Harold's Blog

Manager One-On-One

Monday I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. We were joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson. Topics included retreat topics, CAMPO and GoTriangle funding dispute, and the budget.

NWSL Chief of Staff Meeting

Tuesday morning I joined Assistant Town Manager Curan in a meeting with Mma Afoaku, Chief of Staff to the Commissioner of the National Women’s Soccer League. In our meeting we discussed how Cary and the WakeMed Soccer Park can be involved in the 2026 World Cup which will be coming to the U.S.

HRID Meeting

Tuesday night I attended the monthly meeting of the Human Relations, Inclusiveness, and Diversity Board meeting. We heard from the town manager about the budget and the board made a few recommendations. They also discussed demographic data, and the various languages public safety information should be in. I provided a few remarks in the end on current and upcoming events. I also emphasized to them that everyone is welcome in Cary and that we embrace our diversity, whatever that diversity may be.

Council Work Session

Thursday evening the council held a work session on the budget to prepare for the upcoming annual council/staff retreat in Cary. After the retreat the council will start holding budget work sessions in March and April. The council will receive a recommended budget from the town manager on May 10^th. Here are some of my takeaways from the work session:

• Individual council members have expressed interest in holding the tax rate flat, retaining our AAA bond ratings, maintaining existing infrastructure, and maintaining levels of service. The town manager said that these are in conflict.
• The majority of the town’s expenditures are police, fire, and public works.
• All councils have an obligation to think about future residents.
• The council may consider using BID (Business Improvement District) assessments for downtown.
• For years Cary has funded capital projects with overages from the annual budget. (Municipalities in NC have to have a balanced budget and can’t go over budget without pulling money from Capital Reserves) Overages are close to 0 now.
• Currently there is a council policy to have four months of operating budget in capital reserves which significantly exceeds requirements.

The council will discuss the budget on the second day of our retreat.

Council Meeting

The council held its first regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday. The agenda included four consent items, two public hearings, and two discussion items.

The public hearing on the Wake Western Regional Center drew a few speakers. One speaker said that he was concerned that people on welfare would be so close to his properties and that would cause more crime. The Wake Western Regional Center would provide services to Wake County residents that include healthcare support, employment assistance, and vital documentation. The proposed location is next to Dorcas Ministries.

The second public hearing was to split a lot on Charles Street, next to Chatham Street, for two single family homes. The existing home is dilapidated and hasn’t been lived in for years. One of the speakers complained that it wouldn’t fit the character/size of the current houses nearby. This is not true.

The two discussion items were for the annexation and rezoning of Alston Yards across from Parkside Commons. This is a large mixed-use development of over 46 acres. The proposal uses a land swap with the Town of Cary. It will have 400K square feet of office, 55K square feet of commercial, 1120 multifamily dwellings or less with a hotel, 25K square feet of community gathering space, 7 acres of open space, and 40K square feet for a town linear park. The council approved this unanimously.

NC Metro Mayors

Friday the NC Metro Mayors held their weekly meeting to get a legislative update. Here is a summary from the Director of Urban Affairs:

Checkmate Government Relations Legislative Update

As we enter the second week of the legislative session, bills continue to be filed in the House and Senate. Some committees have begun meeting, though we expect that to be a slow process as there are numerous new members of the leadership, especially on the House side. This week saw meetings of the Senate Committee on Health Care, the Senate Commerce and Insurance Committee, and the House Select Committee on Hurricane Helene Recovery. We have also heard a significant amount of discussion regarding how the government efficiency model we are seeing discussed at the federal level will permeate to the state level.

Down-zoning Provision – SB 382 [SL 2024-57, p. 131]

Discussions continue regarding solutions to address the challenges facing cities and towns from the downzoning language. NCLM Government Affairs team members continue to have conversations with legislators regarding solutions and relaying feedback provided by local leaders across the state. As we mentioned in last week’s update, we have already seen multiple bills filed, some of which repeal the provision in specific counties.  Representative Jay Adams has also filed House Bill 24, a full statewide repeal of the downzoning provisions. Our team has been working with attorneys from across the state and in concert with the NC Association of County Commissioners to develop potential options to address this issue. In the next week, we expect there to be additional discussions with legislators in both chambers.

A question was asked in the meeting about having municipalities pass resolutions or draft letters signaling their opposition to the downzoning provisions and encouraging legislators to repeal the existing language. NCLM Government Affairs continues to encourage local leaders to pass these at their discretion and continue to share their stories of how the language impacts their communities.

We will continue to keep you informed of where the conversation is progressing and always appreciate insight from your respective areas.

Guest Speaker: Jim McCleskey

During today’s call, we had Jim McCleskey, Director of North Carolina’s Washington, DC office, join us for an in-depth discussion of recent activities on Capitol Hill as well as with federal agencies. A significant amount of effort is being focused on Western North Carolina and recovery activities from Hurricane Helene. Jim discussed how, with recent confirmations of multiple agency leaders, the pace of activity has picked up significantly. In the coming weeks, visits from the interim FEMA and EPA Administrators and the new Secretaries of Homeland Security and Transportation are expected in western North Carolina.

Jim spent significant time discussing the current status of the transportation-related projects in western North Carolina. It is currently estimated that there are roughly $5 billion in damages to roadways, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure, with $350 million already being spent on repairs to date. He outlined the various funding mechanisms utilized to repair federal, state, and private roads. While USDOT and FEMA monies can be spent to repair government roads, a bipartisan group of members of the state’s Congressional delegation has introduced legislation in both the House and Senate to allow private roads and bridges to be eligible for FEMA’s Public Assistance program. No action has been taken as of yet, but it will be an important issue to watch.

We also discussed the current conversations on Capitol Hill regarding the continuation of federal funding (the December continuing resolution expires in late March) and President Trump’s recent actions through Executive Orders to pause, delay, or suspend countless programs. While there remains a significant amount of gray area, there have been positive conversations related to multiple programs. NCLM staff will share additional information about the information coming out of department-level programs as we receive it. 

Jim encouraged all attendees to reach out to him whenever they have any questions. His contact information is as follows:

Jim McCleskey, Director

North Carolina Washington Office

444 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 332, Washington DC 20001

(O) 202-624-5833

(M) 984-218-0086

jim.mccleskey@nc.gov

Public Safety: HB 50 “LEO Special Separation Allowance Options”

Community & Economic Development:

Clean Fuel Advanced Technology (CFAT) Project Grant Funding; Federal Grants Freeze and Other Administrative Decisions of Federal Funding

Local Revenues & Local Control:

Down-zoning provision in SB 382 [SL 2024-57]

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

I hope you enjoy the latest updates from the week. 
Have a great weekend. 
Sean

Council Work Session February 6

The UNC School of Government has several informative blog posts about the budgeting process.  In this post, they explain what happens if a budget is not adopted by July 1.  In summary, without a budget, a local government has no authority to expend funds.  Typically, “interim appropriations” are made which authorize limited spending on employee salaries, debt service, and “usual ordinary” expenses, which must be funded with available fund balance or current revenues.  

25^th Anniversary of Hum Sub

Councilmember Kohn-Johnson attended the special 25th-anniversary celebration of Hum Sub, joining community members and local leaders, in recognizing the organization’s enduring impact in fostering cultural connection and appreciation. The evening featured Invoking the River, a captivating performance by the renowned Chitresh Das, held at the A.J. Fletcher Opera Theater in Raleigh. The event underscored Hum Sub’s dedication to bringing the community together through signature celebrations like Basant Bahar and Hum Sub Diwali. Cary is grateful for Hum Sub’s contributions and the vital role cultural events play in enriching the community—both over the past 25 years and in the years to come.

Share and Care

Councilmember Michelle Craig attended Cary’s Share & Care event, a one-stop opportunity for persons with disabilities, family members, care providers, and anyone interested in gathering information to learn about the amazing services our community offers. Share & Care was held today at the Herb Young Community Center. Close to 50 booths were set up sharing information on everything from resources for seniors, GoCary, the CERT team, to our wonderful community engagement staff.

Impediments to Fair Housing Community Meeting

In conjunction with Cary’s continued preparation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan, Cary is partnering with Wake County, the City of Raleigh, the Wake County Housing Authority, and the Raleigh Housing Authority to develop a regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). This week, Cary staff and municipal partners participated in a community meeting at the NW Cary YMCA, to gather feedback from stakeholders on Fair Housing issues. The meeting was a part of a larger community engagement effort throughout Wake County which also includes a Fair Housing survey that can be found on Cary’s housing page.

Opportunities for High School Students

A new page on Cary’s website highlights the unique programs and opportunities available for high school students eager to learn about local government operations, public service careers, and essential life skills. Encourage a future leader to explore the possibilities at www.carync.gov/studentopportunities.

High House Road and West Chatham Street Pedestrian Refresh

Cary staff and contractors will be refreshing pedestrian access points at the High House Rd. and W. Chatham St. intersection. Improvements will include ADA ramp upgrades, installation of a new crosswalk and upgrades to the existing crosswalk, and new signage. Work began February 6 and is expected to continue for two weeks, weather dependent. 

North Carolina’s Future Cities Competition

On January 25, Transportation Department staff Luana Deans and Chelsea Stern served as judges for the state-wide Future Cities Competition, where middle school teams from across North Carolina showcased innovative ideas for floating cities of the future. The creativity and ingenuity on display was truly inspiring, with teams presenting models and solutions to keep their futuristic citizens safe and healthy. Cary is proud to support opportunities that spark the next generation of problem-solvers and forward-thinkers. 

Cary-Apex Quarterly Meeting: AMI Warehouse

Each quarter, Cary and Apex Utilities and Water Resources staff meet to coordinate projects affecting our jointly owned facilities at the Cary-Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) and the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility (WWRWRF). This quarter’s meeting was held at Cary’s new Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Warehouse on January 31. Apex staff, who are just embarking on their AMI journey, toured the warehouse to learn best practices from Cary’s experienced AMI team.

2025 Reclaimed Water Holiday

Starting February 10, Cary will begin its annual 10-day maintenance shutdown of the reclaimed water system, also referred to as the “Reclaimed Water Holiday”. The scheduled shutdown provides staff with the opportunity to perform routine maintenance of the system while irrigation and reclaimed water demands are minimal. There were 1,037 letters mailed on January 27, notifying customers of the upcoming system shutdown. Citizens also have a valuable opportunity to perform essential maintenance of their own systems. Commercial customers who use reclaimed water for cooling tower operations were notified in advance via mail and phone and typically switch to their potable water backup feeds during the annual maintenance window. Following completion of maintenance and repair work, the system is scheduled to be restarted and back in operation by February 20. 

NCDEQ Staff Visits Cary’s Utilities Needs

Over the past two weeks, multiple staff from Cary’s Public Works and Utilities Departments hosted North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ) staff who have been conducting annual inspections of our utility infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and program management. NCDEQ staff have visited the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility, North Cary Water Reclamation Facility, South Cary Water Reclamation Facility, the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility and met with staff to inspect the management of Cary’s Wastewater Collection System including several site visits. Cary operates a regional utility operation that serves Cary, Morrisville, Wake County’s portion of Research Triangle Park and the RDU International Airport. Cary staff appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with NCDEQ and are please to share the inspections were a success.

A Taste of Black History at the Cary Senior Center

Cary’s Senior Center hosted its 4th annual Taste of Black History event today. Over 80 older adults enjoyed a cultural cuisine experience paired with Black history facts, fun, and trivia. The event offered a unique and enjoyable way for seniors to honor and celebrate Black History Month, combining cultural education and culinary delight.

Celebrating World Wetlands Day with Environmental Service

Fourteen volunteers gathered at Dunham Park to celebrate World Wetlands Day through Cary’s Spruce program. Part of the Walnut Creek watershed, the wetlands in this neighborhood park play an important part in storing carbon, trapping pollutants, and temporarily detaining stormwater before slowly releasing it to area streams. As part of Spruce’s environmental service-learning goals, staff provided ecosystem education to the volunteers who then worked a collective 28 hours to remove approximately 200 pounds of litter from our urban wetlands.

Under the Silver Moon Lantern Parade

The Under the Silver Moon Community Lantern Parade lit up the Downtown Cary Park last Saturday evening with handmade lanterns, live music, and great community turnout. The Lantern Parade kicks-off GLOW pop-up light art installations throughout downtown during the dark winter months. Whether you walked in the parade or watched from the sidelines, your support made it an event to remember. Visit the GLOW webpage for the full details.

Upcoming Meetings

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday
February 11
6:00 p.m.

Economic Development Committee
Wednesday
February 12
5:15 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday
February 12
6:30 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday
February 13
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about a utility bill.
• A request to have the Children’s hospital by UNC Health and Duke Health at the old mall site (Epic Games owns this not Cary).
• A request to build a community center on the old mall site (Epic Games owns this not Cary).
• A complaint about the railroad crossing closure at Indian Wells (it is required as part of an agreement to allow the Olive Chapel crossing.)
• A complaint about the budget and taxes.
• A request to help the town in beautifying the city. (YES! Thank you!)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Tenns Classic Board meeting, an Economic Development Board meeting, and a NC Metro Mayors meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 16^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. Our topics of discussion included GoTriangle, CAMPO, Economic development, and the annual council-staff retreat.

#1 Organics Diversion Program of the Year

On Wednesday I was notified that the Town of Cary has been awarded the Organics Diversion Program of the Year Award by the U.S. Composting Council (USCC), marking a significant achievement in Cary’s commitment to sustainability and waste diversion. This award, presented annually at the USCC’s Annual Conference and Tradeshow, held in Phoenix this year, recognizes outstanding achievements in the composting industry and is one of the most prestigious honors in the field.

Cary is the first municipality to receive this award. Jenna Kostka, festivals and events supervisor, and Srijana Guilford, waste strategy and community impact consultant, received this award on Cary’s behalf.

Cary’s path to earning the Organics Diversion Program of the Year Award is built on two key initiatives: its popular Lazy Daze and Spring Daze festivals, and its year-round food waste drop-off program. Both programs work in tandem to engage residents and event-goers, promote sustainability, and reduce waste sent to landfills.

In 2024, Cary’s low-waste initiatives at festivals achieved an impressive 95% compliance rate among food vendors, contributing to the collection of over 4,000 pounds of compostable material at Lazy Daze alone — surpassing the total trash output. We value the support of local businesses and non-profits, including Toward Zero Waste and Compost Now, as Cary grows these programs in the community. This material and all of the organics collected at Cary’s drop-off sites are transformed into nutrient-rich compost locally. A portion of the finished compost is used at Cary’s Good Hope Farm to support urban agriculture.

Cary’s integrated approach to composting — combining large-scale public events with a permanent food waste drop-off program — is a model that other communities can emulate. With impressive results in both diversion rates and community engagement, Cary’s composting efforts reflect the town’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. 

Key highlights of Cary’s composting success include: 

• 317,497 pounds (159 tons) of food waste diverted from landfills since 2022 
• 30 tons of finished compost donated to Good Hope Farm to support local agriculture 
• Over 38,000 drop-offs recorded at the initial food waste drop-off site 
• 95% vendor compliance with composting standards at Lazy Daze and Spring Daze festivals 
• 4,000 pounds of food waste collected at the Lazy Daze festival was diverted from landfills 

For more information on Cary’s composting initiatives, visit Cary’s Composting webpage.

Raleigh-Cary Top 30 Most Dynamic Metros

Thursday I was notified by Heartland Forward’s communication director that the Raleigh-Cary area was ranked in the top 30 most dynamic metros. Here is what he said:

“Congratulations! We are excited to share that your metro area has been ranked in the top 30 of Heartland Forward’s “2024 Most Dynamic Metropolitans” report. Your metro’s high ranking is a testament to effective planning, smart policy and a shared commitment to your citizens – all worth celebrating. 

Heartland Forward is the nation’s only think-and-do tank dedicated to advancing the economic opportunity of the 20 states we define as the heartland. For the past six years, this report has served as a benchmark to celebrate success and identify opportunities for growth in cities across the country. 

The “Most Dynamic Metropolitans” report ranks 380 metropolitan areas by measuring key indicators like employment growth, average annual pay, real GDP, entrepreneurial activity and educational attainment. Using multiple data points, the report is a valuable tool for governors, U.S. mayors and economic development departments to evaluate their policies and identify best practices for growth, development and community health. 

Key trends identified in the report include: 

• AI investment and policy
• Advanced manufacturing innovation
• Post-pandemic tourism and recreation growth
• Oil, gas and alternative energy
• University-driven growth 

…

Once again, congratulations on a fantastic 2024. We look forward to monitoring your metropolitans’ dynamic growth in 2025 and hope to see you back at the top next year!”

I am proud to live in a metro area that is recognized nationally as being the best of the best.

State of Cary Address

Wednesday morning, I gave my annual State of Cary address at Prestonwood as part of the Cary Chamber’s monthly breakfast program. It was a sellout with over 280 in attendance.

I started working on the address in December and had the first draft in early January. That was followed by bullets for each slide. Staff took those and made a PowerPoint presentation with pictures. We then reviewed the slides to narrow them down to fit in a 40-to-45-minute time frame. You can find the entirety of my message here and the slides I used here.

For my opening for the Cary Chamber event, the staff and I agreed to do walkup music to set a casual lighter tone for the address. I entered with Mariah Carey’s “All I want for Christmas” and then explained to the crowd that I proclaimed Cary to be spelled C-A-R-E-Y for one day last November 1^st. One of the slides show me reading the proclamation to her and we played her response: “That was amazing. I need to move there.” Then I challenged the realtors to follow up with her.

I thought the presentation went well (no major gaffs on my part). The presentation was about 40 minutes and was followed by two questions. I will be giving the presentation several other times this year. A 5 to 10 minute version will be created and put on line at a later date.

Lunar New Year

Thursday evening, I was joined by the entire council at the Lunar New Year event at Prestonwood Country Club. This was hosted by the Triangle Area Chinese American Society and the Chinese American Friendship Association of North Carolina. Ya Liu, former Cary Council member, helped organize the event. Attendees included dozens of elected officials including Congresswoman Ross, Congresswoman Foushee, and NC Attorney General Jackson. I read a proclamation recognizing the Lunar New Year Celebration and wished everyone good fortune, health, and happiness. Afterwards, I was presented with a painting by Jason Shi on behalf of the town.

NC Metro Mayors

Friday the NC Metro Mayors met virtually for a legislative summary. Here is a summary of the first week from the NC League of Municipalities Director of Urban Affairs:

Legislative Update:

Mayor Williams said he would happily share the toolkit with the group once it was completed. 

House leadership also announced the creation of the House Select Committee on Government Efficiency.  All indications are that this committee will be different than a more traditional regulatory reform committee as this committee will be specific to government efficiency. It has been reported that the committee is modeled after the federal Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and we expect that many of the proposals from the federal group will be funneled down for potential state consideration. The Senate has also formed its own Regulatory Reform committee, which we have not seen in prior sessions.  

Regarding committee leadership, we wanted to note some changes to the leadership of both chamber’s Transportation Committees. On the Senate side, Senator Bill Rabon, who was instrumental in the Airport Improvement Program, has returned as Co-chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, joining Senators Lazzara and Sawyer. Representative Jay Adams is the new Co-chair of the House Transportation Committee, joining Representatives Iler, McNeely, Shepard, and Tyson.

Legislative notes prepared by the Checkmate Government Relations Team. 

Down-zoning Provision – SB 382 [SL 2024-57, p. 131]:

The down-zoning provision in Senate Bill 382 has created uncertainty in both cities and counties with their ability to do county or city-initiated zoning. An issue that municipalities are having with this provision is that there is a retroactive effect. If any zoning fell under that provision that the local government had approved in the prior six months, then that zoning approval could be invalid. The provision restricts cities from evolving their zoning code over time. Mayors should continue to speak with and provide specific and concrete examples to their Legislators. 

Over the past week, NCLM Government Affairs team members have held meetings with Senator Berger’s staff and numerous legislators about options to address these concerns. While our preference would be for a full repeal, it is understood that we may need to explore other options to address this issue and resolve it as soon as possible. With bill filing beginning this week, we have already seen multiple bills filed, some of which repeal the provision in specific counties, and a singular bill filed by Representative Jay Adams for a full statewide repeal of the downzoning provisions. Our team has been working with attorneys from across the state, as well as in concert with the NC Association of County Commissioners, to develop potential options to address this issue, and in the next week, we expect there to be additional discussions with legislators in both chambers. We will continue to keep you informed of where the conversation is progressing and always appreciate insight from your respective areas. 

Federal Grant Freeze:

On Monday, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a memorandum to federal agencies calling for a freeze of trillions of dollars of federal grant funds and other federal assistance programs. This memo caused a significant amount of concern across the country due to the uncertainty it presented for countless programs. Since its release, the action has received bipartisan opposition and was ultimately rescinded because of a federal court injunction.  

It is unclear how this proposal may be resurrected, but there may be continued cause for concern related to federally funded programs. We encourage all municipalities to review their utilization of federal monies and what the impact would be if a freeze were to take effect. During the call, we also heard about a pilot program currently underway in the City of Durham to build a toolkit related to understanding federal funding. Mayor Williams said he would happily share the toolkit with the group once it was completed. 

SHEILD Proclamation

Friday morning I met with four representatives from SHIELD North Carolina. Their mission:

“Shield North Carolina prioritizes collaboration to combat human trafficking in North Carolina through empowerment, prevention, and advocacy.”

I presented them with a proclamation that designated January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Afterwards, we took a few photos. If you would like to learn more, they will be offering a Human Trafficking 101 (Virtual) on February 10^th at 7 pm. You get the meeting link at https://www.shieldnc.org/trainings .

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Council,
It was so good being with you at the third annual Lunar New Year Gala last night! I was truly inspired to see the positive impact we are making in – and with – our community.
One of the highlights for me was witnessing the Council enjoying camaraderie and the strong sense of connection throughout the event. The night certainly left a lasting impression on me.
A special thanks to our former Councilmember and now NC House member Ya Liu for including me in this wonderful celebration.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

State of Cary Breakfast

On Wednesday, Mayor Weinbrecht delivered the 2025 State of Cary address at the annual State of Cary Breakfast held by the Chamber of Commerce. More than 280 attendees gathered as the mayor provided key highlights and data from the past year while offering insights into Cary’s future. The full presentation and accompanying slides are available at carync.gov/stateofcary.

Organics Diversion Program of the Year

On Wednesday, Cary became the first municipality to ever receive the prestigious Organics Diversion Program of the Year Award from the U.S. Composting Council. This award honors outstanding achievements in the composting industry, and Cary earned recognition through its innovative food waste drop-off program and composting efforts at the Lazy Daze and Spring Daze festivals.
Since 2022, these initiatives have successfully diverted 317,497 pounds (150 tons) of food waste from landfills. Last year alone, 95% of festival vendors met composting standards, and Lazy Daze saw over 4,000 pounds of food waste diverted. This achievement highlights Cary’s strong commitment to sustainability and sets an example for other communities striving to reduce waste and support local agriculture.
A special thanks to Councilmember Lori Bush and the entire Council for their leadership in making this success possible!

Regional Transportation Updates

On Wednesday, the CAMPO and Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC) Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) held a joint meeting to review key regional transportation projects. MPOs collaborate with local governments to develop and coordinate transportation plans that improve mobility across the region.

A key highlight was an update on the S-Line rail project, a passenger rail corridor designed to connect communities across North Carolina and beyond, boosting both regional travel and economic growth. The meeting also covered the rebranding of DCHC MPO to Triangle West MPO, reflecting a refreshed identity for future collaboration.

Board members discussed the Destination 2055 Metropolitan Transportation Plan, a long-term strategy to address transportation challenges such as population growth and infrastructure needs. Updates on safety programs, rail studies, and joint planning initiatives reinforced a shared commitment to making travel in the Triangle region safer, more efficient, and better connected.

East Chatham Street Road Closure Next Friday

On February 7, East Chatham Street will be closed between North Walker Street and North Academy Street starting at 7:00 a.m. as contractors dismantle and remove the tower crane used for the Cedar Street Parking Deck construction. The closure is expected to last up to two days.

Detour signs will direct through traffic to Chapel Hill Road via Harrison Avenue and East Durham Road. Pedestrians will be rerouted to the south side of East Chatham Street during this time.

Radar-Activated Warning Sign Installed

Staff installed an upgraded intersection warning sign on Cary Glen Boulevard, featuring flashing LEDs that activate when radar detects a vehicle significantly exceeding the advisory speed. This enhanced sign aims to remind drivers to slow down as they approach the intersection of Hollowridge Court and Lantern Ridge Lane, where sight visibility is challenged by the steepness of the road profile.

The decision to install this sign followed a pilot study in Cary, where similar devices successfully reduced vehicle speeds.

New Crabtree Creek Greenway Connection Opens

This week, a newly completed section of the Crabtree Creek Greenway opened, connecting Bond Park to High House Road. Funded in part by a $1.57 million Federal LAPP Grant, the project broke ground in March with Lanier Construction as the primary contractor.

The new greenway extends north from Bond Park,  passing under Cary Parkway, running alongside the Preston soccer fields, and linking to High House Road and a new street-side trail.
By filling a critical gap in the Crabtree Creek Greenway corridor, this project improves bicycle and pedestrian access to Bond Park’s baseball and soccer fields while also enhancing transit connectivity via a GoCary stop on High House Road. The completed trail strengthens Cary’s greenway network, supporting both recreation and active transportation for the community.

Indian Wells Railroad Crossing to Permanently Close

In 2015, Cary, CSX Railroad, and NCDOT signed a Railroad Crossing Consolidation Agreement to close two at-grade crossings at Carpenter Fire Station Road and Morrisville Carpenter Road. In exchange, a new at-grade crossing was approved for O’Kelly Chapel Road as part of the Parkside Town Commons development.

As the final step in this agreement, the Indian Wells Road (formerly Morrisville Carpenter Road) crossing will permanently close by spring 2025. Kite Realty is responsible for scheduling this work. To maintain traffic flow, Saunders Grove Lane will be restriped to connect with Carpenter Upchurch Road. Residents and businesses will be notified via postcards and electronic message signs.

For more details, visit carync.gov/indianwells.

Sewer Rehabilitation

SAK Construction crews have begun work on a maintenance project to rehabilitate the Brier Creek Interceptor Sewer, a large-diameter pipeline along the west side of Lake Crabtree.

The first phase involves installing cured-in-place liners in sewer lines upstream (west) of Aviation Parkway. A temporary sewer bypass system, including pumps and above-ground pipes, is being set up to manage flows. This phase is expected to be completed by summer 2025.

The project will renew over 8,000 feet of 36-inch and 42-inch sewer lines, extending their service life by 50 years. The $8.2 million project is scheduled for completion by winter 2026.

Upcoming Meetings

Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board
Monday, February 3
5:15 p.m.

Information Services Advisory Board
Monday, February 3
6:00 p.m.

Zoning Board of Adjustment
Monday, February 3
6:30 p.m.

Human Relations, Inclusion, and Diversity Advisory Board
Tuesday, February 4
6:00 p.m.

Senior Advisory Board
Wednesday, February 5
12:00 p.m.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting
Wednesday, February 5
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, February 6
4:45 p.m.

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

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A lecture from a former council member on how to manage taxes and budget.
• A concern that Cary will end DEI programs. (NO! Equity is a core value.)
• A complaint about litter on US 1 (Unfortunately maintained by NCDOT)
• A concern and request for Cary to do more about invasive plant species.
• A complaint about the cost of public art on Bus Stop Shelters.
• A concern about a shooting incident at Williamsburg Manor.
• A complaint about property taxes and that we should make our community less desirable and more affordable. (Um… no on the less desirable)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting with the NWSL president, training on Zencity, meetings with the Macon Georgia mayor, a council work session, a council meeting, and a meeting of the NC Metro Mayors.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 9^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.

MLK Day in Cary

Cary offices were closed on Monday to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Jr. There were several events held in Cary as part of Dreamfest. I hope you were able to be a part of one of them.

Wake County Mayors Association

Monday, eleven of the twelve Wake County Mayors met for our first meeting of the year. Unfortunately, the mayor of Raleigh was unable to attend. We discussed several topics including how we could use our collective voice to have an impact with legislators. Each mayor then updated the group on happenings in their municipalities.

Cary Chamber Government Relations Panel

Tuesday, I joined NC Senator Adcock and Wake County Commissioner Evens as part of a panel to discuss government relations. We were asked a set of questions about collaboration and what we have done together. These two women are amazing leaders, and I was honored to be part of the panel. We concluded by answering questions posed by those in attendance (about three dozen).

Council Meeting Prep

Monday and Tuesday I contacted council members to hear of questions and concerns about the upcoming council meeting. Council member Bansal had concerns about the Augusta rezoning. Council member Bush had concerns about the White Oak rezoning. And council member Smith had concerns about the Wellington rezoning.

Later Tuesday, I met with staff, management, and Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson to go over the agenda. By that time most of the concerns by council members Bansal and Bush had been addressed. As a result, we expected the meeting to be relatively short.

Manager One-On-One

Tuesday evening I joined Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson and my weekly one-on-one meeting with the town manager. Our topics of discussion included AI and AI training, recent SAS property purchases, safety issues, future work sessions, the upcoming retreat, site plan process concerns by developers, and pocket parks.

Snow Postpones State of Cary Address

Cary received one and a half to two inches of snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. With temps in the teens and twenties, that made travel hazardous. Fortunately, we were able to get this forecast ahead of time and postponed my State of Cary address until January 29^th.

At the council meeting on Thursday council member Bansal did a great job of summarizing the town’s response to the storm:

“I want to express my deep gratitude to our incredible staff for their tireless efforts during the recent winter storm. In under two days, our team brined an impressive 400 miles of streets, using 40,000 gallons of brine, ensuring safer travel for our citizens.

With 55 plows and 29 spreaders, they worked around the clock, supported by nearly 300 dedicated team members staffing Snow Command, with roughly 150 individuals per 12-hour shift. Behind the scenes, feeding Snow Command made a monumental effort, with 150 pizzas needed to sustain one shift alone! Thanks to this preparation and hard work, our Public Safety team responded to just four weather-related crashes, none involving injuries, and assisted seven motorists during the storm’s peak. Our 311 team didn’t miss a beat, serving nearly 400 citizens via phone, email, social media, and web portal, even with our physical facilities closed. Public Works Director Matt Flynn represented Cary live on ABC 11’s noon news, keeping the community informed and assured. CaryNC.gov’s traffic page was a vital resource, drawing over 1,400 visitors on January 22 for real-time street conditions and camera views. Social media engagement highlighted the community’s joy, with over 200 photos of snow fun submitted and over 50,000 impressions on snow-related posts. While winter weather and the MLK holiday impacted curbside collection, our team has worked hard to ensure all citizens will be serviced by Saturday. Our staff’s dedication, professionalism, and care for the community, led by our fearless Fire Chief Mike Cooper, were on full display, and I couldn’t be prouder of their efforts during this event.”

Well said. I couldn’t agree more. Once again Cary’s snow response was the best in the region. We are blessed to have such great public works professionals.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regular scheduled meeting of January. The agenda included five consent items, one public hearing, and one discussion item.

The Wellington Rezoning which proposed seven townhomes across from the Wellington Shopping Center was pulled from the Consent Agenda by council member Smith because some in the neighborhood disliked the proposal. The original plans for this neighborhood had this parcel as day care but that wouldn’t fit because there wasn’t enough room for parking. Then there was a proposal for a dental office a couple of years ago which was vehemently opposed by the neighborhood. The council voted that down. This proposal for townhomes was made by a resident of the neighborhood after he met with members of the HOA. The council approved this rezoning unanimously.

The one public hearing was for Act 35 of the Land Development Ordinance Amendments. This amendment would add “swimming pool, hot tub, and spa” as a permitted accessory use in the Town Center Cottage Business and Residential (TC-CB&R) district. Most speakers were in favor of the proposal. One speaker expressed existing concerns about noise from swimming pool pumps and filters. Staff will investigate this issue separately.

The discussion item was for the ACT 34 Imagine Cary Community Plan Update. This update had been in the works for several years. Four key items were included in the update:

1. The plan’s new preface documents external factors, such as the pandemic, while also sharing Cary’s organizational culture, which is based on the highest standards of integrity, fairness, and transparency.
2. An update to the LIVE chapter with the inclusion of the 2021 Cary Housing Plan. The housing plan, created with strong stakeholder engagement, builds upon the Imagine Cary Community Plan policies, going beyond the focus of affordability with goals to ensure that all residents experience Cary’s high quality of life.
3. A new chapter titled ENRICH consolidates all sustainability, climate action, and environmental policies, reflecting Cary’s commitment to preserving and protecting our finite natural resources.
4. An update to the SERVE chapter, which focuses on our operational model as we strive for excellence in serving the Cary community.

This update was unanimously approved by the council. The regular meeting was followed with a closed session.

NC Metro Mayors

Friday the NC Metro Mayors met for the first time this year. Here is a legislative summary from that meeting:

Legislative Update:

The legislative session will begin in earnest next week on January 29. Legislative leaders are closely watching President Trump’s visit to western North Carolina today (January 24) as they hope it will provide needed clarity on the amount of federal assistance that will be coming for continued hurricane recovery efforts. The amount of federal assistance will ultimately determine the level of funding needed by the state. With the new Speaker of the House, Destin Hall, from the western part of the state, we expect a significant focus on hurricane recovery regardless of the federal funding determination.

Legislators are also expected to prioritize efforts that will help keep the state ranked as the number one state for business across multiple organizations’ rankings. These efforts will be followed closely by the need for increased state tax revenue and needed infrastructure improvements and expansions to support the state’s rapidly growing population.

We encourage Mayors to contact their legislators as early as possible with a list of their prioritized needs before budget negotiations commence. This year’s appropriations package comes first from the Senate.

Down-zoning Provision – SB 382 [SL 2024-57, p. 131]:

The down-zoning provision in Senate Bill 382 has created uncertainty in both cities in counties with their ability to do county or city-initiated zoning. An issue that municipalities are having with this provision is that there is a retroactive effect. If any zoning fell under that provision that had been approved by local government in the prior six months, then that zoning approval could be invalid. The provision restricts cities from evolving their zoning code over time. Mayors should continue to speak with and provide specific and concrete examples to their Legislators. The President Pro Tempore, Senator Phil Berger mentioned that he is open to change regarding this provision. For additional information and context around this provision the article “Limits on “Down-Zoning” by UNC SOG’s Adam Lovelady provides ample insight. 

Other Updates

NCLM Staff have listed a few updates for what to expect in 2025. Until Seth Palmer is fully onboarded to his new role as Director of Urban Affairs, please contact Derrick Applewhite, NCLM Sr. Government Affairs Associate, dapplewhite@nclm.org, (919) 333-3659 (cell), for any MMC related requests. 

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

Many were excited to see snow fall in Cary this week. I want to extend my thanks to our 911, 311, and Public Works teams for their incredible efforts in prioritizing safe travel for our residents and maintaining clear communication throughout the process. Because of their dedication, we were able to resume normal operations quickly and safely.
As a reminder, due to the weather, the Mayor’s State of Cary Breakfast has been rescheduled to next Wednesday, January 29, at Prestonwood Country Club. I hope to see you all there!
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

Council Meeting (January 23):
ACT 35 Land Development Ordinance Amendments

Staff is in the process of examining screening requirements for pool pumps as part of the amendment under consideration.

Cary Chamber Government Affairs Panel

On January 21, the Cary Chamber of Commerce hosted a Government Relations Meeting at Prestonwood Country Club. The event featured a panel discussion with Mayor Weinbrecht, Senator Gale Adcock, and Commissioner Susan Evans. Attendees, including Assistant Town Manager Shelley Curran, gained valuable insights into how local, state, and federal officials collaborate to drive initiatives that benefit the community.

RTA Annual Meeting – The State of Mobility 2025

Today, Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson, Councilmember Michelle Craig, and staff attended the Regional Transportation Alliance Annual Meeting: The State of Mobility 2025 in Cary. This 23rd annual event showcased innovative approaches to funding and advancing North Carolina’s mobility infrastructure.

The program featured the annual State of Mobility presentation, offering valuable insights into the future of regional transportation. Attendees explored transformative strategies, with a focus on the importance of innovative leadership in driving mobility solutions across the state.

MLK Dreamfest Celebrations

On January 17, Cary kicked off Dreamfest Weekend with a sold-out screening of Farming While Black. The free event included a post-film discussion that delved into the history of Black-owned farms and explored ways to support Black farmers within the community.
The celebrations continued on Saturday at the Cary Arts Center with the Dreamfest Celebration. Councilmember Carissa Kohn-Johnson kicked off the event with opening remarks and a proclamation declaring Janueary 15 – 20 as Cary MLK Dreamfest Weekend. Guests enjoyed an evening of performances and presentations by guest artists and speakers centered around the theme, “Stronger Together, Cultivating a Community of Compassion.” Donations collected during the event supported The Carying Place, an organization dedicated to empowering homeless working families.
Also on Saturday, nearly 70 guests gathered at the Page-Walker Arts & History Center for Tellebration. Families celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through storytelling, songs, and crafts.

Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

Every five years, Cary prepares the Consolidated Plan which serves as the primary vehicle for prioritizing the use of entitlement funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  In conjunction with continued preparation of the 2025-2030 Consolidated Plan, Cary is partnering with Wake County, City of Raleigh, Wake County Housing Authority, and Raleigh Housing Authority to develop a regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). The AI process involves a review of each jurisdiction’s housing and housing-related programs and policies to ensure they are implemented free from discrimination. Public engagement opportunities, including a Fair Housing survey and regional community meetings, can be found on Cary’s housing page at housing.carync.gov.

Cary Participating in the National “Point-In-Time” Count

The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a national count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. This week, in partnership with the Wake County Continuum of Care NC 507, Cary participated in the regional PIT. Cary Police, Fire, and a team from our nonprofit community visited known encampments to register occupants and offer backpacks with basic supplies.
The Wake County Continuum of Care NC 507 is a collaboration of over 50 public, private, and nonprofit entities working together to make homelessness rare, brief, and unrepeated. More on this effort and Cary’s work to support residents experiencing housing instability and homelessness can be found on Cary’s housing page at housing.carync.gov.

Commemorating 40 NCAA Championships in Cary

Scott Dupree and the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA) were honored with a plaque recognizing the 40 NCAA Championships hosted in Cary. The presentation took place at the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau (GRCVB) Board Meeting. Scott, GRSA’s Executive Director for 30 years, has played a key role in event success, from hotel arrangements to enhancing experiences for athletes, fans, and visitors. His leadership has been vital in Cary’s success hosting these championships across six sports. Staff thanked him for his service to the community.

Upcoming Meetings

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

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Concerns about Lake Crabtree County Park (Wake County Park).
• Concern about erosion control at a development site (staff investigated and resolved issues).
• A concern about pool noise that would be allowed with Amendment 35 to the LDO.
• A complaint that the Wellington proposal for seven townhomes would “bring more traffic and congestion.”
• Several emails supporting the Wellington proposal.
• A request to protect students from ICE enforcement (we have no such authority).
• A complaint that someone’s garbage wasn’t picked up (curbside pickup was delayed two days because of the holiday and the snow).
• A thank you for the town installing carbon filter canisters on vents along greenways.
• A thank you for the town’s leaf collection “awesome job”.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the State of Cary address (rescheduled for January 29^th), and several private meetings.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, February 2^nd, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Raleigh-Cary Top 15 Up-And-Coming Cities to Visit

The Raleigh-Cary metro area was ranked in the top 15 Up-And-Coming cities to visit in 2025 by WorldAtlas. Here is what they said:

“The city of Raleigh and its neighboring town of Cary in North Carolina are gaining attention for their combination of a thriving tech-driven economy with many great cultural and natural attractions.

Known as part of the “Research Triangle,” the region uniquely blends innovation with Southern charm. Downtown Raleigh features institutions like the North Carolina Museum of Art and the City Market, where visitors can also explore locally owned shops, restaurants, and other amenities. Cary offers a quieter pace with its extensive greenways, parks, and spots like Koka Booth Amphitheatre, a wonderful outdoor theater that plays movies, concerts, and other live performances throughout the year.

The food scene thrives in both cities, with Raleigh’s brewery culture and Cary’s also containing a number of acclaimed eateries, like the renowned City Barbeque, the spot for mouthwatering eats in another BBQ-loving region of the country. …”

Sadly, the picture they used of Cary was of phase 1 of the downtown park which just had our fountain.

Cary Tennis Classic Board

Monday night I met with the Cary Tennis Classic Board. Topics included dates for the combined men’s and women’s pro event, new sponsors, and opportunities to engage sponsors at other events.

CAMPO

Wednesday evening I participated in a meeting of the CAMPO (Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization) Executive Board. This board is a regional transportation planning organization serving communities in Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston and Wake Counties.

What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization? According to The Federal Aid Highway Act of 1962, areas considered by the Federal Census to be urban in nature with a population of at least 50,000 must have a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive transportation planning process. In order to receive funding from the federal government in the state of North Carolina, this process is carried out by Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO). Members from each of the MPOs make up the North Carolina Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (NCAMPO). Currently, there are 19 MPOs in North Carolina.

At this meeting the only action was to elect the Chair and Vice Chair. Mayor Jones of Wake Forest was elected for another term as Chair and Butch Lawter of Johnson County was reelected as Vice-Chair. The agenda also included two consent items and six discussion items. Items for information purposes included the Unified Planning Work Program for FY2026, Amendment #7 to the FY2024-FY2033 TIP (Transportation Improvement Program), FY2026 LAPP Program awarding Cary $2 million in grants for two sidewalk projects, the draft 2055 MTP Deficiency analysis, and Safety Performance Measure Targets for 2025. After the regular meeting the board spent about an hour in closed session.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

As you are aware, I spent the majority of the week at Harvard University participating in an Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning session. It was an incredible learning experience and advanced my understanding of AI a great deal. Further, the Council’s discussion last week (policy, data strategy etc.) is in alignment with the best practices in this field, which is very affirming and hopefully a point of pride for you. In the days ahead, I will be preparing a summary of the experience to share with Council and staff.
As we focus on growth and reflection, the Town’s annual Dreamfest weekend provides a meaningful opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The celebration begins today and continues through Monday, January 20, offering a variety of events and programs for the community to enjoy. Details about the celebrations are available here.
Please note that in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed on Monday.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

America’s 250^th Anniversary Planning

In 2026, America will celebrate 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, marking the birth of a nation founded on the principles of ‘Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.’ On January 10, Cary PRCR staff met with state representatives, historical agencies, and communities from across Wake County to discuss plans for events, projects, and initiatives to commemorate this milestone. Staff will continue participating in planning meetings and looks forward to collaborating on this program.

Construction Wraps Up at Cary Fire Station Number 4

Contractors working on behalf of Cary recently completed renovations to Fire Station No. 4. Originally built in 1987, the station had seen only minor updates during its 38-year history. Located in a key area for the community it serves, renovating the existing structure was deemed the most sustainable and cost-effective approach.

To maintain uninterrupted service during construction, temporary structures were set up on-site adjacent to the station. The renovation included several key upgrades, such as new bi-fold apparatus bay doors, enhanced building systems, and a 1,100-square-foot addition for a dedicated workout room. These improvements ensure Fire Station No. 4 remains well-equipped to serve the community for many decades.

White Oak Greenway Wrap-up

An important safety improvement and stormwater maintenance project along the White Oak Creek Greenway is now complete. The trail was widened, and the curves near the entrance to the tunnel under Cary Parkway were softened, significantly enhancing sightlines on the east side of the tunnel. Additionally, a stormwater culvert was repaired, and new safety railings were installed.

Transportation Department Hosts Engineering Students

This week, Transportation staff hosted high school students from the Wake County Public School System’s Academy of Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing (AOE). The students visited Cary’s Transportation Management Center, the Byrum Street Sidewalk Project, the Walnut Street Road Diet, street repaving sites, and the Black Creek Greenway Renovation. They learned about the planning, design, implementation, and maintenance of Cary’s transportation infrastructure, with discussions covering staff backgrounds, project challenges, infrastructure costs, and career opportunities in local government.

GLOW Art Installations

While the Under the Silver Moon Community Lantern Parade has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 1, due to weather, the GLOW must go on! Keep your eyes peeled as stunning light installations illuminate Academy Street and Downtown Cary Park. These dazzling works of art combine innovative technology with radiant creativity. Visit the GLOW webpage for the full details. 

North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival Sets New Attendance Record

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival at Cary’s Koka Booth Amphitheatre concluded on January 12, setting a new attendance record with more than 249,000 visitors this holiday season. This marks a significant increase from approximately 216,000 attendees in 2023, and the festival also experienced 23 sold-out nights. Now in its ninth year, the festival was first brought to Cary by Tianyu Arts & Culture in 2015.
Over the eight-week run, visitors from all 50 states and six countries came to admire the spectacular lantern displays, each crafted from fused metal and hand-painted silks, illuminated by thousands of LED lights.

The North Carolina Chinese Lantern Festival will return to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in November with all new lanterns.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – February 5

The following Neighborhood Meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m.

• 24-REZ-16 Trinity Road Planned Development District (PDD) Rezoning

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

Upcoming Meetings

Cultural Arts Committee
Wednesday, January 22
6:00 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, January 23
6:30 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Concerns about the East Cary Gateway
• A complaint about our property tax
• A complaint about erosion control in the Stonebridge shopping center
• Several chain emails about the Holocaust
• A complaint about a proposed land development ordinance amendment

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Wake County Mayors Association meeting, a Government Relations panel discussion, a rehearsal of the State of Cary address, the State of Cary address, and a council meeting.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 26^th, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I attempted to contact each council member to hear of any questions or concerns about the upcoming agenda. There were none. Later in the day I met with staff to go over the agenda items. Based on our knowledge at the time we expected a short meeting.

Manager One-On-One

Monday evening, I met with the town manager for our weekly one-on-one. We were joined by Mayor Pro-Tem Bryson-Robinson. We talked about topics for the retreat in February and public response to the Gathering House in The Downtown Cary Park.

Gathering House

The Gathering House is in The Downtown Cary Park and has never been opened to the public. When the park was opened there was a disagreement with the contractor and the town about materials. After a year of negotiations we have come to an agreement and construction to change the materials will start. It is expected to be completed in the summer. Nearly all the costs associated with this change will be paid by outside parties and not the Cary taxpayers.

Leadership Cary

Tuesday afternoon I spoke to about three dozen people as part of the Cary Chamber’s Leadership Cary program. After talking with them about the structure of our municipal government and our roles, I talked about various topics such as the downtown park and the recent bond vote. There were several great questions including what type of businesses there should be in the downtown in the future. I believe variety of uses is our future success. My talk and visit lasted about 30 minutes.

HRID Board Meeting

Tuesday night I joined a meeting of the HRID board. The meeting included a presentation from the Cultural Arts Manager on diversity and accessibility, a discussion on the engagement levels of the Sustainably and Climate Action Plan, and a discussion on spring events the board wanted to be a part of. Afterwards, I provided comments on upcoming activities and events in the town.

Economic Forecast with Michael Walden

Wednesday morning I joined council members Smith and Bansal at the Economic Forecast presentation by Dr. Michael Walden. Here are some of my takeaways:

• Real GDP growth is back to pre-pandemic levels
• Employment is at pre-pandemic levels
• Unemployment is higher than the Feds would like but stable
• The labor force participation rate has been around 62.5% in the last two years
• Job openings have been trending downwards
• Growth in Labor productivity is back after pandemic slump
• Inflation remains higher than Feds would like it
• Inflation rate might level or go down, but prices will not
• Origins of current inflation started with $6 trillion of stimulus in pandemic with supply chain issues
• Average prices have increased 2% more than workers earnings since 2021. Lower wage workers have seen a bigger difference and higher wage workers close to no difference
• “Same Home” values are up $38% since 2021
• There are signs of slower growth but no recession
• Feds will slowly lower key interest rates slower through 2025
• Consumer purchasing power will return this year
• The economy will grow in the 1.5% to 1.5% range
• The jobless rate will stay between 3.5% and 4.5%
• The annual inflation rate will settle between 2.5% and 3%
• Short term worries include consumer debt and commercial real estate
• Long term worries include social security, debt, AI impacting labor market
• Household debt has increased to about 11.5% of disposable income
• Household debt delinquencies are up
• Commercial Real Estate delinquencies are up, and prices are down
• Social Security will run an accumulative deficit of $2.9 trillion between now and 2035
• Interest payments in the federal budget exceed Medicaid, Spending on Children, Veterans programs, international affairs, and Natural Resources and Environment
• Labor market is changing with the displacement of cognitive workers, retraining needed, higher education needed
• NC ranks #3 for people moving to the state
• Raleigh area is #2 in top performing cities
• NC birth rate continues to fall
• Contributions from foreign immigration are up strongly
• Last four years pharma and major tech have announced Johnson County, Chatham County, Rocky Mount, Hickory.
• Future may have “remote work communities”
• Public Policy makers have a limited impact on the economy’s direction

Council Work Session

Thursday evening the council held a work session that covered several topics including Zencity, 2025 early voting sites, moving some work sessions to Tuesdays in 2025, an annual meeting update, and how council can have better discussions in 2025.

A presentation on Zencity showed how it was used to generate daily reports used by staff and the council. Zencity is used to find out what citizens are talking about on various forms of social media. This allows us to address problems we would otherwise be unaware of and to correct misinformation. Staff have been collecting data with Zencity since 2017. If the council wants to use Zencity they must agree to a Code of Conduct and then do the onboarding process.

The council also discussed early voting sites and costs for 2025. Our choices were to have two sites for ten days, the most expensive option, or one site for eight days. We chose the Herb Young Community Center for eight days which would save about $100,000.

The council unanimously voted to hold at least one work session a month on a Tuesday rather than before a council meeting in 2025. This would allow the sessions to not be time-constrained and give us the opportunity to do site visits.

Staff presented information about our upcoming council-staff annual meeting which will be held in Cary. Council feedback asked that topics be focused on large discussion items rather than presentations followed by feedback.

Council Meeting

The council held its first regularly scheduled meeting of the year Thursday night. There were no public hearings and one discussion item.

Under discussion was a future AI policy. After discussing it at length the council asked staff to come back with an all-encompassing AI strategy with initial focus on guardrails. The goal will be to eventually come up with a policy. It is important to note that staff use AI for many things and already have some practices and policies in place.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

As we begin 2025, I’m energized by the opportunities that lie ahead for the Cary community. The start of a new year offers a fresh canvas to envision and shape our town’s future. Your continued partnership and dedication to our citizens remains the anchor to our success, and I look forward to working with you to build upon the strong foundation we have built in Cary. 

Next week, I’ll be out of town attending the Public Sector Executive Summit on Generative AI and the Future City at Harvard Kennedy School. In my absence please contact Deputy Town Manager Russ Overton if you have a time-sensitive matter. 

Stay safe and warm this weekend, 

Sean

Dry Avenue and South Academy Street Intersection Improvements

Earlier today staff installed “No Turn on Red” signage on both right turning approaches of the Dry Avenue and South Academy Street intersection. Staff will continue to evaluate the intersection for future improvements as well.

Hanukkah Menorah Lighting

The Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony was held at Downtown Cary Park on December 30. PRCR Director John Collins led the ceremony, joined by Councilmember Lori Bush, Rabbi Ariel Edery of Beth Shalom, Rabbi Yisroel Cotlar of Chabad of Cary, and Justin Bender of the Jewish Federation of Greater Raleigh. Together, they marked the 6th night of Hanukkah with meaningful blessings and the ceremonial lighting of the menorah candles.

Additionally in attendance to enjoy the ceremony were Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Sarika Bansal, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, & Jack Smith, and NC State Representatives Maria Cervania and Ya Liu.

The evening’s highlights included heartfelt remarks from Councilmember Bush, who reflected on the significance of the holiday and the community coming together. Bush also read a unifying message from North Carolina Governor-Elect Josh Stein and had the honor of lighting the menorah for the 6th night of Hanukkah. The ceremony featured a lively performance by a traditional Klezmer band, delicious refreshments, and a spirited sing-along of traditional Hanukkah songs.

Kwanzaa in Concert

On December 29, Cary hosted Kwanzaa in Concert at the Cary Arts Center. Curated and emceed for the second year by Darrell Stover, the program featured traditional Kwanzaa performers and presenters embracing African culture through dance, drumming, storytelling, poetry, and the visual arts. A focus for this year was on the spirit of Ujamaa – Cooperative Economics – to encourage community support of these traditions and the youth to consider similar paths of creative productivity and entrepreneurship. Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Carissa Kohn-Johnson attended and participated in the procession to kick off the performances, and Councilmember Craig read the Kwanzaa proclamation.

Public Safety Hosts Chamber Leadership Group

Police and Fire hosted members of the Cary Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Cary group January 7. After touring the Wake County Detention Center, they came to Fire Station 2 to hear from Chief Mike Cooper and staff about how our firefighters keep citizens safe and tour the fire station and apparatus. They then went to Town Hall, where Police Chief Terry Sult and staff gave them an overview of the police side of public safety. They even got to meet K9 Officer Matthew Cotten and K9 Arlo. They ended their day learning about the Cary government from Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. Leadership Cary is a seven-month program that exposes participants to all aspects of the Cary community.

White Flag Shelter Awareness

White Flag Warning is a program in North Carolina that provides temporary emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness when severe weather is expected. A White Flag is declared when the temperature or windchill is expected to be below 35°. White Flag Shelters are open from 5 p.m. – 7 a.m. on declared nights. A list of White Flag Shelters accessible by transit from Cary is maintained on our website and available at stations. Cary participates in the Wake County Continuum of Care NC 507, a collaboration of over fifty public, private, and nonprofit entities working together to address homelessness in Wake County. Cary partners primarily with two local nonprofits to support people experiencing housing instability or homelessness: Dorcas Ministries through the Stable Homes Cary Program and The Carying Place through the Journey Home Program. Cary has also funded area organizations, including Triangle Family Services, to provide street outreach and emergency assistance.

Cary Housing Survey

To further the goals of the Imagine Cary Community Plan and Cary Housing Plan , Cary supports work in the key initiative areas of new housing development, housing rehabilitation, and housing stability support services.  Cary uses a blend of local and federal funds, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Every five years, Cary prepares the Consolidated Plan which serves as the primary vehicle for prioritizing the use of the entitlement funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Cary is projected to receive over $700,000 next year and $3.5 million in federal funding over the next five years and is gathering community input to guide how these funds, as well as local dollars, will be used. Starting next week, citizens will be encouraged to respond to the survey to help guide the investment of this critical housing funding. See the survey on the Cary Housing webpage.

Duke Health at Green Level – Phase 2

Duke Health has received approval to move forward with an early grading permit for Phase 2 of their Green Level Destination Center medical campus. Phase 2 will include the first portion of the hospital – a 111,000 square foot emergency ambulatory care facility. This building will complement the existing 102,000 square foot medical office building along Green Level West Road that opened in 2022. Duke Health anticipates moving forward with clearing and grading in this area in late January or early February.

East Chatham Street Nighttime Road Closure

Beginning the evening of January 13, contractors working on the Cedar Street Parking deck will close E. Chatham St. between N. Walker St. and N. Academy St. This work will take place nightly from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am Sunday through Thursday for approximately two weeks (weather dependent). This closure allows for the safe installation of precast concrete panels that wrap the parking deck. All vehicular traffic will be detoured to E. Cedar Street and all pedestrian traffic will be detoured to the south side of E. Chatham during this closure. 

Annual Disinfection Switchover Begins

The Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) will begin its annual disinfection switchover on March 1. In accordance with state and federal recommendations, each year the treatment facility switches from its normal disinfection mixture of chlorine and ammonia to free chlorine, which is more potent. This change, combined with the flushing of Cary’s water lines, cleanses the system and helps ensure safe, high-quality water throughout the year. During the switchover period, which will last until April 10, residents and customers may notice a minor increase in chlorine odor. In areas near active hydrant flushing, water may also appear slightly discolored. This activity is part of the normal water system maintenance process and occurs in tandem with several of our neighboring municipalities. For more information, visit www.carync.gov/waterchange.

Motown Christmas 2024

Cary and Pure Life Theatre Company continued the tradition of producing the Motown inspired show “The Motown Sound of Christmas” at the Cary Arts Center. Featuring some of the Triangle’s finest singers and dancers, the show offered new music selections and surprises celebrating the holidays and the artists who typified the Motown sound.

Downtown Cary Park Skating Rink Recap

Downtown Cary Park has wrapped up an incredible second season with our skating rink. Over 6,000 participants laced up their skates and took to the rink, enjoying this family-friendly activity between Dec. 1 and Jan. 4. We were thrilled to offer sensory friendly, toddler, and specialized recreation skate times, making the fun more inclusive for all. Thank you to everyone who came out and made this season so memorable.

Upcoming Meetings

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, January 14
6:00 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, January 16
6:00 p.m.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about litter on US1.
• A complaint about property taxes
• A complaint about the Eastern Gateway
• A complaint from a developer that they can’t pour concrete starting at 3 in the morning so they can have a continuous pour.

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting of the Cary Tennis Classic Board, a review of the State of Cary slides, and a meeting of the Executive Board for the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 19^th, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Happy New Year! I have spent the last two weeks with family celebrating the holidays and New Year. I have also been writing my annual address. At the time of this posting, I am about halfway done and am already at 3500 words. Needless to say, there will be significant editing.

Cary #6 Safest City in US

In a recent press release MoneyGeek ranked Cary as #6 on a list of cities with lower crime rates and crime-related costs.

“The direct economic costs of crime to individuals and society include victim medical and mental health care needs, damage to and loss of property and police and corrections costs,”

To create the list, MoneyGeek said it studied FBI data from 2023, the latest time-period available. It focused on nearly 300 cities across the country, each home to more than 100,000 residents.

With a population approaching 190,000, Cary stands as the only North Carolina destination to rank in the top 10 for safety. Cary boasts the state’s lowest crime cost per capita at $381, and it is recognized for having the lowest rates of both property crimes and violent crimes, such as murder and robbery. As a result, Cary is consistently ranked among the safest places to live in the nation.

Cary’s reputation for safety is well-earned. In 2022, it was named one of the safest cities in the U.S., thanks to its low crime rates and minimal risks related to driving, drug use, and alcohol consumption. In 2023, it was also recognized as the nation’s second-best place for drivers, based on lower crash-related dangers, as reported by McClatchy News. This year, MoneyGeek ranked Ramapo, New York, about 40 miles northwest of New York City, as the top city for safety.

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about litter on US1.
• A complaint about the proposed Ashworth’s Village. (My understanding is that this is an administrative decision not a council decision on rezoning)
• Thank you to our police department from someone who lost a loved one and how kind, caring, and gentle the officers were. (We do have the best police department in the state by far)
• A complaint about recycling not picked up (when contacted it was found that they were not putting recycling out in the correct week)
• A request to have weekly recycling with 460 signers to a petition. (Creating weekly recycling would require more workers, more equipment, and more taxpayer dollars via a tax increase. I don’t believe most citizens would be in favor of a tax increase when additional recycling bins are provided for free (65 gallon cart). There shouldn’t be anything that spoils in a recycling bin so two-week pickup should be fine. And the extra bin should solve any capacity issues. I will not support this.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a Cary Chamber Leadership Cary event, a HRID advisory board meeting, and Dr. Walden’s Economic Forecast.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 12^th, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Mayor’s Association’s Holiday Party

Monday night I joined all twelve mayors of Wake County and over 150 guests at the Mayor’s Association’s Holiday Party. I had the pleasure of sitting with Raleigh Mayor Cowell, Raleigh Council member Silver, Cary Council member Smith, Cary Council member Bansal, and several Cary staff members. The event was hosted by Holly Springs and featured a buffet and entertainment. After dinner all mayors joined for a photo except for Mayor Cowell who had to leave early.

It was great getting to talk with the new Raleigh mayor. Though we met many years ago this is the first time we have talked in a while. We talked about the challenges in our communities and working together. All the mayors of Wake County are incredible people, and I am sure Mayor Cowell will be a wonderful addition and do a fantastic job as mayor of Raleigh.

Historic Holiday Downtown Stroll

Tuesday evening I participated in Katherine Loflin’s “Christmas in Cary: A Living History Stroll Through Time”. I played the part of Cary’s founder Frank Page. Stops on the stroll included the Fidelity Bank Brick Courtyard, Ashworth’s Drugs, the Guess-Ogle House, the Ester Ivey Home, and Cary High School (Cary Arts Center). Through our characters we were able to tell some of the history about these homes and people. Ralph Ashworth played himself and talked about his building and his business over the years including how they celebrated Christmas. Back in the 1960s his business was the place for procrastinators and last-minute shoppers.

The event ended at the Cary Arts Center where we took pictures. If you are interested in Cary’s history, then I encourage you to attend one of Katherine’s upcoming events.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

This time of year, offers an opportunity to reflect on the creativity and generosity that make Cary so special. This year’s successes—both large and small—are a testament to your dedication and leadership, and I’m truly grateful for all that we’ve accomplished together.

As this is the last report of the year, I want to wish you and your families a joyful holiday season and a Happy New Year. You can expect our next Council Weekly Report on January 10, 2025.
Finally, I will be out of the office and out of town through January 5, returning to the office on January 6. I will be available by phone during this time. 

With gratitude,
Sean

24-REZ-07 Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Mixed Use Rezoning

In response to a question about nearby structure heights:

• The existing Greenwood Forest Baptist Church tower height is approximately 84 feet based on information provided in a 2005 development plan.
• The nearby Glenaire expansion on Kildaire Farm Road is 80 feet in height.
• Height of the Kilmayne Water Tank

A question was asked about parking agreements the church may have with nearby properties. The applicants have shared with staff an agreement with the office parcel at 51 Kilmayne Drive to use up to 65 spaces on Sundays (but does not wish to record a formal shared parking agreement). Staff are working with the applicant team to gather information regarding any additional informal agreements with nearby properties.

21-REZ-15 Old Apex Rezoning

In response to questions about buffer planting standards, the following is a description of Type A, Type B, and Type C buffers. Cary’s Land Development Ordinance includes planting rates to achieve each standard:

• Type A – This buffer is intended to provide the greatest degree of screening feasible and minimize visual contact between uses, creating a strong impression of total separation from the ground to a height of at least eighteen (18) feet.
• Type B – This buffer is intended to function as a semi-opaque screen from the ground to at least a height of six (6) feet. 

Type C – This buffer area is intended to function as an intermittent visual obstruction from the ground to a height of at least twenty (20) feet and create the impression of spatial separation without eliminating visual contact between uses.

Meeting Follow-up and other Correspondence:

Epic Games Property: granted by the North Carolina General Assembly, and the federal constitution. Cary’s authority through rules such as zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, and enforcement of the North Carolina Building Code, are designed to manage land use, growth, and development to promote public health, safety, and welfare.
The Cary Towne Center site currently complies with Cary’s ordinances. The grass and vegetation on the site are currently being maintained, the fence is a permanent chain link fence that is permitted by Cary’s ordinances, and the fence is located in an area that Cary does not regulate due to it being away from a thoroughfare. However, should issues arise that violate Cary’s ordinances, staff will investigate. The best way for citizens to contact staff regarding any concerns is by calling 311.

Wake County Mayors Association Christmas Party

On Monday evening, Mayor Weinbrecht, Councilmembers Sarika Bansal and Jack Smith, and elected officials from other municipalities gathered at the Club at 12 Oaks in Holly Springs for the annual Wake County Mayors Association Holiday Dinner party. This annual event is a great way to connect with other elected officials from across Wake County. 

Cary Jaycees Parade

On Saturday, December14, The Mayor and all Councilmembers participated in the Cary Jaycees Parade.

Wreaths Across America

On Saturday, December 14, Councilmember Michelle Craig and Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Bryson Robinson participated in the Wreaths Across America event at Cary’s Hillcrest Cemetery by delivering remarks and laying wreaths on the graves of veterans. Wreaths Across America is dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of military veterans. Guided by its mission “to Remember, Honor, and Teach,” the event is organized in partnership with local community organizations.

Healthy Homes Cary Partner Celebrates Permanent Cary Location

On Tuesday, Councilmembers Lori Bush and Carissa Kohn-Johnson joined Rebuilding Together of the Triangle (RTT) to celebrate the opening of their new office and warehouse on Chapel Hill Road. Through the Healthy Homes Cary Program, Cary partners with RTT to assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with critical home repairs. This support helps residents age in place, preserve safe and sanitary housing, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and promote energy efficiency.
Cary supported the acquisition of the Chapel Hill Road facility with housing funds to increase the impact of the Healthy Homes Cary program and foster organizational capacity to expand housing rehabilitation work regionally. At the housewarming, RTT announced that they will be kicking off the new year with a new name: Preserving Home.

CDBG & Cary Housing Funds Applications Open through February 12^th

Applications for 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Cary Housing Funds opened this week. Each year, Cary invites organizations working in the key areas of new housing development, housing rehabilitation, and housing stability support services to apply for funding. Cary supports these key initiative areas to further the goals of the Imagine Cary Community Plan and Cary Housing Plan  using a blend of local and federal funds. Applications are due Feb. 12 and awards are considered by Council in April.

Ashworth Village Redevelopment

The Ashworth Village site was the subject of a pre-application meeting held this week with Cary’s Development Review Committee. The redevelopment proposes a three-story mixed-use development with retail/restaurant space on the ground level and 22 multi-family units on the second and third floors. Most of the existing buildings fronting on W. Chatham St. and S. Academy St. will remain in place. These buildings include the Ashworth’s Drugs building, Chatham Street Wine Market, Serendipity, and Esteemed Coffee. The existing building south of the site, which includes Academy Street Bistro, will also remain. If the applicant chooses to move forward with the proposal, the next step would be to submit a development plan.

Electric Fire Truck Demonstration

On Monday, Cary Fire Station 9 hosted Pierce Manufacturing for a demonstration of the Volterra electric fire truck. Staff had the opportunity to test drive the vehicle, which features a Twin Drive transmission system that allows for a seamless transition between battery and diesel power. The truck can be fully charged in just 15 minutes. The truck charging system is provided by ABB, while Lord Corp. supplies adhesives for its construction. With its impressive speed and the ability to operate on electric power most of the time, the Volterra is a significant step forward for fire departments.

Cary will be the first in North Carolina to receive the Volterra, with delivery expected in spring 2025.

Andrea Harris Legacy HUB Award

The NC Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Office hosts an annual celebration during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. MED Week is a national event dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs. It highlights their contributions to the economy while fostering their growth and development.

This year, Assistant Finance Director, Denisha Harris was honored with the prestigious Andrea Harris Legacy HUB Award. This distinguished accolade recognizes Denisha’s exceptional efforts across the state in advancing supplier diversity and promoting business inclusion.

Police Traffic Safety Team Honored by the NCADA

On December 12, the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association (NCADA) honored the Cary Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team as a Hometown Hero Statewide Recipient at the 17th Annual NCADA Executive Forum in Greensboro. Nominated by Sergeant Josh Marks and Erick Kirks of Genesis of Cary, Officers Donnell Jackson, Kris Culin, and Jordan St. John were recognized for their unwavering dedication to improving roadway and pedestrian safety in the community. Through innovative initiatives and collaborative efforts, they have significantly reduced crashes and enhanced overall safety for residents.

Area-Wide Optimism Award

The NC Division of Water Resources recently awarded the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Facility (CAWTF) an Area-Wide Optimization (AWOP) Award for surpassing federal and state drinking water standards. Cary’s facility is one of only 16 in the state designated with Gold Star status, having met the AWOP requirements in the last 10 consecutive years. The State initiated this award as part of an effort to enhance performance of surface treatment facilities. It is issued to facilities with outstanding turbidity removal, which is an indicator of drinking water quality.

Arthur Pierce Road Crossing Rapid Flashing Beacon

On December 6, the recently installed crosswalk on Arthur Pierce Road was equipped with a Rapid Flashing Beacon. This device alerts motorists of pedestrians in the area at the push of a button. As staff were out inspecting this device on a foggy morning, they were pleased to see motorists yielding for the crosswalk when the device was activated.

Street Improvements Project Update

This year’s Street Improvements Project is substantially complete with pedestrian improvements recently being installed along the traffic circle at Greenwood Circle and Seabrook Ave. The improvements include new sidewalk connections, ADA complaint curb ramps, brick pedestrian refugees, and high-visibility pavement markings. These facilities provide an ADA accessible path around the traffic circle. This work was funded through the Spot Traffic Safety Program and incorporated into our Street Improvements Project, increasing efficiency allowing this work to be completed while the road was repaved. The remaining items include some final pavement markings, signage, and punch list items, which will be completed as weather permits.

Crabtree Creek Greenway Walkthrough

Staff conducted a walkthrough of the newly built section of the Crabtree Creek Greenway with representatives from the NC Department of Transportation and Lanier Construction, the primary contractor. The assessment found the project to be nearly complete and well-constructed.
Lanier Construction is now working to complete the final punch list items before officially turning the trail over to Cary. Construction began in March and the greenway is expected to open to the public in early 2025.

Dunham Playground Renovation is Complete

The new playground at R.S. “Dad” Dunham Park opened on December 12, featuring upgraded equipment for children ages 2 to 12. Highlights include swings, sound play, a spinner, and three spring riders, alongside the park’s classic sandbox and mature trees.

New soft surfacing enhances fall protection and ADA accessibility, ensuring a safer and more inclusive play area.

Holiday Festivities Continue

Downtown Cary is brimming with festive spirit, thanks to four beloved holiday traditions that celebrate creativity, community, and giving back.

The 14th Annual Gingerbread House Competition had a record-breaking 45 entries, nearly double last year’s turnout. Visitors flocked to downtown businesses and venues to view the edible masterpieces, including the overall champion, “Home for Christmas,” praised for its classic design and intricate details. Winning entries, awarded across four categories, are on display at the Cary Arts Center through December.

Meanwhile, the 13th Annual Gifting Tree Project has transformed South Academy Street and The Downtown Cary Park into a holiday wonderland with 120 decorated trees. Schools, families, and organizations compete for donations to their chosen nonprofits, with voting open through December 22. The top three winners will earn $500, $250, and $100 for their causes.

Adding to the festivities, Applause! Cary Youth Theatre and Seed Art Share presented A Peter Rabbit Christmas, an immersive theater experience at Downtown Cary Park. Audiences followed Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters through various park locations, culminating in a holiday carol on the stage.

Over at Bond Park, the Grinch joined children in a fun-filled candy cane hunt complete with keepsake crafts and hot chocolate.

Together, these events showcase creativity, generosity, and community spirit that make the holiday season in Cary truly special.

2024 Men’s College Cup

Last weekend, Cary hosted its 40th NCAA National Championship. In partnership with the University of North Carolina, Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, and NCFC Youth, we welcomed the 2024 NCAA Men’s College Cup to WakeMed Soccer Park. A crowd of 16,671 fans from across the country gathered to watch Denver, Ohio State, Marshall, and Vermont compete for the national title. In a historic moment, Vermont claimed its first-ever national championship trophy.

Virtual Neighborhood Rezoning Meeting – January 8^th

The following Neighborhood Meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 6:30 p.m.

• 24-REZ-15 Wake Western Regional

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

Upcoming Meetings

There are no public meetings next week. Cary Town Hall and most staffed facilities will be closed Tuesday through Thursday, December 24 – 26, for the Christmas Holiday and Wednesday, January 1, for New Year’s Day. Click here, to see how this affects curbside collection and other town services.

Bonds & Taxes Questions

There has been a lot of confusion (and misinformation) about three separate issues that were linked together by time and taxes. Those were 2024 property reevaluations by Wake County, the fiscal year 2025 tax rate which started on July 1^st, and the 2024 Cary parks bond. In addition, there is now misinformation about the 2019 remaining bond projects. I will attempt to address these below with my thoughts and understanding. These include my opinions which may not necessarily represent the town’s position.

Property Reevaluation

Property revaluation occurs every four years and is set by Wake County. Revaluations used to occur every eight years, but Wake County changed because property values were increasing very rapidly. I have heard that the county is now considering revaluation every two years, but I don’t know that for a fact. I believe that if the next revaluation isn’t for four years we will have another significant increase in property values.

It is important to understand why property values are increasing rapidly. The Raleigh Metro Area, which includes Cary, is one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play in the nation which drives up demand. When something is in high demand people are willing to pay more and that in turn drives up costs. I believe Cary is the most desirable out of all the municipalities in the Raleigh Metro Area. That means the demand is even higher in Cary. And if the demand is high and housing is in short supply, which is true for Cary, then the costs go up even more. That is why I believe there was a significant increase in property values in Cary. My property value went up by 63% in the last four years. BTW, high property value increases were true with all municipalities across Wake County.

I have heard some people say that they don’t plan to move so having high property values is not beneficial. Someone will realize that value whenever the property is sold. It could be your children, grandchildren, etc.

Tax Rate for FY 2025 that started on July 1st

As of July 1^st, the Cary Tax Rate moved to 32.5 cents per $100 of value from 34.5 cents. However, the revenue neutral rate would have been 24.5 cents. A revenue neutral rate is the rate where the municipality takes in the same amount of revenue as the previous year.

So why 8 cents above revenue neutral? 3 cents due to inflation, 2 cents to program expansion (parks and environment), 2 cents to debt service, and 1 cent due to General Fund replenishment. Also, in past years we have been able to subsidize taxes with growth. We are now a mature community, and that kind of growth is basically over.

What are some examples of inflation? Project bids are coming in about 50% above estimates, some with one bid, or sometimes we get no bids. Materials have skyrocketed. For example, sidewalk costs have doubled in the last four years and asphalt has increased by 40% in the same amount of time.

What are some examples of Parks and environment? Downtown Cary Park was one of the biggest additions to operating costs. Also, the McCrimmon Park and the Carpenter Fire Station Park. Miles of greenways were also added. Some environmental initiatives included electric vehicles such as one of the first electric fire trucks in the nation, one of the first electric garbage trucks in the nation. These initiatives have capital and operational costs. The good news is that these are investments.

Downtown Cary Park has been the catalyst for downtown development generating millions of dollars in economic benefit. That is, new businesses and residents generate more tax base which keeps your taxes lower. The electric vehicles save money on fuel costs and after two or three years the additional costs have been recovered. I believe these are good investments in addition to fulfilling a need.

Why did debt service increase? The biggest reason is the sale of a portion of the 2019 GO (General Obligation) bonds. GO bonds, which are voter approved, are debt at the lowest interest rate possible. This is possible because we have the highest rating of all bond rating agencies. A good portion of the 2019 bonds have not been sold yet so that debt has not occurred. The future sales of the remaining portion of the bonds will also increase debt service.

Why was money from the general fund spent? It was a strategic move to use extra reserves rather than debt. It should be noted that our General Fund balance is well above requirements, and we want to keep it that way because it helps keep our highest rating with the bond rating agencies. So, we need to replenish the General Fund.

What is the issue with sales tax revenue? Since Covid, sales tax revenue has been increasing by 8% to 9% annually. Last year, however, the increase was less than 1%. This is significant since sales tax is the second largest revenue source at 21.1%. Our biggest source of revenue is property tax at 59%.

2024 Parks Bond

The 2024 parks bond was about funding parks for the next ten to fifteen years. Since the bond was close to property revaluation and the new tax rate, a lot of people viewed this as a funding question for now. I believe that is one of the main reasons the bond failed.

It is important to understand that the council and the staff heard everyone loud and clear about the bonds. We have stopped all bond projects due to lack of funding. While I can’t predict what future council will do, I believe some of them, like the center at South Hills, will never happen. What does this mean? The following is my best guestimate:

The Center

The community center, senior center, and competitive space will not be built. The $75 million promised by Wake County will be rescinded. The $30 million annual increase in economic benefit, which would help keep our taxes low, will not happen.

Mills Park Community Center

This community center and senior center project has also been stopped. We have been planning on having a community center and senior center at this location for about a decade. IMHO, it would be almost another decade IF it was ever built. Why?  Historically bonds are at least five years apart. With large projects taking two years of planning/design and two years of construction that is another four years added to the five years IF everything is on schedule.

It is important to understand that we will now need to spend significant resources to maintain our existing community and senior centers, which are all over twenty years old. IMHO, expanding programs will be difficult due to lack of space. A future bond to build a center would be a question for a future council.

Tennis and Pickleball Expansion

I don’t believe the pickleball courts will be built at the tennis center. That expansion would have allowed more recreational opportunities for sports in high demand and more professional tennis and pickleball tournaments. This is a loss of millions of dollars in economic benefit, which again keeps our taxes low. The NC Tennis Hall of Fame will probably not be located here.

Walnut Street Greenway

The Walnut Creek Greenway from downtown to Fenton, to WakeMed Soccer Park, Triangle Aquatic Center, and the new South Hills redevelopment has been stopped. If future councils decide to do this, it might have to be funded with another bond. Again, I think that is years away. Not connecting all these destinations is a huge, missed opportunity not only for recreation but for quality of life.

Nature Park Master Plan

Cary has 217 acres of farmland that it is maintaining. Unfortunately, there are no trails, restrooms, or parking. It will be up to a future council to decide what to do with this property. For now, nothing will happen.

Asian Garden Master Plan

This idea of a one-to-two-acre Asian garden is stopped. I doubt it will ever be considered again.

What was this bond vote significant? Even if you don’t use a facility, it creates value for you. Like the 911 center, fire, and police, you may not ever use it. Hopefully, you won’t. But having the best of the best in services enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community. Great municipal services make your property in Cary more valuable.

2019 Bond Projects

Cary has moved into “maintenance mode” in this current period of the fiscal year 2025 budget (which began on July 1, 2024) for the following reasons:

• Unprecedented Construction Cost Climate 
• Downward Pressure on Sales Tax Receipts
• A desire by the Town Council to minimize any potential fiscal year 2026 Budget Property Tax Increase

This is causing a pause on the 2019 bond projects. The pause on these projects is not because of the 2024 bond vote. Some of the 2019 bonds have been sold and are reflected in this year’s tax rate, the remainder of the bond sales will be paused. Here is a list of remaining projects:

• Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening
• Louis Stephens Drive
• Veterans Freedom Park
• Tryon Road Park
• Walnut Creek Greenway
• Dutchman’s Branch Greenway
• Green Level Church Road Widening
• NC 55 Pedestrian Grade Separation
• O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening
• Action Sports Park

The length of time for the “maintenance period” is currently unknown. Staff are currently re-estimating projects for council reprioritization at our annual meeting in February.

Current Capital Projects

The following is a memo from the town manager about current capital projects:

“To clarify the discussion from last week’s Council Quarterly meeting, all capital projects that are not yet under construction are paused while staff updates cost estimates to reflect escalating construction costs. This pause allows time for the Council to prioritize projects based on current and projected construction costs over the next year.

As mentioned during the meeting, construction cost inflation has outpaced budgets, with costs reaching record highs, including in some cases an escalation of over 200% in the last few years. Staff will re-estimate all active capital projects based on recent construction prices and will apply best estimates of additional potential escalation over the next few years. This information will be prepared for Council evaluation, including a prioritization exercise at the February annual meeting. A similar exercise was done with the Council in 2009 when budgetary pressures and cost escalations were also high.

There are currently 377 active general capital projects within the Downtown, Fire, General Government, PRCR, and Transportation categories. A total of $768 million has been budgeted for these projects. Their current available balance is $265 million.

On the utility side, there are 222 active water and sewer projects with a total budget of $462 million and a combined available balance of $128 million.

Between February and June as part of the annual budget process, our focus will be on refining the capital improvements program to align with the current economic climate while remaining flexible to accommodate future financial and priority changes. Below are examples of projects that have been paused in preparation for the February discussion. These were shared during last week’s Quarterly meeting.

Sidewalks:

Chatham Street Small Segments

Old Apex Rd west of W Chatham Roundabout (Bid Rejected 11/14/2024)

Old Apex Road north of Young Landing Ct

Louis Stephens Drive

Green Level Church Rd Streetside Trail

Jenks Carpenter Rd Streetside Trail

Roberts Road

Norwell Blvd

Johnson St east of Harrison Ave

Johnson St (E) north of Chapel Hill

Sorrell Street

Nottingham Drive

Cary Pkwy (NW) at Sheldon Dr

Highfield Avenue

Maynard Rd north of Chapel Hill

Laura Duncan Road

Cary Parkway (NW) at Norwell

Chatham Street

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 1)

Ryan Road

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 2)

2019 Bond Projects:

Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening

Louis Stephens Drive

Veterans Freedom Park

Tryon Road Park

Walnut Creek Greenway

Dutchman’s Branch Greenway

Green Level Church Rd Widening

NC55 Pedestrian Grade Separation

O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening

Action Sports Park

Examples of Other Budgeted Capital Projects:

Street Improvements FY25

Optimist Farm Greenway

Lake Grove Dam Maintenance

Cary Tennis Park Improvements

Western Cary Community Facility

Parking Deck Technology

Highcroft Drive Extension

South Hills Community Center

Sidewalks FY25

Downtown Ped Improvements

Mobility Study

Cary Tennis Park Clubhouse Design

We remain focused on preparing for the February Annual Meeting and the FY 2026 budget and will provide you with timely updates as we move forward with our work.”

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Several complaints

Next Week

Next week is a holiday week so I have no meetings. I will be spending time with family and working on my State of Cary address. The following week will include a Menorah lighting ceremony.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, January 5^th, 2025. Although I have Facebook and Twitter accounts, those are not the best means of communication with me. Please send all Town of Cary questions or comments to Harold.Weinbrecht@carync.gov and email personal comments to augustanat@mindspring.com.

Waverly Place Rezoning Information

Monday I received a video created by the applicant of the Waverly Place rezoning. It did an excellent job of addressing stormwater, traffic, height, and other issues. If you want to better understand what the applicant is doing to address concerns you can view the video here.

NCAA Awards Cary Long Term Championships

On Tuesday the NCAA announced that Cary would host the men’s and women’s NCAA Division 1 soccer championships (College Cup) through 2028 and the NCAA Division II Baseball Championships through 2038. This is huge for Cary and will not only provide incredible entertainment but a significant economic benefit. Here is Cary’s press release:

The Town of Cary, along with its host partners, is excited to announce an expanded partnership with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), securing Cary as a host site for another decade of National Championships for Division II Baseball and four more years of Division I Women’s and Men’s Soccer College Cups. This extension builds on the recent award of six championships for the 2026-2028 seasons and will keep Cary as a pivotal NCAA host through 2038.
Cary’s relationship with the NCAA is strengthened through partnerships with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Mount Olive, which serve as the official host institutions for Women’s and Men’s College Cups and Division II Baseball, respectively.
“A tremendous amount of dedication goes into making these events successful,” said John Collins, Cary’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources. “This recognition underscores the quality of our facilities, the commitment of our staff, and the support of our outstanding partners.”
In October, the NCAA announced that WakeMed Soccer Park would continue hosting the Women’s and Men’s Division I Soccer College Cups in 2026 and 2027, increasing the total number of NCAA soccer champions to be crowned in Cary to 23. This most recent announcement also adds the 2028 College Cups to the slate of Cary-hosted soccer championships, with further discussions on future years already underway. Home to professional teams the NC Courage and North Carolina FC, WakeMed Soccer Park hosts a range of diverse events, from local festivals to international tournaments, including The Soccer Tournament (TST), recently recognized by Sports Destination Management as one of 2024’s “Champions of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism” alongside the Town itself as a host.
Also in October, the USA Baseball National Training Complex was selected to host the Division II Baseball World Series for the 15th and 16th times since 2009. The complex, recently renovated with an $11 million investment, now houses USA Baseball’s executive offices and a new indoor training center. Recognized by SportsTravel magazine as a top finalist for “Best New or Renovated Venue” in 2024, this facility continues to set the standard for championship baseball.
“Since 2003, Cary has proudly hosted NCAA championships across a wide variety of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, cross country, baseball, and tennis,” said Mayor Harold Weinbrecht. “It is both exciting and meaningful to share this milestone announcement alongside our esteemed partners. We take immense pride in providing athletes, their families, and our citizens with unforgettable experiences across our sports venues.”
With this extension, Cary’s portfolio of hosted events now exceeds 124 college championships, including 41 NCAA and 83 ACC titles. Through 2023, sports tourism in Cary has drawn over 10.5 million visitors, contributing nearly $300 million to the local economy.
“In the sports event industry, Cary’s brand is immaculate venues, exceptional hospitality, and attention to every detail, and the NCAA knows that better than anyone,” said Scott Dupree, Executive Director of the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, which worked closely with Cary and the NCAA on the long-term agreement. “Cary’s dedication to creating memorable championship experiences for student-athletes, families, and fans is unsurpassed. This agreement reflects Cary’s proven commitment to excellence, and it also reflects the NCAA’s trust in Cary.”
Returning on back-to-back weekends this December at Cary’s WakeMed Soccer Park, the Women’s College Cup championship match will be held on December 9. The Men’s College Cup follows, with semifinal matches on December 13, and the championship on Dec. 16.

Council Meeting Prep

Monday I attempted to contact council members about the upcoming regularly scheduled meeting Thursday. There was a concern about citizen feedback on the Parks System plan and comments about the Old Apex rezoning.

Later in the day I met with staff and Mayor Pro-Tem Byson-Robinson to go over the agenda items. The review took about fifteen minutes.

Manager One-On-One

Monday, I met with the town manager briefly. We mostly talked about this year’s budget, which ends on June 30^th, and next year’s budget.

There seems to be a misunderstanding about whether we have run out of money for this year’s budget, which is not true. What is true is that very high inflation on capital projects and materials will require us to re-estimate project costs and re-prioritize since those costs exceed the budgeted revenues. The bottom line is that we wont be able to do all the capital projects we thought at the beginning of the fiscal year on July 1^st.

NCAA Women’s Division I College Cup

Monday night I had the joy of attending the women’s NCAA Division I College Cup between North Carolina and Wake Forest. There were almost 10,000 in attendance. This was the 40^th NCAA Championship we have held since 2003 at Cary venues. I was joined by key Cary staff, college dignitaries, and others in the VIP suite. We were treated to a great match in which North Carolina prevailed 1-0. Congratulations to UNC on being the 2024 national champion.

NCAA President

During the College Cup match with UNC and Wake Forest, I was fortunate to meet the President of the NCAA Charlie Baker. In other roles he has served as the 72nd governor of Massachusetts from 2015 to 2023 and held two cabinet positions under two of the state’s previous governors. He also served for ten years as the CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.

After a few minutes of conversation about politics we held a brief presentation to thank him and the NCAA for selecting Cary for so many championships. The women’s College Cup was our 40^th and next week’s men’s College Cup will be our 41^st. We presented him with a framed picture of all 40 of the NCAA Championship logos we have held over the years. I thanked President Baker and the NCAA for believing in Cary to hold the best of the NCAA championships!

Cary Tennis Classic Board

Wednesday night I met with the Cary Tennis Classic Board. We discussed issues related to holding another combined women’s and men’s event next year. We hope to have the information and dates finalized sometime early next year.

Council Work Session

The scheduled work session for Thursday afternoon was cancelled out of precaution. Someone put an explosive device that had been assembled by a relative in their car and drove it to the police station. That was a very risky move. Never move an explosive device. Instead call the police.

Council Meeting

Thursday night the council held its last regularly scheduled meeting of the year, which lasted over four hours. The agenda included seven consent items, two public hearings, and two discussion items.

In the Public Speaks Out part of the meeting several people spoke against the rezoning on Old Apex Road that was up for a vote later in the meeting.

No one spoke at the first public hearing was on an annexation for Alston Yards which will be deferred to coincide with the rezoning vote. The second public hearing was the Greenwood Forest Baptist Church rezoning which had a couple dozen speakers. In the proposal they are partnering with the Town of Cary to provide housing units at 60% AMI for 30 years (if rented) or 80% AMI (if sold), provide 25,450 square feet of community gathering space, and provide a street-side trail along the site frontages. Most spoke in favor of this proposal. Those against were nearby neighborhoods concerned with traffic and aesthetics.

The first discussion item was the Old Apex Road rezoning. Council was split on this proposal expressing concerns that it could be better. After the thorough discussion the council unanimously voted to table this item indefinitely in hopes that the applicant would work with the neighbors to find some common ground.

Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade

Saturday, I joined the entire council in the Cary Jaycees Christmas Parade. The Grand Marshall of the parade was Ralph Ashworth who owned and operated Ashworth Drugs for decades.

Before the parade the council was instructed to park at the town hall and be carried three at a time to the starting point by a police ATV. Mayor Pro-Tem Robinson and I were the last two waiting. With the parade about to start and us still at town hall, the fire chief decided that one of the town’s fire trucks would take us to the start. This was the first time I had ridden in a fire truck. What a treat. My two-year-old grandson would have loved it.

The parade was fun as usual. I was driven in a convertible by Bob and Debra Grannon. This was the largest crowd I have witnessed at a Cary Christmas parade. Everyone seemed friendly and having a great time.

Safety rules no longer allow candy to be thrown since it encourages children to run toward vehicles. So, I along with several council members walked part of the route backwards from the Cary Arts Center to Chatham and handed out candy. What a great time to celebrate in Cary.

Christ the King Lutheran Church Anniversary

Sunday I was honored to be invited to speak at the 60^th anniversary of Christ the King Lutheran church. I was a child Charter member. I talked about my memories as a child of an unwed mother and how I felt loved and accepted when we were shunned by much of society at that time. This fits their current values, that is, everyone is welcome in their church no matter what.

Other speakers included previous pastors, current pastors, the bishop of the NC Synod, and others from the congregation. Afterwards, a special banquet was held for everyone.

Christ the King models the mission of inclusion that the town promotes. I am so glad to have them in our community.

Rehearsal for Downtown Christmastime Tour

On Tuesday, December 17^th at 5:30 I will be part of “Christmastime in Cary: A Living History Stroll Through Time”. I am playing the part of Frank Page, Cary’s founder. The tour will begin at the Fidelity Bank Brick courtyard, with stops at Ashworth’s Drugs, the Guess-Ogle House, the Ester Ivey House, and ending at the Cary Arts Center.

The rehearsal was Sunday afternoon, and we did two practices at each stop. The kids playing Frank Page’s children were amazing. This is going to be a great production.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

In November, the Historic Preservation Commission voted to recommend a proposal for the historic Nancy Jones House at 9321 Chapel Hill Road to be used as a “Cary History and Family Research Center.” The proposal was developed by the Nancy Jones House Use Committee, formed in August 2024, which includes three members of the Historic Preservation Commission and support from the Friends of the Page-Walker. The Friends of the Page-Walker board unanimously endorsed the plan during their Nov. 6 meeting, as detailed in their letter.
In the coming months, Councilmember Craig, staff, and I will work together to evaluate the feasibility of this potential use.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

December 12 Council Meeting Follow-up

Staff is working on follow-up to questions asked last night regarding 24-REZ-07 Greenwood Forest Baptist Church Mixed-Use Rezoning and 21-REZ-16 Old Apex Road Rezoning.

Christmas Kicks Off in Cary

Last Saturday, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Michelle Craig attended the Victorian Christmas celebration at the Page-Walker. Hundreds of families attended and were transported to a bygone era with carolers in Dickensian attire, ornament crafting, and Father Christmas himself, experiencing the magic of Christmas in Cary’s early days.

Meanwhile, Downtown Cary Park came alive with a full day of holiday cheer for the annual Christmas Tree Lighting. Over 700 children captured cherished moments with Santa at the Academy Pavilion. A crowd of over 5,000 gathered to witness Mayor Weinbrecht alongside Councilmembers Michelle Craig, Carissa Kohn-Johnson, Jack Smith, and Sarika Bansal, flipping the switch to illuminate Cary’s Christmas Tree. This year’s tree lighting drew the largest audience ever, spreading holiday joy far and wide while also live-streaming the ceremony for all to enjoy.

2024 Men’s and Women’s College Cup and Long-Term NCAA Hosts Announcement

This past week, Cary, in collaboration with the University of North Carolina, the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance, and NCFC Youth, proudly hosted the 2024 NCAA Women’s College Cup at WakeMed Soccer Park. The event drew a record-breaking 19,808 fans from across the country.

During the championship match, Cary had the honor of welcoming the NCAA President for the first time. Mayor Weinbrecht presented him with a special gift to commemorate the 40th NCAA Championship held in Cary on Monday, December16. This milestone reflects the tireless efforts of staff from multiple departments — including PRCR, Public Works, Police, Marketing, and IT — who worked collaboratively for months to ensure the success of this premier event.

In an exciting development, Cary and the NCAA announced on Monday that Cary will become a long-term host for both the NCAA Division I soccer and Division II baseball national championships. Cary’s dedication and excellence in hosting national sports events have solidified its reputation as a premier destination, earning the trust of the NCAA for years to come.

Winter Wonderland

Last Saturday, the Cary Police Department’s Community Services team hosted its annual Winter Wonderland Event, a festive celebration designed to bring holiday cheer to children from underserved communities.
This year’s event saw a record turnout, with 48 families gathering at the Herb Young Community Center. The Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) team made the day extra special by gifting each child a bicycle, scooter, or pair of rollerblades. Additionally, children received essential winter items like coats, hats, and gloves, along with toys and toiletries. Families also enjoyed a hearty meal, ensuring that all felt the spirit of the season. A special thank you to our community partners who came together to make this event memorable for the families who attended.

603 East Chatham Street Demolition Permit

Cary has received an application to demolish the main building and accessory structure at 603 E. Chatham Street, located directly to the east of Fire Station #2. The demolition permit is currently under staff review and is expected to be issued in the coming weeks. Built around 1930, the property most recently housed LT Fleming Antiques. The property is not recognized as a Local Historic Landmark nor is it listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

A development plan has also been submitted for the .82-acre site, proposing the construction of 22 condominium units and retail space. The property is zoned Town Center Mixed Use (TC-MXD).

Wake County West Regional Library Renovation

Wake County’s West Regional Library, originally built in 2006 to serve western Cary and Morrisville, will be closing for renovations on Sunday, January 5. The upgrades will be like those at North and Eva Perry Regional Libraries, addressing aging building systems, workflow, and aesthetics. Specific improvements include improved layouts, furnishings, shelving, floor and wall finishes, high-efficiency LED lighting, HVAC equipment, and support space improvements. Wake County’s Facilities Design and Construction team will be posting periodic updates on their website and is anticipating re-opening in Fall 2025. 

NCDOT Plans to Improve I-40 between Harrison Avenue and Aviation Parkway

NCDOT is beginning the planning phase to add auxiliary lanes—short lanes that connect entrance and exit ramps—on I-40 between Harrison Avenue and Aviation Parkway. The project also includes replacing the Old Reedy Creek Road bridge, which links Lake Crabtree Park to Umstead State Park, as well as two bridges over Crabtree Creek. Planning is underway, with construction currently expected to begin in 2031.

Cary Advances Bike Plan

On Wednesday, Cary staff and project consultant Toole Design met with Cary’s Bike Plan Focus Group, a citizen advisory group shaping Cary’s evolving Bike Plan. Discussions focused on aligning the plan with the draft Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Greenway Plan, addressing themes like safety and connectivity, and reviewing the timeline for adoption, targeted for 2025 after public input.

The updated Bike Plan will guide future transportation investments to make bicycling in Cary safer, more comfortable, and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Key elements include a bikeway network with separation from vehicles in high-traffic areas, protected bike lanes with barriers, and behind-the-curb shared-use paths.

Wake Forest and Cary Staff Collaborate on Senior Programs and Services

On Thursday, Program Manager for Seniors and Aging Michelle Barrett and Operations and Program Supervisor Brett Moraes welcomed Wake Forest Assistant Town Manager Candace Davis, along with staff members Jennie Griggs and Kay Gambel, to the Cary Senior Center. The group toured the facility and held a collaborative meeting to exchange ideas on programs and services.

Earlier in the week, Michelle spoke at the MacGregor Rotary Club meeting on Wednesday, sharing insights into Cary’s services and programs for seniors. She was joined by Senior Advisory Board Chairman Barry Mitsch, who answered questions about his role and contributions to the board.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment

In collaboration with NC State Forest Health and the NC Forest Service, 119 hemlock trees at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve were treated with insecticides to protect them from the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid. This treatment, conducted every five years, plays a vital role in preserving this keystone species.

Upcoming Meetings

Athletic Committee
Monday, December 16
6:00 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Board
Monday, December 16
6:30 p.m.

Cultural Arts Committee
Tuesday, December 17
6:00 p.m.

Public Art Advisory Board
Wednesday, December 18
6:15 p.m.

Greenway Committee
Thursday, December 19
6:00 p.m.

Bonds & Taxes Questions

There has been a lot of confusion (and misinformation) about three separate issues that were linked together by time and taxes. Those were 2024 property reevaluations by Wake County, the fiscal year 2025 tax rate which started on July 1^st, and the 2024 Cary parks bond. In addition, there is now misinformation about the 2019 remaining bond projects. I will attempt to address these below with my thoughts and understanding. These include my opinions which may not necessarily represent the town’s position.

Property Reevaluation

Property revaluation occurs every four years and is set by Wake County. Revaluations used to occur every eight years, but Wake County changed because property values were increasing very rapidly. I have heard that the county is now considering revaluation every two years, but I don’t know that for a fact. I believe that if the next revaluation isn’t for four years we will have another significant increase in property values.

It is important to understand why property values are increasing rapidly. The Raleigh Metro Area, which includes Cary, is one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play in the nation which drives up demand. When something is in high demand people are willing to pay more and that in turn drives up costs. I believe Cary is the most desirable out of all the municipalities in the Raleigh Metro Area. That means the demand is even higher in Cary. And if the demand is high and housing is in short supply, which is true for Cary, then the costs go up even more. That is why I believe there was a significant increase in property values in Cary. My property value went up by 63% in the last four years. BTW, high property value increases were true with all municipalities across Wake County.

I have heard some people say that they don’t plan to move so having high property values is not beneficial. Someone will realize that value whenever the property is sold. It could be your children, grandchildren, etc.

Tax Rate for FY 2025 that started on July 1st

As of July 1^st, the Cary Tax Rate moved to 32.5 cents per $100 of value from 34.5 cents. However, the revenue neutral rate would have been 24.5 cents. A revenue neutral rate is the rate where the municipality takes in the same amount of revenue as the previous year.

So why 8 cents above revenue neutral? 3 cents due to inflation, 2 cents to program expansion (parks and environment), 2 cents to debt service, and 1 cent due to General Fund replenishment. Also, in past years we have been able to subsidize taxes with growth. We are now a mature community, and that kind of growth is basically over.

What are some examples of inflation? Project bids are coming in about 50% above estimates, some with one bid, or sometimes we get no bids. Materials have skyrocketed. For example, sidewalk costs have doubled in the last four years and asphalt has increased by 40% in the same amount of time.

What are some examples of Parks and environment? Downtown Cary Park was one of the biggest additions to operating costs. Also, the McCrimmon Park and the Carpenter Fire Station Park. Miles of greenways were also added. Some environmental initiatives included electric vehicles such as one of the first electric fire trucks in the nation, one of the first electric garbage trucks in the nation. These initiatives have capital and operational costs. The good news is that these are investments.

Downtown Cary Park has been the catalyst for downtown development generating millions of dollars in economic benefit. That is, new businesses and residents generate more tax base which keeps your taxes lower. The electric vehicles save money on fuel costs and after two or three years the additional costs have been recovered. I believe these are good investments in addition to fulfilling a need.

Why did debt service increase? The biggest reason is the sale of a portion of the 2019 GO (General Obligation) bonds. GO bonds, which are voter approved, are debt at the lowest interest rate possible. This is possible because we have the highest rating of all bond rating agencies. A good portion of the 2019 bonds have not been sold yet so that debt has not occurred. The future sales of the remaining portion of the bonds will also increase debt service.

Why was money from the general fund spent? It was a strategic move to use extra reserves rather than debt. It should be noted that our General Fund balance is well above requirements, and we want to keep it that way because it helps keep our highest rating with the bond rating agencies. So, we need to replenish the General Fund.

What is the issue with sales tax revenue? Since Covid, sales tax revenue has been increasing by 8% to 9% annually. Last year, however, the increase was less than 1%. This is significant since sales tax is the second largest revenue source at 21.1%. Our biggest source of revenue is property tax at 59%.

2024 Parks Bond

The 2024 parks bond was about funding parks for the next ten to fifteen years. Since the bond was close to property revaluation and the new tax rate, a lot of people viewed this as a funding question for now. I believe that is one of the main reasons the bond failed.

It is important to understand that the council and the staff heard everyone loud and clear about the bonds. We have stopped all bond projects due to lack of funding. While I can’t predict what future council will do, I believe some of them, like the center at South Hills, will never happen. What does this mean? The following is my best guestimate:

The Center

The community center, senior center, and competitive space will not be built. The $75 million promised by Wake County will be rescinded. The $30 million annual increase in economic benefit, which would help keep our taxes low, will not happen.

Mills Park Community Center

This community center and senior center project has also been stopped. We have been planning on having a community center and senior center at this location for about a decade. IMHO, it would be almost another decade IF it was ever built. Why?  Historically bonds are at least five years apart. With large projects taking two years of planning/design and two years of construction that is another four years added to the five years IF everything is on schedule.

It is important to understand that we will now need to spend significant resources to maintain our existing community and senior centers, which are all over twenty years old. IMHO, expanding programs will be difficult due to lack of space. A future bond to build a center would be a question for a future council.

Tennis and Pickleball Expansion

I don’t believe the pickleball courts will be built at the tennis center. That expansion would have allowed more recreational opportunities for sports in high demand and more professional tennis and pickleball tournaments. This is a loss of millions of dollars in economic benefit, which again keeps our taxes low. The NC Tennis Hall of Fame will probably not be located here.

Walnut Street Greenway

The Walnut Creek Greenway from downtown to Fenton, to WakeMed Soccer Park, Triangle Aquatic Center, and the new South Hills redevelopment has been stopped. If future councils decide to do this, it might have to be funded with another bond. Again, I think that is years away. Not connecting all these destinations is a huge, missed opportunity not only for recreation but for quality of life.

Nature Park Master Plan

Cary has 217 acres of farmland that it is maintaining. Unfortunately, there are no trails, restrooms, or parking. It will be up to a future council to decide what to do with this property. For now, nothing will happen.

Asian Garden Master Plan

This idea of a one-to-two-acre Asian garden is stopped. I doubt it will ever be considered again.

What was this bond vote significant? Even if you don’t use a facility, it creates value for you. Like the 911 center, fire, and police, you may not ever use it. Hopefully, you won’t. But having the best of the best in services enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community. Great municipal services make your property in Cary more valuable.

2019 Bond Projects

Cary has moved into “maintenance mode” in this current period of the fiscal year 2025 budget (which began on July 1, 2024) for the following reasons:

• Unprecedented Construction Cost Climate 
• Downward Pressure on Sales Tax Receipts
• A desire by the Town Council to minimize any potential fiscal year 2026 Budget Property Tax Increase

This is causing a pause on the 2019 bond projects. The pause on these projects is not because of the 2024 bond vote. Some of the 2019 bonds have been sold and are reflected in this year’s tax rate, the remainder of the bond sales will be paused. Here is a list of remaining projects:

• Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening
• Louis Stephens Drive
• Veterans Freedom Park
• Tryon Road Park
• Walnut Creek Greenway
• Dutchman’s Branch Greenway
• Green Level Church Road Widening
• NC 55 Pedestrian Grade Separation
• O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening
• Action Sports Park

The length of time for the “maintenance period” is currently unknown. Staff are currently re-estimating projects for council reprioritization at our annual meeting in February.

Current Capital Projects

The following is a memo from the town manager about current capital projects:

“To clarify the discussion from last week’s Council Quarterly meeting, all capital projects that are not yet under construction are paused while staff updates cost estimates to reflect escalating construction costs. This pause allows time for the Council to prioritize projects based on current and projected construction costs over the next year.

As mentioned during the meeting, construction cost inflation has outpaced budgets, with costs reaching record highs, including in some cases an escalation of over 200% in the last few years. Staff will re-estimate all active capital projects based on recent construction prices and will apply best estimates of additional potential escalation over the next few years. This information will be prepared for Council evaluation, including a prioritization exercise at the February annual meeting. A similar exercise was done with the Council in 2009 when budgetary pressures and cost escalations were also high.

There are currently 377 active general capital projects within the Downtown, Fire, General Government, PRCR, and Transportation categories. A total of $768 million has been budgeted for these projects. Their current available balance is $265 million.

On the utility side, there are 222 active water and sewer projects with a total budget of $462 million and a combined available balance of $128 million.

Between February and June as part of the annual budget process, our focus will be on refining the capital improvements program to align with the current economic climate while remaining flexible to accommodate future financial and priority changes. Below are examples of projects that have been paused in preparation for the February discussion. These were shared during last week’s Quarterly meeting.

Sidewalks:

Chatham Street Small Segments

Old Apex Rd west of W Chatham Roundabout (Bid Rejected 11/14/2024)

Old Apex Road north of Young Landing Ct

Louis Stephens Drive

Green Level Church Rd Streetside Trail

Jenks Carpenter Rd Streetside Trail

Roberts Road

Norwell Blvd

Johnson St east of Harrison Ave

Johnson St (E) north of Chapel Hill

Sorrell Street

Nottingham Drive

Cary Pkwy (NW) at Sheldon Dr

Highfield Avenue

Maynard Rd north of Chapel Hill

Laura Duncan Road

Cary Parkway (NW) at Norwell

Chatham Street

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 1)

Ryan Road

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 2)

2019 Bond Projects:

Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening

Louis Stephens Drive

Veterans Freedom Park

Tryon Road Park

Walnut Creek Greenway

Dutchman’s Branch Greenway

Green Level Church Rd Widening

NC55 Pedestrian Grade Separation

O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening

Action Sports Park

Examples of Other Budgeted Capital Projects:

Street Improvements FY25

Optimist Farm Greenway

Lake Grove Dam Maintenance

Cary Tennis Park Improvements

Western Cary Community Facility

Parking Deck Technology

Highcroft Drive Extension

South Hills Community Center

Sidewalks FY25

Downtown Ped Improvements

Mobility Study

Cary Tennis Park Clubhouse Design

We remain focused on preparing for the February Annual Meeting and the FY 2026 budget and will provide you with timely updates as we move forward with our work.”

Mayor’s Mailbox

• Several complaints about the Old Apex rezoning proposal 21-REZ-16.
• A question of whether Mariah Carey was going to visit Cary. (I don’t think so. I heard she has the flu and cancelled the rest of her tour.)
• A complaint about right-of-way and public access to the Black Creek Greenway.
• A complaint about growth (we have been growing at around 2 ½% for 16 consecutive years)
• Requests to support the Greenwood Forest rezoning proposal 24-REZ-07.
• A complaint about the Greenwood Forest rezoning proposal 24-REZ-07.
• A request to support the Green Level Church Road rezoning 22-REZ-06.
• A complaint about an entry in the Cary Christmas Parade (The Cary Jaycees determine who is in the parade not the Town of Cary).
• Several requests to hold a special meeting about “large scale violence targeting minorities in Bangladesh”. (Our focus is the town’s core services. We do not get involved in national and international issues. Those should be addressed by the men and women representing us in Congress.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, the Wake County Mayors Association annual banquet, and the Historic Holiday Tour performance.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 22^nd, 2024. 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 briefly. Topics included the HRID committee, and a special project that may be coming to Cary. Afterwards I joined the town manager in a brief discussion with a representative of the Waverly Place rezoning.

HRID meeting

Tuesday night I joined a meeting of HRID (Human Relations, Inclusion, & Diversity Advisory Board. They were given a presentation on sustainability and climate action strategy from staff, discussed their goals from their work plan, and talked about ways to participate in spring community engagement events. After these items I gave an update on the council and town activities.

First Responders Breakfast

Wednesday morning I joined most of the council and several hundred people at the Cary Chamber’s First Responders Breakfast.

The keynote speaker was Lewis Merietti, the retired Director of Secret Service, and a Green Baret Vietnam Veteran. His hour-long talk included his training and service in Vietnam, and his various roles in the Secret Service including protecting the first family. His decision-making skills prevented an assassination attempt on President Clinton. One interesting comment he made at the beginning and end of his talk was that the Secret Service is currently broken.

The breakfast was attended by citizens, community leaders, and our first responders. It was our chance to thank those who “rush towards danger rather than from it”. They put their lives at risk every day so that we are safe. God bless all our first responders!

The Carying Place Housewarming Event

Wednesday I toured the newest transition home owned by The Carying Place for homeless working families. The Carying Place offers a variety of services to help these families and own fourteen homes to help them transition to a more permanent housing solution. Their very high success rate with families is heartwarming. The Town of Cary has been supporting their mission for years. If you feel so inclined, I urge you to visit their website at https://www.thecaryingplace.org/ and find out how you can help.

Citizens Assisting Police Appreciation Dinner

Wednesday night I joined council member Smith in an appreciation dinner for CAP (Citizens Assisting Police) team members. This is an annual event hosted by the Cary Police Department to show gratitude for all the volunteers. These volunteers provide services annually that equate to over $150,000 in savings. Like me, they believe the Cary Police Department is the best of the best and have no problem spending countless hours helping. We are a better community because of them. Thank you CAP Team!

Farmington Woods Elementary Magnet Tour

Thursday morning, I joined council member Craig on a tour of Farmington Woods Elementary which is an IB/PYP (International Baccalaureate/ Primary Years Programme) Magnet school. According to the website:

“PYP is an inquiry-based, transdisciplinary curriculum framework that builds conceptual understanding. It is a student-centered approach to education for children aged 3-12. It reflects the best of educational research, thought leadership and experience derived from IB World Schools.

PYP has evolved to become a world leader in future-focused education. PYP is an example of the best educational practice globally, responding to the challenges and opportunities facing young students in our rapidly changing world.”

We were able to see firsthand the approach. It was very impressive and something all parents with school-aged students should consider. A big thank you for the PTA and administration for hosting us.

Joint MPO Rail Subcommittee Meeting Real Visioning Committee Meeting

Friday, I spent half a day with several elected officials and transportation experts as part of a visioning exercise for future rail in the region. Our focus was on Passenger Rail as opposed to Commuter Rail and Light Rail. Here are some of my main takeaways:

• Passenger Rail is an intercity service with stations every 7 to 20 miles. It uses existing tracks and is funded by the FRA (Federal Rail Administration).
• Commuter Rail is a downtown area focused on peak service with stations every 2 to 5 miles. It can also use existing tracks but is funded by the FTA (Federal Transit Administration).
• Light Rail is an urban service with its own set of tracks that do not accommodate any other type of rail. This is funded by the FTA.
• The FRA has monies which will help build infrastructure such as separated grade crossings.
• Currently we would not be very competitive getting FTA dollars.
• Infrastructure is needed for Commuter Rail. Using FRA and Passenger Rail is an incremental step to getting to Commuter Rail.

In summary there is very little chance of getting federal dollars for Commuter Rail, but we could get dollars for Passenger Rail which will help us prepare for Commuter Rail.

Victorian Christmas at the Page-Walker

Saturday afternoon I visited the Page-Walker which was hosting a Victorian Christmas. On the first floor were refreshments and a quartet singing Christmas Carols a cappella. On the second floor I met, and had my picture made, with Father Christmas. On the third-floor crafts, ornaments, and other Christmas items were made. This was a big hit for the children. It was a great time to experience some Christmas joy.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Saturday night I joined council members Smith, Kohn-Johnson, Craig, Bansal, and thousands of attendees for the annual Christmas tree lighting. Everyone who attended was offered a necklace of blinking lights. The emcee of the event was WRAL’s Debra Morgan who also emceed last year’s. After a few words she introduced me, I made a few comments about holiday activities, and then we did a countdown from 10. During the ceremony all necklaces were synchronized. At the end of the countdown the council pressed the magic button and the tree was lit. This was the first year a button was used. In the past it was a lever. The event was live streamed, and you can view a recap here. What a great event. I hope everyone enjoyed the Christmas tree lighting event and has a happy holiday season.

Town Manager’s Report

Sean’s Message

The annual Tree Lighting Celebration is about to take place in our beautiful Downtown Park. I’m deeply grateful to our staff for their hard work in making this event such a success for our community. It’s wonderful to see so many people downtown enjoying our wide array of holiday decorations.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sean

Work Session Follow up from November 14^th

At the Council’s work session on November 14, 2024, Councilmembers expressed interest in better understanding what the buildings at Alston Yards could look like from N.C. 55. In response to this inquiry, the applicant has provided information to help illustrate the spatial relationship of the building facades to the edge of the street, as well as the likely appearance and visibility of such buildings with a planted streetscape. Please note, other important considerations such as the mix of building heights are still being addressed by staff. If you have any questions, please contact Rob Wilson.

Correspondence Follow Up

Duke Health– Information concerning primary contact
Epic Games– Withdrawal of rezoning request 21-REZ-10

First Responders Breakfast and CAP Dinner

On Wednesday morning, The Cary Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual First Responders Breakfast. Mayor Weinbrecht, along with Councilmembers Jack Smith, Michelle Craig, and Sarika Bansal, joined Fire Chief Mike Cooper and Police Chief Terry Sult to honor the individuals who dedicate their lives to keeping our community safe.

Later that evening, the Mayor, Councilmember Smith, and Chief Sult attended the Citizens Assisting Police (CAP) Holiday Dinner. This event celebrated the dedication of volunteers who support the Cary Police Department throughout the year. Volunteers were recognized for their invaluable contributions, emphasizing their essential role in promoting community safety and collaboration.

The Carying Place Holiday Housewarming

On Wednesday, Cary staff joined Mayor Harold Weinbrecht and Councilmember Lori Bush at a housewarming for The Carying Place’s recent addition to their transitional housing portfolio. The Carying Place, a Cary-based nonprofit, provides housing, financial literacy, and counseling to families experiencing housing instability and homelessness. Cary has supported the purchase and renovation of 14 scattered site units throughout the community, in part, with federal Community Development Block Grant funds. 

WakeUp Wake County Annual Reception

On Thursday, Councilmember Lori Bush attended the WakeUp Wake County and RaleighForward Annual Reception, themed Raising the Roof: Housing Choices in Wake County. The event featured a keynote address by Vicki Been, Faculty Director of NYU’s Furman Center and former NYC Deputy Mayor, who shared valuable insights on creating diverse and affordable housing options. Executive Directors Bert Fox and Eric Braun also spoke, outlining their organizations’ 2025 priorities for education and advocacy. The evening highlighted a shared vision for fostering a sustainable and equitable region.

Cary Partner Organizations Celebrate the Holidays

Two of our beloved nonprofits celebrated the holidays this week among their volunteers, highlighting the community spirit and cultural connections they help foster year-round.

On December 4, The Friends of the Page-Walker hosted their annual holiday potluck dinner at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center. The Friends and their guests gathered for an old-fashioned pitch-in dinner, followed by a traditional music performance provided by the Triangle Folk Music Society. Councilmember Michelle Craig, who serves as the group’s liaison, joined the celebration.

The following evening, Cary Sister Cities hosted a festive holiday meet-up to celebrate Cary’s international Sister Cities program. The event brought together a mix of participants, including State Senator Gale Adcock, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, and Councilmember Jack Smith, who serves as the group’s liaison. Councilmembers Michelle Craig and Sarika Bansal also joined, fostering cultural connections and spreading holiday cheer among attendees.

Marketing Hosts Central Pines Regional Council

On Tuesday, Cary’s Marketing team hosted staff from Central Pines Regional Council to discuss the potential for future collaboration between the two. The Marketing team shared several examples of recently produced videos and provided a tour of Council Chambers, demonstrating the technology involved in producing Council meetings and CaryTV. The visit proved to be a wonderful opportunity to build new connections between the two organizations. Currently, Cary’s IT department provides technological support for Central Pines.

Quinard Drive Extension Utility Work

Beginning December 6, contractors working on behalf of Fenton Development will implement temporary traffic modifications on SE Maynard Road through December 7 to support water tie-in work related to the Quinard Drive extension project. Weather permitting, traffic will be reduced to a two-lane, two-way pattern in both northbound and southbound directions along SE Maynard Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to seek alternative routes.

New Neighborhood Improvement Grant Project Completed

Nestled between SE Cary Parkway and Kildaire Farm Road, the Hanover Place neighborhood features charming single-family patio homes with nearby greenway trails, shopping centers, and public transit stops. To improve connectivity between these nearby amenities, residents proposed a plan to pave a private path from the neighborhood to High Meadow Drive. The Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program supported the project with funding to construct the path and beautify the area with new landscaping.

Traffic Management Center Tour for Girl Scouts

A few months ago, Girl Scouts from troop 4081 came to Public Speaks Out and began their efforts to obtain their Silver Award, focusing their project on safety improvements at an intersection near their neighborhood. Last week, we gave the Scouts and their families a tour of the Traffic Management Center (TMC). Cary staff took the opportunity to share with them how engineers evaluate our Traffic Signal System and make safety improvements. The Scouts said the event was “amazing” and are already looking for additional tours around Cary to learn more about how their government serves them. We’re happy to report that they’ve successfully obtained their Silver Award. 

WWRWRF Welcomes City of Canton Georgia

On November 6 the Western Wake Regional Water Reclamation Facility hosted Utilities staff from the City of Canton, Georgia to showcase Cary’s biosolids drying operation. Canton is constructing a biosolids drying facility that will begin operations in 2025. Their team arrived eager to discuss the best operational practices Cary has learned over our 10 years of drying experience. The visitors took a comprehensive tour of the facility to get a firsthand look at our drying processes and solutions. The group also discussed the final product produced by our dryer—a Class A Exceptional Quality biosolid—and its beneficial reuse and marketing potential.

Utility of the Future Award

Cary’s Utilities Department was recognized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) for the fourth consecutive year as a Utility of the Future Award recipient in the category of Partnership and Engagement at the Annual WEFTEC Conference in Chicago. Cary’s submission focused on the service delivery and outreach efforts related to three major programs – Sewer Main Rehabilitation, Lead and Copper Rule Engagement, and Water Main Replacement. While each program required significantly different partnering approaches, key goals included ensuring citizen involvement and creating project awareness. A significant success factor for each of these programs involved an internal partnership with Cary’s 311 citizen advocates who provided critical information to our citizens while ensuring consistency in our messaging.

Upcoming Meetings

Environmental Advisory Board
Tuesday, December 10
6:00 p.m.

Historic Preservation Commission
Wednesday, December 11
6:30 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Work Session)
Thursday, December 12
4:45 p.m.

Town Council Meeting (Regular)
Thursday, December 12
6:30 p.m.

Bonds & Taxes Questions

There has been a lot of confusion (and misinformation) about three separate issues that were linked together by time and taxes. Those were 2024 property reevaluations by Wake County, the fiscal year 2025 tax rate which started on July 1^st, and the 2024 Cary parks bond. In addition, there is now misinformation about the 2019 remaining bond projects. I will attempt to address these below with my thoughts and understanding. These include my opinions which may not necessarily represent the town’s position.

Property Reevaluation

Property revaluation occurs every four years and is set by Wake County. Revaluations used to occur every eight years, but Wake County changed because property values were increasing very rapidly. I have heard that the county is now considering revaluation every two years, but I don’t know that for a fact. I believe that if the next revaluation isn’t for four years we will have another significant increase in property values.

It is important to understand why property values are increasing rapidly. The Raleigh Metro Area, which includes Cary, is one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play in the nation which drives up demand. When something is in high demand people are willing to pay more and that in turn drives up costs. I believe Cary is the most desirable out of all the municipalities in the Raleigh Metro Area. That means the demand is even higher in Cary. And if the demand is high and housing is in short supply, which is true for Cary, then the costs go up even more. That is why I believe there was a significant increase in property values in Cary. My property value went up by 63% in the last four years. BTW, high property value increases were true with all municipalities across Wake County.

Tax Rate for FY 2025 that started on July 1st

As of July 1^st, the Cary Tax Rate moved to 32.5 cents per $100 of value from 34.5 cents. However, the revenue neutral rate would have been 24.5 cents. A revenue neutral rate is the rate where the municipality takes in the same amount of revenue as the previous year.

So why 8 cents above revenue neutral? 3 cents due to inflation, 2 cents to program expansion (parks and environment), 2 cents to debt service, and 1 cent due to General Fund replenishment. Also, in past years we have been able to subsidize taxes with growth. We are now a mature community, and that kind of growth is basically over.

What are some examples of inflation? Project bids are coming in about 50% above estimates, some with one bid, or sometimes we get no bids. Materials have skyrocketed. For example, sidewalk costs have doubled in the last four years and asphalt has increased by 40% in the same amount of time.

What are some examples of Parks and environment? Downtown Cary Park was one of the biggest additions to operating costs. Also, the McCrimmon Park and the Carpenter Fire Station Park. Miles of greenways were also added. Some environmental initiatives included electric vehicles such as one of the first electric fire trucks in the nation, one of the first electric garbage trucks in the nation. These initiatives have capital and operational costs. The good news is that these are investments.

Downtown Cary Park has been the catalyst for downtown development generating millions of dollars in economic benefit. That is, new businesses and residents generate more tax base which keeps your taxes lower. The electric vehicles save money on fuel costs and after two or three years the additional costs have been recovered. I believe these are good investments in addition to fulfilling a need.

Why did debt service increase? The biggest reason is the sale of a portion of the 2019 GO (General Obligation) bonds. GO bonds, which are voter approved, are debt at the lowest interest rate possible. This is possible because we have the highest rating of all bond rating agencies. A good portion of the 2019 bonds have not been sold yet so that debt has not occurred. The future sales of the remaining portion of the bonds will also increase debt service.

Why was money from the general fund spent? It was a strategic move to use extra reserves rather than debt. It should be noted that our General Fund balance is well above requirements, and we want to keep it that way because it helps keep our highest rating with the bond rating agencies. So, we need to replenish the General Fund.

What is the issue with sales tax revenue? Since Covid, sales tax revenue has been increasing by 8% to 9% annually. Last year, however, the increase was less than 1%. This is significant since sales tax is the second largest revenue source at 21.1%. Our biggest source of revenue is property tax at 59%.

2024 Parks Bond

The 2024 parks bond was about funding parks for the next ten to fifteen years. Since the bond was close to property revaluation and the new tax rate, a lot of people viewed this as a funding question for now. I believe that is one of the main reasons the bond failed.

It is important to understand that the council and the staff heard everyone loud and clear about the bonds. We have stopped all bond projects due to lack of funding. While I can’t predict what future council will do, I believe some of them, like the center at South Hills, will never happen. What does this mean? The following is my best guestimate:

The Center

The community center, senior center, and competitive space will not be built. The $75 million promised by Wake County will be rescinded. The $30 million annual increase in economic benefit, which would help keep our taxes low, will not happen.

Mills Park Community Center

This community center and senior center project has also been stopped. We have been planning on having a community center and senior center at this location for about a decade. IMHO, it would be almost another decade IF it was ever built. Why?  Historically bonds are at least five years apart. With large projects taking two years of planning/design and two years of construction that is another four years added to the five years IF everything is on schedule.

It is important to understand that we will now need to spend significant resources to maintain our existing community and senior centers, which are all over twenty years old. IMHO, expanding programs will be difficult due to lack of space. A future bond to build a center would be a question for a future council.

Tennis and Pickleball Expansion

I don’t believe the pickleball courts will be built at the tennis center. That expansion would have allowed more recreational opportunities for sports in high demand and more professional tennis and pickleball tournaments. This is a loss of millions of dollars in economic benefit, which again keeps our taxes low. The NC Tennis Hall of Fame will probably not be located here.

Walnut Street Greenway

The Walnut Creek Greenway from downtown to Fenton, to WakeMed Soccer Park, Triangle Aquatic Center, and the new South Hills redevelopment has been stopped. If future councils decide to do this, it might have to be funded with another bond. Again, I think that is years away. Not connecting all these destinations is a huge, missed opportunity not only for recreation but for quality of life.

Nature Park Master Plan

Cary has 217 acres of farmland that it is maintaining. Unfortunately, there are no trails, restrooms, or parking. It will be up to a council in the future to decide what to do with this property. For now, nothing will happen.

Asian Garden Master Plan

This idea of a one-to-two-acre Asian garden is stopped. I doubt it will ever be considered again.

What was this bond vote significant? Even if you don’t use a facility, it creates value for you. Like the 911 center, fire, and police, you may not ever use it. Hopefully, you won’t. But having the best of the best in services enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community. Great municipal services make your property in Cary more valuable.

2019 Bond Projects

Cary has moved into “maintenance mode” in this current period of the fiscal year 2025 budget (which began on July 1, 2024) for the following reasons:

• Unprecedented Construction Cost Climate 
• Downward Pressure on Sales Tax Receipts
• A desire by the Town Council to minimize any potential fiscal year 2026 Budget Property Tax Increase

This is causing a pause on the 2019 bond projects. The pause on these projects is not because of the 2024 bond vote. Here is a list of remaining projects:

• Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening
• Louis Stephens Drive
• Veterans Freedom Park
• Tryon Road Park
• Walnut Creek Greenway
• Dutchman’s Branch Greenway
• Green Level Church Road Widening
• NC 55 Pedestrian Grade Separation
• O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening
• Action Sports Park

The length of time for the “maintenance period” is currently unknown. Staff are currently re-estimating projects for council reprioritization at our annual meeting in February.

Current Capital Projects

The following is a memo from the town manager about current capital projects:

“To clarify the discussion from last week’s Council Quarterly meeting, all capital projects that are not yet under construction are paused while staff updates cost estimates to reflect escalating construction costs. This pause allows time for the Council to prioritize projects based on current and projected construction costs over the next year.

As mentioned during the meeting, construction cost inflation has outpaced budgets, with costs reaching record highs, including in some cases an escalation of over 200% in the last few years. Staff will re-estimate all active capital projects based on recent construction prices and will apply best estimates of additional potential escalation over the next few years. This information will be prepared for Council evaluation, including a prioritization exercise at the February annual meeting. A similar exercise was done with the Council in 2009 when budgetary pressures and cost escalations were also high.

There are currently 377 active general capital projects within the Downtown, Fire, General Government, PRCR, and Transportation categories. A total of $768 million has been budgeted for these projects. Their current available balance is $265 million.

On the utility side, there are 222 active water and sewer projects with a total budget of $462 million and a combined available balance of $128 million.

Between February and June as part of the annual budget process, our focus will be on refining the capital improvements program to align with the current economic climate while remaining flexible to accommodate future financial and priority changes. Below are examples of projects that have been paused in preparation for the February discussion. These were shared during last week’s Quarterly meeting.

Sidewalks:

Chatham Street Small Segments

Old Apex Rd west of W Chatham Roundabout (Bid Rejected 11/14/2024)

Old Apex Road north of Young Landing Ct

Louis Stephens Drive

Green Level Church Rd Streetside Trail

Jenks Carpenter Rd Streetside Trail

Roberts Road

Norwell Blvd

Johnson St east of Harrison Ave

Johnson St (E) north of Chapel Hill

Sorrell Street

Nottingham Drive

Cary Pkwy (NW) at Sheldon Dr

Highfield Avenue

Maynard Rd north of Chapel Hill

Laura Duncan Road

Cary Parkway (NW) at Norwell

Chatham Street

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 1)

Ryan Road

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 2)

2019 Bond Projects:

Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening

Louis Stephens Drive

Veterans Freedom Park

Tryon Road Park

Walnut Creek Greenway

Dutchman’s Branch Greenway

Green Level Church Rd Widening

NC55 Pedestrian Grade Separation

O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening

Action Sports Park

Examples of Other Budgeted Capital Projects:

Street Improvements FY25

Optimist Farm Greenway

Lake Grove Dam Maintenance

Cary Tennis Park Improvements

Western Cary Community Facility

Parking Deck Technology

Highcroft Drive Extension

South Hills Community Center

Sidewalks FY25

Downtown Ped Improvements

Mobility Study

Cary Tennis Park Clubhouse Design

We remain focused on preparing for the February Annual Meeting and the FY 2026 budget and will provide you with timely updates as we move forward with our work.”

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about the rezoning on Old Apex Road 21-REZ-16.
• A complaint about parking tickets on West Park Street.
• A question about my comments on the bonds.
• A complaint about lack of benches at bus stops.

Bus Stop Benches

I was asked why there are benches at all Cary bus stops. I thought I would share the answer since it was surprising to me:

“…Thank you for your question!  Since we receive federal money for transit we are required to have a Title VI Program that outlines when we install amenities at bus stops.  This is based on ridership to ensure fair distribution throughout the system.  When a stop reaches an average daily boarding of 10 passengers it is eligible for a bench and when it reaches an average of 20 boardings per day it is eligible for a shelter.  The same parameters are outlined in the Wake Transit Plan and are tied to the funding we receive.  We are not limited in the work we do to bring stops into ADA compliance, but in order to receive funding for other amenities we need to reach those standards. 

There are some instances where we can install amenities before ridership information is available or has reached the required standard and that is tied to projected density of new development.  We review every development plan and include requirements for bus stops or future stops if there isn’t currently a route in place.  We also track requests for amenities – if a stop is close to the average ridership needed and we have received a number of requests for upgrades at that particular location, we can make an exception.

I should also note that the Town’s Standard Specifications, as referenced in the LDO, state that a “basic” bus landing pad should be 20 feet long by 8 feet wide, however, in cases where this is not possible special accommodations may be considered but cannot be less than 8 feet by 5 feet.  In most cases we can’t just install a small pad to accommodate a bench. 

As further information, construction of a bus stop with all amenities, including a 20×8 foot pad, shelter, bench, trash can, bicycle rack and lighting is roughly $30,000, without extensive sidewalk work.  That same set-up without the shelter and just a bench is around $20,000.  These estimates are based on our last phase of bus stop improvements, which was two years ago.  It is likely that number is higher now.  We currently have 217 bus stops in our GoCary network and 44 of them have seating.  It would take a minimum of $4M to upgrade every bus stop with a bench, and more if it includes a shelter.  We are looking into smaller seating options but at this point we have not found anything that would meet NCDOT requirements for installation. …”

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a meeting of The Cary Tennis Classic board, a council work session, a council meeting, the Cary Jaycees Christmas parade, and the 50^th anniversary of Christ the King Lutheran Church.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 15^th, 2024. 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 talked briefly with the town manager as part of our weekly one-on-one. Mostly we talked about the 2024 bonds and the reprioritization of capital projects in February.

Thanksgiving!

I was blessed to be with my wife, daughters, grandson, son-in-law, and granddog on Thanksgiving. It was a great time reflecting on all my blessings. I am hoping your Thanksgiving was a blessing for you.

Cary #13 Cutest Christmas Town in Southern US

On Wednesday I was notified that Southern Living ranked Cary as the 13^th cutest Christmas town in the South. Here is what they said:

“They say there’s no place like home for the holidays, but if you’re in the mood for a little end-of-year travel, there’s no place that will feel more like home than one of the South’s many charming Christmas towns. These holiday havens go all out for the season, breaking out their festive best with thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights, impressive window displays, and garland galore. And if that wasn’t enough to put you in the spirit, their last two months of the year are jam-packed with all kinds of events, parades, and gatherings to further spread cheer. From candlelight tours to ballets and concerts to outdoor markets, there’s a way to celebrate the season almost every day. Keep reading to hear more about the incredible workings of the South’s cutest Christmas towns.

A testament to the city’s enthusiasm for the holidays, each year, Cary doubles its number of oversize ornaments—these decorations champion its diverse population, with nods to Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and secular celebrations. Start at The Mayton, a boutique hotel where giant nutcrackers flank the front door, the halls are carefully decked, and a special guest package means that no one misses out on Santa’s cookies. People gather for the lighting of a 40-foot tree, a gingerbread house competition, and a parade (now in its 43rd year). Enjoy a synchronized light show at the iconic downtown fountain, and in January, join Cary’s Latino community at the Three Kings’ Day Parade.”

If you haven’t seen downtown Cary during the holiday season now is the time. Everything is lit up except the Christmas tree which will be lit at the ceremony on December 7^th.

Bonds & Taxes Questions

There has been a lot of confusion (and misinformation) about three separate issues that were linked together by time and taxes. Those were 2024 property reevaluations by Wake County, the fiscal year 2025 tax rate which started on July 1^st, and the 2024 Cary parks bond. In addition, there is now misinformation about the 2019 remaining bond projects. I will attempt to address these below with my thoughts and understanding. These include my opinions which may not necessarily represent the town’s position.

Property Reevaluation

Property revaluation occurs every four years and is set by Wake County. Revaluations used to occur every eight years, but Wake County changed because property values were increasing very rapidly. I have heard that the county is now considering revaluation every two years, but I don’t know that for a fact. I believe that if the next revaluation isn’t for four years we will have another significant increase in property values.

It is important to understand why property values are increasing rapidly. The Raleigh Metro Area, which includes Cary, is one of the most desirable places to live, work, and play in the nation which drives up demand. When something is in high demand people are willing to pay more and that in turn drives up costs. I believe Cary is the most desirable out of all the municipalities in the Raleigh Metro Area. That means the demand is even higher in Cary. And if the demand is high and housing is in short supply, which is true for Cary, then the costs go up even more. That is why I believe there was a significant increase in property values in Cary. My property value went up by 63% in the last four years. BTW, high property value increases were true with all municipalities across Wake County.

Tax Rate for FY 2025 that started on July 1st

As of July 1^st, the Cary Tax Rate moved to 32.5 cents per $100 of value from 34.5 cents. However, the revenue neutral rate would have been 24.5 cents. A revenue neutral rate is the rate where the municipality takes in the same amount of revenue as the previous year.

So why 8 cents above revenue neutral? 3 cents due to inflation, 2 cents to program expansion (parks and environment), 2 cents to debt service, and 1 cent due to General Fund replenishment. Also, in past years we have been able to subsidize taxes with growth. We are now a mature community, and that kind of growth is basically over.

What are some examples of inflation? Project bids are coming in about 50% above estimates, some with one bid, or sometimes we get no bids. Materials have skyrocketed. For example, sidewalk costs have doubled in the last four years and asphalt has increased by 40% in the same amount of time.

What are some examples of Parks and environment? Downtown Cary Park was one of the biggest additions to operating costs. Also, the McCrimmon Park and the Carpenter Fire Station Park. Miles of greenways were also added. Some environmental initiatives included electric vehicles such as one of the first electric fire trucks in the nation, one of the first electric garbage trucks in the nation. These initiatives have capital and operational costs. The good news is that these are investments.

Downtown Cary Park has been the catalyst for downtown development generating millions of dollars in economic benefit. That is, new businesses and residents generate more tax base which keeps your taxes lower. The electric vehicles save money on fuel costs and after two or three years the additional costs have been recovered. I believe these are good investments in addition to fulfilling a need.

Why did debt service increase? The biggest reason is the sale of a portion of the 2019 GO (General Obligation) bonds. GO bonds, which are voter approved, are debt at the lowest interest rate possible. This is possible because we have the highest rating of all bond rating agencies. A good portion of the 2019 bonds have not been sold yet so that debt has not occurred. The future sales of the remaining portion of the bonds will also increase debt service.

Why was money from the general fund spent? It was a strategic move to use extra reserves rather than debt. It should be noted that our General Fund balance is well above requirements, and we want to keep it that way because it helps keep our highest rating with the bond rating agencies. So, we need to replenish the General Fund.

What is the issue with sales tax revenue? Since Covid, sales tax revenue has been increasing by 8% to 9% annually. Last year, however, the increase was less than 1%. This is significant since sales tax is the second largest revenue source at 21.1%. Our biggest source of revenue is property tax at 59%.

2024 Parks Bond

The 2024 parks bond was about funding parks for the next ten to fifteen years. Since the bond was close to property revaluation and the new tax rate, a lot of people viewed this as a funding question for now. I believe that is one of the main reasons the bond failed.

It is important to understand that the council and the staff heard everyone loud and clear about the bonds. We have stopped all bond projects due to lack of funding. While I can’t predict what future council will do, I believe some of them, like the center at South Hills, will never happen. What does this mean? The following is my best guestimate:

The Center

The community center, senior center, and competitive space will not be built. The $75 million promised by Wake County will be rescinded. The $30 million annual increase in economic benefit, which would help keep our taxes low, will not happen.

Mills Park Community Center

This community center and senior center project has also been stopped. We have been planning on having a community center and senior center at this location for about a decade. IMHO, it would be almost another decade IF it was ever built. Why?  Historically bonds are at least five years apart. With large projects taking two years of planning/design and two years of construction that is another four years added to the five years IF everything is on schedule.

It is important to understand that we will now need to spend significant resources to maintain our existing community and senior centers, which are all over twenty years old. IMHO, expanding programs will be difficult due to lack of space. A future bond to build a center would be a question for a future council.

Tennis and Pickleball Expansion

I don’t believe the pickleball courts will be built at the tennis center. That expansion would have allowed more recreational opportunities for sports in high demand and more professional tennis and pickleball tournaments. This is a loss of millions of dollars in economic benefit, which again keeps our taxes low. The NC Tennis Hall of Fame will probably not be located here.

Walnut Street Greenway

The Walnut Creek Greenway from downtown to Fenton, to WakeMed Soccer Park, Triangle Aquatic Center, and the new South Hills redevelopment has been stopped. If future councils decide to do this, it might have to be funded with another bond. Again, I think that is years away. Not connecting all these destinations is a huge, missed opportunity not only for recreation but for quality of life.

Nature Park Master Plan

Cary has 217 acres of farmland that it is maintaining. Unfortunately, there are no trails, restrooms, or parking. It will be up to a council in the future to decide what to do with this property. For now, nothing will happen.

Asian Garden Master Plan

This idea of a one-to-two-acre Asian garden is stopped. I doubt it will ever be considered again.

What was this bond vote significant? Even if you don’t use a facility, it creates value for you. Like the 911 center, fire, and police, you may not ever use it. Hopefully, you won’t. But having the best of the best in services enhances the quality of life for everyone in our community. Great municipal services make your property in Cary more valuable.

2019 Bond Projects

Cary has moved into “maintenance mode” in this current period of the fiscal year 2025 budget (which began on July 1, 2024) for the following reasons:

• Unprecedented Construction Cost Climate 
• Downward Pressure on Sales Tax Receipts
• A desire by the Town Council to minimize any potential fiscal year 2026 Budget Property Tax Increase

This is causing a pause on the 2019 bond projects. The pause on these projects is not because of the 2024 bond vote. Here is a list of remaining projects:

• Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening
• Louis Stephens Drive
• Veterans Freedom Park
• Tryon Road Park
• Walnut Creek Greenway
• Dutchman’s Branch Greenway
• Green Level Church Road Widening
• NC 55 Pedestrian Grade Separation
• O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening
• Action Sports Park

The length of time for the “maintenance period” is currently unknown. Staff are currently re-estimating projects for council reprioritization at our annual meeting in February.

Current Capital Projects

The following is a memo from the town manager about current capital projects:

“To clarify the discussion from last week’s Council Quarterly meeting, all capital projects that are not yet under construction are paused while staff updates cost estimates to reflect escalating construction costs. This pause allows time for the Council to prioritize projects based on current and projected construction costs over the next year.

As mentioned during the meeting, construction cost inflation has outpaced budgets, with costs reaching record highs, including in some cases an escalation of over 200% in the last few years. Staff will re-estimate all active capital projects based on recent construction prices and will apply best estimates of additional potential escalation over the next few years. This information will be prepared for Council evaluation, including a prioritization exercise at the February annual meeting. A similar exercise was done with the Council in 2009 when budgetary pressures and cost escalations were also high.

There are currently 377 active general capital projects within the Downtown, Fire, General Government, PRCR, and Transportation categories. A total of $768 million has been budgeted for these projects. Their current available balance is $265 million.

On the utility side, there are 222 active water and sewer projects with a total budget of $462 million and a combined available balance of $128 million.

Between February and June as part of the annual budget process, our focus will be on refining the capital improvements program to align with the current economic climate while remaining flexible to accommodate future financial and priority changes. Below are examples of projects that have been paused in preparation for the February discussion. These were shared during last week’s Quarterly meeting.

Sidewalks:

Chatham Street Small Segments

Old Apex Rd west of W Chatham Roundabout (Bid Rejected 11/14/2024)

Old Apex Road north of Young Landing Ct

Louis Stephens Drive

Green Level Church Rd Streetside Trail

Jenks Carpenter Rd Streetside Trail

Roberts Road

Norwell Blvd

Johnson St east of Harrison Ave

Johnson St (E) north of Chapel Hill

Sorrell Street

Nottingham Drive

Cary Pkwy (NW) at Sheldon Dr

Highfield Avenue

Maynard Rd north of Chapel Hill

Laura Duncan Road

Cary Parkway (NW) at Norwell

Chatham Street

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 1)

Ryan Road

Lake Pine Drive (Phase 2)

2019 Bond Projects:

Carpenter Fire Station Road Widening

Louis Stephens Drive

Veterans Freedom Park

Tryon Road Park

Walnut Creek Greenway

Dutchman’s Branch Greenway

Green Level Church Rd Widening

NC55 Pedestrian Grade Separation

O’Kelly Chapel Road Widening

Action Sports Park

Examples of Other Budgeted Capital Projects:

Street Improvements FY25

Optimist Farm Greenway

Lake Grove Dam Maintenance

Cary Tennis Park Improvements

Western Cary Community Facility

Parking Deck Technology

Highcroft Drive Extension

South Hills Community Center

Sidewalks FY25

Downtown Ped Improvements

Mobility Study

Cary Tennis Park Clubhouse Design

We remain focused on preparing for the February Annual Meeting and the FY 2026 budget and will provide you with timely updates as we move forward with our work.”

Mayor’s Mailbox

• A complaint about bicycle safety in Cary. “… this does not seem to be a high priority for the town.” (Not true. Safety always comes first!)
• A complaint that recycling should be weekly (Recycling materials should not include anything that should smell or spoil. Collecting every two weeks should be fine. Collecting more frequently would require more people, more equipment, and more taxes. If you need additional space, you can call and ask for an additional cart.)

Next Week

Next week’s activities include staff meetings, a HRID meeting, a First Responders breakfast, a Farmington Woods Elementary visit, a Joint MPO Rail Subcommittee meeting, and the Cary Christmas Tree Lighting event.

Well, that is all for this week. My next post will be on Sunday, December 8^th, 2024. 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.