a well failure. This was unanimously approved. The next two public hearings were for an annexation and rezoning related to a proposal on Barbee Road for single family housing. There were several speakers in opposition. Complaints included a smell from the pump station, storm runoff concerns, traffic, and loss of rural character. This will come back to the council in a few months for a vote after it is reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board.

The first discussion item was for a $1.859 million bid award to construct traffic signals at Bond Park and High House and at Evans and Weston. The council discussed the future restrictions leaving Bond Park from the senior center that would only allow right turns. In addition, the price tag was hundreds of thousands of dollars from past traffic signals. Just one example of the skyrocketing inflation we are seeing for town projects. The council approved this item unanimously.

The last discussion item was to repair the dams at Twin Lakes. The price tag for this project was $4.432 million. There really wasn’t much of a choice in this matter, other than letting the dam fail, so it was approved unanimously.

NC Metro Mayors

Friday I participated in a meeting of the North Carolina Metro Mayors. Here is a summary of that meeting from their executive:

With the Senate’s public bill filing coming on Tuesday (March 25), this week’s Coalition call focused on many recently filed Senate bills. Over the coming week, the lobbying team will continue to review these bills and their next steps, as well as the forthcoming House bills, with their public bill filing coming next Thursday (April 3).  

The Coalition’s lobbying team and the NCLM Government Affairs team discussed multiple bills that align with the Coalition’s priority areas. Those bills included the following:

Senate Bill 394 “Prohibit Foreign Ownership of NC Land”
Senate Bill 493 “Land Use Clarification and Changes”
Senate Bill 504/House Bill 133 “NC Farmland and Military Protection Act”
Senate Bill 587 “Clarify Nonconforming Uses”

Senate Bill 688 “Local Government Land Use Reform”

Senate Bill 713 “Limit Local Gov’t Environmental Rqmt’s”

The majority of these bills have yet to be assigned to a committee, so we will continue to monitor their progress and provide updates as they become available. 

Senate Bill 493 “Land Use Clarification and Changes”, filed by Senator Michael Lee, has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and is likely to have its first hearing next week. As discussed, this bill proposes to end all municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction, and while it has been filed before, it is extremely concerning. Please communicate the importance of ETJs to your municipality and those across the state to your members of the House and Senate. 

We also discussed Senate Bill 587 “Clarify Nonconforming Uses” which was developed in consultation with NCLM, city and county attorneys, and members of the Senate staff. Please circulate the language to your city attorneys and planning departments and let us know if they have any feedback. 

Gen Korean BBQ Grand Opening

Saturday I joined council member Smith in the Ribbon Cutting for the Gen Korean BBQ restaurant in Crossroads. Their menu consists of freshly prepared meats, seafood, vegetables, and traditional Korean banchan. Gen Korean BBQ is located across America and Internationally. This was their first location in North Carolina.

Speakers at the event included their representative from the national office, me, the NC Secretary of State, and a representative from NC State. Free food was offered to the first 100 people and door prizes were also given away.

Hum Sub Basant Bahar

Sunday I joined council members Bansal and Bush at a celebration of Basant Bahar at the Cary Arts Center. Also in attending were Mayor Cawley and council member Rao of Morrisville. Here is a segment of my remarks:

“…

Basant Bahar does more than bring the colors, music, and traditions of India to Cary. It is a powerful expression of the unity and diversity that we embrace here in Cary. By celebrating our diverse backgrounds together, we pave the way for a more inclusive and united future.

…”

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

I hope you enjoy reading this week’s report. Have a great weekend!
Sean

Email Correspondence

Email Exchange – Re: Parking Inquiry – First United Methodist Church

Council Tours Ivey-Ellington

Over the last week, Councilmembers visited the Ivey-Ellington House to view the renovations of this historic structure. Staff guided them through the home, answering questions and pointing out key aspects of the renovation work. The completion of the rehabilitation work will be celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony and public open house on May 18.

CAP Presentation

At last night’s Council meeting, Cary was presented with a check representing the amount of money saved through volunteer hours from Citizens Assisting Police (CAP). Robin Lane, the CAP Volunteer of the Year, along with Howard Singer, participated in the presentation to the Mayor and Councilmembers.

State of Cary at Carolina Preserve

On Wednesday, Mayor Weinbrecht presented the State of Cary address at Carolina Preserve in a hybrid format, attended by over 200 people. Council members Sarika Bansal and Lori Bush were also present, participating in a question-and-answer session following the presentation.

Koka Booth Amphitheater’s 25^th Anniversary Mural

On Wednesday afternoon, Mayor Weinbrecht and Councilmember Kohn-Johnson joined staff and media for the ceremonial unveiling of a new mural at Koka Booth Amphitheatre, celebrating its 25th anniversary season. The mayor reflected on the amphitheater’s history and its diverse programming. Councilmember Kohn-Johnson highlighted the impact of public art in shaping both the physical and social landscape, thanked the Public Art Advisory Board for its ongoing efforts, and recognized muralist Sean Kernick, who attended the unveiling.

NC Courage Kick Off 2025 Season

On Saturday, the NC Courage kicked off their 2025 season at WakeMed Soccer Park, drawing a record crowd of 8,158 fans for their match against the Seattle Reign. After the game, Mayor Weinbrecht and the Courage honored former player Jessica McDonald for her pivotal role in the team’s success, including three NWSL Shields, two Championships, and an International Women’s Champions Cup title. McDonald was inducted into the NC Courage Ring of Honor as the second member, with the mayor presenting a proclamation in her honor.

PRCR System and Bike Plan Open House

On Tuesday, staff held two open house sessions to present the draft Bike Plan and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources (PRCR) System Plan. Over 60 citizens attended, explored the exhibits, and shared valuable feedback on their priorities and perspectives. The online survey and feedback form will remain open through April 15.

Celebrating Forests at Cary’s Arbor Day

Last Saturday, Councilmember Michelle Craig accepted Cary’s award from the Arbor Day Foundation, recognizing 42 years as a Tree City USA community. This distinction reflects Cary’s ongoing commitment to forestry management. More than 800 guests participated in environmental education, nature engagement, and community-building activities. As part of the My Tree, Our Tree giveaway event, staff distributed over 350 native trees to support the growth of the town’s urban forests.

Academy Street Maintenance

Public Works crews will power wash the brick crosswalks along Academy Street this Sunday evening. The work should be completed by Monday morning, with intermittent lane closures during the process. 

Count Me In, Cary!

At their recent meeting, the Cary Town Council unanimously approved Count Me In, Cary! Stewardship Strategies for a Sustainable Future. To keep the community informed and engaged, staff launched a new Sustainability Dashboard , highlighting Cary’s ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship. The dashboard outlines community-defined visions, goals, and actions across six key focus areas: Energy, Transportation & Mobility, Water Infrastructure, Natural Resources, Solid Waste, and Community. As implementation begins, staff looks forward to building momentum through events, media outreach, and collaboration with new and existing partners— fostering community support and encouraging participation in Cary’s sustainability efforts.

Cary Rotary Club Staff Visit

On Tuesday, Business Services Manager Bryan Hayes and Assistant Director of Special Projects Ryan Eades visited the Cary Rotary Club at MacGregor, where Bryan presented the latest technologies used in Cary’s Traffic Management Center. He highlighted advancements such as Connected Vehicle technology, LiDAR, and radar detection, explaining how these innovations are improving traffic efficiency for Cary residents.

School Flasher Beacons Installed

Public Works and Transportation collaborated to upgrade 28 school flasher beacons in front of nine different schools around Cary to enhance connected vehicle performance and support the integration of new technologies within our traffic signal system. These beacons will improve communication between vehicles and traffic infrastructure, helping to better manage school zone traffic.

Lieutenant Brame Honored

On Monday evening, the Exchange Clubs of Wake County honored Lieutenant Bryant Brame at their annual Law Enforcement Recognition Banquet. With over 26 years of service, Lieutenant Brame has played a key role in shaping policies and best practices to combat impaired driving. As a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Instructor, Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor, and member of North Carolina’s Technical Advisory Committee on Impaired Driving, he has trained more than 2,000 students in detecting and apprehending impaired drivers. Join us in congratulating Lieutenant Brame for his dedication to keeping North Carolina’s roadways safe.

Inclusive Playground Series

On Saturday, the Specialized Recreation & Inclusion team kicked off the Inclusive Playground Series at Marla Dorrel Park. This fun-filled initiative, in partnership with neighboring municipalities Raleigh, Wake Forest, and Apex, shines spotlight on playgrounds designed to be universally accessible, ensuring every child, regardless of ability, can join in the fun. More than 100 families gathered for an unforgettable day of play.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – April 2

The following Neighborhood Meetings will be held on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m.

• 25-REZ-03 Calyx Senior Living of Cary
• 25-REZ-04 Ferrell Road Rezoning
  
  

For more information and to register visit the Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting page.

Upcoming Meetings

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, April 1
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Complaints about the Waverly rezoning proposal.
• A complaint that Realtor’s Open Houses should be stopped because “Dangers include welcoming criminals…”
• A request to include additional money in the budget for the removal of invasive plants.
• A complaint about the staff’s presentation to the Planning and Zoning board.
• A complaint about the town’s partnership with Fenton.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, an interview with Jackson Robol, an event with the Cary Tennis Classic, a meeting of the Human Relations Inclusion and Diversity Advisory Board, a State of Cary address at Cary Newcomers, a ribbon cutting for a new autism learning center, a meeting of the NC Metro Mayors, PPA Pickleball Tournament activities, and a Founders Day event.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, April 6^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.