tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59349752547220916462024-03-09T21:46:40.579-05:00Don's Cary Town Council JournalBlogging about all things Council....and some things not.Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-79845897041756818232023-07-13T09:25:00.003-04:002023-07-13T09:25:48.603-04:00Kildaire Farm Road and Harrison Avenue Improvements<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Folks have been asking me about the Kildaire Farm Rd. and
Harrison Ave. construction projects. Since I am sure many of you also have
questions, I wanted to provide y’all with some information on both projects.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">First and foremost, <b>I apologize for the inconvenience</b>. Both the
Kildaire Farm Rd. and Harrison Ave. closings have indeed been a challenge to
say the least. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Kildaire Farm Rd. construction is one of Cary’s
Intersection Improvements Projects. The purpose of this program is to identify
and help address intersections that experience higher levels of congestion and or
vehicle and pedestrian safety-related concerns.</span><o:p></o:p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXqM3ueBdQLnDIXfPctkS1WqEp_MtO9llTewqX66VWTpcFW2563NzjVlYlbaXqOS8pNpaVBmT2YTj-CJb0k-wvb1zyN47cLjRebfJVDELXsDFeU9r-x7O31ITbaStuTsOX51TGY3vZmVJsfuIbnuUWgd3hA7bKkDnk2olkD11y0bD7Ucj8RR47H5gCAk/s524/Kildaire%20Farm%20Road%20Improvement%20Water%20Main%20Project.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="524" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXqM3ueBdQLnDIXfPctkS1WqEp_MtO9llTewqX66VWTpcFW2563NzjVlYlbaXqOS8pNpaVBmT2YTj-CJb0k-wvb1zyN47cLjRebfJVDELXsDFeU9r-x7O31ITbaStuTsOX51TGY3vZmVJsfuIbnuUWgd3hA7bKkDnk2olkD11y0bD7Ucj8RR47H5gCAk/w394-h342/Kildaire%20Farm%20Road%20Improvement%20Water%20Main%20Project.png" width="394" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kildaire Farm Rd Improvement Project</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">These improvements will realign and eliminate the current skew motorists' experience as northbound Kildaire Farm Road crosses Walnut Street. <b>This will improve both pedestrian and vehicle safety</b>. It also includes new sidewalks, upgrades to pedestrian signals, crosswalks, and ramps.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In conjunction with the intersection improvements, the town also replaced the aging water mains. The watermains in this area were installed in the 1960s and ‘70s and are at the end of their useful life. As part of the project, they too were replaced with larger diameter pipes that have a lifespan of over 100 years. Approximately 1,200 linear feet of new pipe is being installed to replace the aging mains to eliminate the risk of failure and ensure reliability for decades to come. In Cary we identify and replace aging water mains before they fail. This also keeps us from having to rip up the new road again in the future causing further disruption(s).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Kildaire Farm Rd. project is getting close to being finished. They are working to install the median within Kildaire this week. No more detours are planned, just some flagging operations. We are shooting to complete the project in late July or very early in August.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The S. Harrison Ave. construction is also part of Cary’s Water Main Replacement Program. They are replacing aging pipe that, like Kildaire Farm Rd., is at end of its life cycle and needs to be replaced and upsized to meet current water supply and fire flow specifications. This project is dual purpose as it replaces aging infrastructure and ensures adequate capacity for future development.</span></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbekG4gnx91v7WVJ98tVz4Noml_Skr69ogkuwYQuwage_-v4ns5FPNGXlaTKMDZXAPo0E4TK0YuK1QzbDEhH9ea2-jgeI3yZR-M_yfvMrz6boEYUA2dwYExnjw9Wwm6dfl5Eg5jpJ9W7Uz_XZuoRNlyFal-6epvv5ZPzZkPa9kJxoHBa1gSRIUJfqN7eI/s3837/Cary%20Water%20Main%20Replacement%20Program%20Highlights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2337" data-original-width="3837" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbekG4gnx91v7WVJ98tVz4Noml_Skr69ogkuwYQuwage_-v4ns5FPNGXlaTKMDZXAPo0E4TK0YuK1QzbDEhH9ea2-jgeI3yZR-M_yfvMrz6boEYUA2dwYExnjw9Wwm6dfl5Eg5jpJ9W7Uz_XZuoRNlyFal-6epvv5ZPzZkPa9kJxoHBa1gSRIUJfqN7eI/w392-h239/Cary%20Water%20Main%20Replacement%20Program%20Highlights.jpg" width="392" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Main Replacement Program highlights </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is a much larger project than Kildaire Farm Rd. and as such, will take longer to complete. Beginning in early- to mid-August, they will close the intersection of Dry Ave and S. Harrison so they can set the tee and get the services flipped to the new water main in Dry Ave. S. Harrison Ave will remain closed. They are coordinating with Cary Elementary School and the Cary Arts Center to minimize disruptions as best they can.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">By the end of August, all area residents will have been moved to the new water main and S. Harrison between Chatham and Dry will be repaved and reopened.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">There will however be intermittent closures of S. Harrison south of Dry Ave. one block at a time over the following several months as they continue to complete the project. The entire project will be complete early 2024.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yes, doing both at the same time was less than ideal and <b>we will do better in the future.</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope this helps explain the “why” things are a pain in the rear right now, and again, I thank everyone for their patience. You can learn more about Cary’s Water Main Replacement Program at the link below. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments. You can email me at <a href="mailto:don.frantz@carync.gov">don.frantz@carync.gov</a> or call me on my cell at (919) 612-6870. Thanks again.</span></div><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://www.carync.gov/projects-initiatives/project-updates/water-projects/annual-water-main-replacement"><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://www.carync.gov/projects-initiatives/project-updates/water-projects/annual-water-main-replacement</span></a><o:p></o:p></p><div><br /></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-19240945605871439592023-06-08T10:26:00.002-04:002023-06-08T11:56:33.033-04:00Potential Redevelopment of Cary Town Hall Campus<p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have received a number of emails and comments on social media regarding media stories pertaining to the possible redevelopment of the Cary Town Hall property. I have mailed a letter to folks in my council district to provide you with factual information and my perspective so that you are informed on what is or isn’t happening and why. I am also posting a blog friendly version of that letter here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yes, the town is considering the <a href="https://www.carync.gov/projects-initiatives/project-updates/development-projects/development-of-town-land-in-downtown-cary">potential redevelopment of town hall campus</a> as we need additional space to better serve existing and future residents - especially in regards to police, fire and parks. That said, the site does also present an opportunity for some private development so the town is exploring that possibility. <b>The key word is considering</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I am sure that by now many of you have seen the conceptual drawings that illustrated 10-15 story buildings on the site.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZROmHmNoHrbG9f5yZ2MleVQFuAXaPsOINRJhAeWK_suUOwgBOqQweKMu4Jc7JXIiKnVZWoOHX24P0sqCLZnDXRtmTA38xfGRsa3BoQw2pe8wuc34ntiCVBexEoJZu1SGmx4tsH65EgwpmkLAzoJD9mfPSURAjliibYMLlmhAekUonJjy91ahNcEI/s1281/Town%20of%20Cary%20Town%20Hall%20Redevelopment%20CONCEPT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1281" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZROmHmNoHrbG9f5yZ2MleVQFuAXaPsOINRJhAeWK_suUOwgBOqQweKMu4Jc7JXIiKnVZWoOHX24P0sqCLZnDXRtmTA38xfGRsa3BoQw2pe8wuc34ntiCVBexEoJZu1SGmx4tsH65EgwpmkLAzoJD9mfPSURAjliibYMLlmhAekUonJjy91ahNcEI/w501-h280/Town%20of%20Cary%20Town%20Hall%20Redevelopment%20CONCEPT.jpg" width="501" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Please know that the artist’s renderings are purely conceptual in nature. They illustrate what could occur over time - like 20-30 years’ time - if the town were to allow private development on site. Yes, the concept drawings are bold - too bold in my opinion. They were the artist’s best attempt to demonstrate the maximum potential of the site as to not limit creativity from interested parties. Should town hall campus redevelop however - <b>and that is a question that has yet to be determined</b> - I see scope and scale more in line with what we are currently seeing downtown. The town could also decide not to partner with a private developer and simply add space for additional employees, or some combination of the two.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I apologize for the manner in which the town has begun this exploratory process. Cary citizens should have been informed of the town’s plans by the town - not learn about it through the media. Residents should have also been given the opportunity to provide input on the front end so that whatever vision the town pursues best reflects our community’s values and wishes. Please know that while there was always going to be opportunity for citizen feedback, the timeline in which that were to occur was wrong. We will not make this mistake again and we will be rolling out a community input process in the near future so stay tuned.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I know many of you have questions. I want to speak to those I have received thus far.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Regardless of any redevelopment of the town hall site, <b>a multi-modal transit facility will be built</b>. This will better serve existing and future residents with increased bus and rail service. It will also be constructed in a manner so that the trains do not block the roads when they stop. Thank goodness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>The Page Walker Hotel</b> and associated gardens must absolutely be preserved and continue to remain a focal point of town hall campus. Should anything develop in close proximity to the Page Walker, it MUST be context sensitive and compliment the hotel – not detract from it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>The Herb Young Community Center</b> - or a new and improved version - must remain on site to have my support. Any elimination of such is a non-starter for me. The existing facility has aged to a point where it is becoming a maintenance problem and no longer adequately serves the surrounding community. Regardless of what happens on town hall campus, I support redeveloping the center to a more modern facility with increased offerings for our citizens. It must also remain The Herb Young Community Center to continue to honor Mr. Young's many contributions to our community.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There must also be meaningful, open public and green spaces. <b>People, not buildings, are what make places special</b>. The site must create a sense of place. No, we don’t want to create another Fenton. We have Fenton for Fenton. The media is who used the word Fenton to describe what might occur at town hall – not the town.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Traffic will be addressed as best we possibly can. Road improvements are coming to Chapel Hill Road/54 for example but we cannot move buildings to widen Chatham Street nor would we want to. Four lane + roads do not promote pedestrian safety or walkability. Most traffic downtown is caused by those who are driving through downtown to go to work, run errands etc... They will naturally choose an alternative route to avoid delay if traffic becomes too bad for them. <b>We want people to drive TO downtown – not THROUGH it</b>. Additional sidewalks, a pedestrian bridge over the RR tracks and increased bicycle facilities will continue to be a priority.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Affordable/workforce housing</b> would absolutely be a component should any private development occur on the site. We have been very successful as of late in encouraging private developers to include such in their projects. The town would far exceed private sector efforts in this regard.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Cary’s annual growth rate is roughly 2-3%</b>. Some of that growth is from residents who have moved here over the years and some of it is caused by expanding families. My wife and I have six children and seven grandchildren for example – all born and raised here in Cary. My family and every family in Cary are part of the growth problem.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">To put things in perspective, if we could build a wall around Cary and not allow anyone new in, we will still need a lot more housing and services for all of our children who were born here – that is if we want them to stay in Cary and remain close to family. <b>I sure do</b>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">That said, developing in Cary isn’t easy nor should it be. We have the strictest development standards allowed by state law to ensure that what does get built is of the highest quality possible and best protects the environment. <b>Most proposals fail before they ever make it to council</b> for consideration as they do not, or are not willing to, meet our community’s high standards. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Cary is one of the greatest communities to live in America</b>. We are consistently ranked one of the safest cities. We have great schools, amenities, parks and greenways and most importantly, economic opportunity. There are jobs here. People can talk about quality of life all they want, but the reality is that quality of life begins with a good paying job so folks can take care of their families. The bottom line is that the only way to slow or stop growth in Cary is to make Cary a less desirable place to live, and nobody wants to do that. I sure don't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">During my time on the council, I have tried to balance the town and citizen’s desires to revitalize and redevelop parts of downtown while protecting that which makes Cary special. I was successful in convincing my council colleagues to preserve the look and feel of South Academy Street by prohibiting tall buildings there. We are leaving the old library site green space. We repurposed/redeveloped old Cary Elementary into the Arts Center to preserve that magnificent piece of Cary's history and provide a wonderful amenity for our citizens, and I successfully fought to keep the town from allowing the majority of the downtown park site to be developed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are pros and cons to all of it, but I remember not too long ago that at 5:00 pm they rolled the sidewalks up and everyone went home. Downtown became a ghost town. For a lot of folks, the only reason to come downtown was to hit the post office, get your car fixed or grab a soda and hotdog at Ashworth’s. <b>Now our downtown is alive with people out and about and places to go</b>. It has become a place where people and business want to be and that is a good thing. I remember when our kids were growing up, they couldn't wait to get out of "boring Cary". Now they love it here and thankfully chose to stay and raise their families here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I get that all of the changes downtown seem like a lot at one time. They are. That said, many of the projects under construction today have been in the works for quite some time. The Jordan/First Baptist project for example has been planned for over ten years. The Downtown Park is 20 years in the making and will finish soon. The Academy Street Improvement Project seemed like it went on forever and no one was happy about it but look at it now. It is absolutely beautiful and everyone loves it. That said, we understand the inconvenience(s) and have already talked about doing a better job of spacing future projects out to reduce the burden on our citizens. We can and will do better.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope this helps answer any questions you may have. If you have any further questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me at <a href="mailto:don.frantz@carync.gov">don.frantz@carync.gov</a> or on my cell at (919) 612-6870. I am always happy to talk town business and my door is always open.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In your service,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Don Frantz</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mayor Pro Tem and District B Representative</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town of Cary, North Carolina</span></p><div><br /></div>Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-21757654833667300862022-03-25T08:55:00.001-04:002022-03-26T16:44:02.697-04:00Affordable Housing and the Laurel Street Proposal<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> We are truly blessed to live in one of the greatest communities in America. Cary is consistently ranked one of the best small cities to live, work, raise a family or start a business and we remain one of the safest cities to live in the country.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">People want to live here. Those who already live here don’t want to leave. Believe it or not, Cary’s fastest growing demographic are seniors. People are retiring here. School aged children also make up 25% of our population but they can’t live at home forever. Nope. No. They. Can’t. 😉 It’s a good problem to have, but a problem nonetheless. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">All of this has created a huge demand for housing and supply is not keeping pace with that demand. As a result, home prices continue to rise making it increasingly difficult for our children, young professionals, seniors, service workers and folks like teachers and first responders to afford housing in Cary. Make no mistake, those who work in Cary should have the opportunity to live in Cary.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The housing affordability crisis isn’t unique to Cary. It is a nationwide problem. And while we have investigated other communities for best practices to address this problem, there are no silver bullet solutions. Just ask Seattle or San Francisco. The harsh reality is that no matter what we do, we aren’t going to solve the problem entirely – but we can make a dent in it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For background, existing Cary programs that provide housing assistance include:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/housing/affordable-housing-initiative/housing-rehabilitation-program" target="_blank">Healthy Homes Cary</a>, our Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Housing Program, was revised and relaunched in early 2020. It is a grant program operated through non-profit agencies, with the lead agency being Rebuilding Together of the Triangle. It combines up to $12,500 in grant funds per applicant with volunteer labor to do a large variety of improvements. Since the relaunch eighteen months ago, approximately 80% of our participants have been seniors, so it is proving to be an important means of helping our citizens age in place. Our program was also adopted by Apex, Wake Forest is considering it, and TJCOG is now helping provide guidance to other communities interested in our concept.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/make-a-payment/oasis" target="_blank">Cary’s Oasis Utility Bill Program</a> helps our citizens in need with emergency utility funds.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/housing/affordable-housing-initiative/community-development-block-grant" target="_blank">Community Development Block Grants</a>: Our CBDG Program is distributed directly to non-profits for the purpose of building capacity, providing services and developing housing. This is typically $650,000 per year, however FY21 was $1,100,000 and FY22 is $1,400,000 due to additional COVID disbursements. This includes funding organizations such as Carying Place, Transitions LifeCare, Dorcas Ministries, White Oak Foundation (and many more).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Cary Council Nonprofit Grant Funding also provides support to some housing related services. It is funded from the general fund in an amount equal to Cary’s population, $172K last year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We continue to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Their most recent project includes seven single family homes that are under construction on <a href="https://www.townofcary.org/home/showpublisheddocument/14437/636336366938630000" target="_blank">Trimble Avenue</a>. These have been developed as workforce housing, accomplished through a combination of smaller unit size, volunteer labor, and low-rate financing (in addition to CDBG funds provided a few years back).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We have also been working with developers to site more workforce housing into their projects. While <b>Cary CANNOT BY STATE LAW</b> require developers to set aside some of their units as affordable/workforce housing, we do use what leverage we have to meet our community goals. To date this has resulted in 30 workforce units recently approved with more are on the way. I know that’s not much but it’s a start.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We must also say “YES” to more housing. As previously stated, we have a significant supply problem that is driving up housing costs. Think about it – even IF we could wall off Cary and not let anyone new in, 25% of our population are school aged children and will need housing soon. They can’t wait for someone to move or die before they find a place to live and they probably aren’t going to be able to afford (or even want) a single-family home right out of college either. Seniors need places to go for when they age out of their single-family home.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earlier this year we finalized <a href="https://www.townofcary.org/home/showpublisheddocument/27689/637812174230530000" target="_blank">The Cary Housing Plan</a> and are now working to implement the recommendations of the plan. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Plan includes three main goals: 1) A community of choice, 2) A place where residents experience high quality of life, and 3) Regional and nonprofit partnerships.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The housing analysis found that we have done very well in establishing single-family residential. Approximately 70% of all residential in Cary are SF homes. 25% are apartments. Areas of opportunity for more choice include 2-4 unit structures (duplexes, townhomes, etc.), urban apartments or condominiums (like we are accomplishing downtown), and additional opportunities for Accessory Dwelling Units.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The population analysis found that in-migration is increasing with our younger population (25-40 years old), however we are still aging as a community. Our existing population is choosing to stay in Cary through retirement. We also have significant diversity (particularly Asian population) and very high educational achievement. Areas of opportunity relate to addressing the needs of seniors, first time homebuyers, special populations (needing ADA or other accommodations), and affordability (particularly workforce housing). This correlates with the range of housing types discussed above and with specific accommodations to meet the needs of these populations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Plan discusses the relationship with other related priorities, including transit and the environment. Increased transit opportunities reduce personal vehicle dependence which can save folks hundreds of dollars a month by eliminating car payments, insurance, fuel and maintenance costs – money that can go towards other cost of living expenses.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Finally, the Plan suggests various program, legislative and funding strategies, which our staff will continue to evaluate and develop for Council to consider. But yeah, if you want to see us do more in this arena, we need help from our state legislature which means we need help from you in November.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now to the Laurel Street mixed income project folks have been talking about.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the strategies in the plan is to identify under-utilized public lands for housing. The 5-acre parcel on Maynard Rd. that was originally purchased in 2007 for a new water tower - but not used for that purpose as we rehabilitated the Cary High School water tower instead - is currently Cary’s best opportunity. We recently purchased an additional 2-acre parcel from Wake County adjacent to East Cary Middle School to create a combined 7-acre parcel.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The selected developer, Laurel Street, is a mission-based developer. Consistent with the Plan, we are pursuing a mixed-income development (half market rate and half workforce/affordable). A total of 130 units are proposed (65/65). This site was selected for such a multi-family project as it checks a number of boxes related to housing affordability. It is in walking distance of three schools, shopping, retail uses and employment centers and is situated along a major transit line and future bus rapid transit (BRT) corridor.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This proposal is not something akin to section 8 housing. The 65 affordable/workforce units will be for those making 50-80% of average median income. The AMI for Cary is roughly $107,000 so households living in these units will be earning somewhere between 50-80K. These folks could be our children’s teachers, first responders, personal service workers, nurses etc…</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This proposal will come before council for public hearing soon – April 7th I believe. Our town staff continues to work with the surrounding community to address their concerns – at least those which we can.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of the adjustments to the proposal that Cary and Laurel Street have made in response to resident feedback/concerns to date include:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Moved the greenway further away from 603 Ryan Road's property line, per homeowner request</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Decreasing the building height from 5 stories to AT MOST 4 stories. Keep in mind however that reduced building height impacts our ability to serve more families and/or runs the risk of increasing the building footprint resulting in a loss of green space and tree canopy</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Moved the location of the building on the site to preserve more trees</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Exploring road improvements to calm traffic and enhancements to project road access/landscaping</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Updated construction plans to increase energy efficiency to potentially include solar</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As is typical of most development projects, I am sure a few more changes will be made as this proposal works its way through the process – and there remain questions regarding management and selection criteria. That said, if anyone can work all this out it is our amazing town staff. If you have ever interacted with Ms. Mansa or Ms. Widmar, you know what I’m talking about. I also want to commend Councilmember Lori Bush for her vision and leadership on this project.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I also thank those who have contributed to shaping this proposal and for caring enough about your community to get involved. Like it or not, you have made this a better project.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Citizen feedback has been mixed with dozens of people contacting us both in support and opposition of the proposal. To that end I wanted to make sure that folks had current, accurate information in which to form an opinion and offer feedback. We will have a lot more detailed information once the staff report is completed soon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope this helps and if anyone has further questions or comments you can contact me at don.frantz@townofcary.org or you can email the entire council at town.council@townofcary.org . </span></p><div><br /></div>Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-71569537143387747812020-05-30T20:59:00.000-04:002020-05-30T20:59:58.249-04:00I can't speak for Minneapolis, but this is how Cary does it.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The murder of Mr. George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis is abhorrent and disgraceful. My heart breaks for his family, his friends and their community. I pray they receive the justice they deserve. I also pray that the riots taking place across the country stop. They do not honor Mr. Floyd and nor do they bring justice to him or his family. Destruction and fear will only further divide us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A number of you have reached out to us wanting to know if we are taking the appropriate steps to make sure that the tragedy that occurred in Minneapolis doesn't happen here.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> We appreciate the questions and concern.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First and foremost, the focus of the Cary Police Department’s Subject Control and Arrest Techniques is to safely gain control of a non-compliant suspect <b>without injury to the suspect or officer</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary Police Officers train quarterly on Subject Control and Arrest Techniques. State law only requires this training during the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy. Cary far exceeds the state requirements.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary Police Officers are instructed in gaining physical control of non-compliant or combative suspects by controlling hips, arms, and legs. <b>Officers are NEVER instructed in techniques involving chokes or strangleholds</b> and are in fact instructed that <b>those techniques are prohibited</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Officers are instructed to use only appropriate force and to <b>stop using that force the moment compliance is gained</b>. Officers are taught to gain compliance through utilizing limb control and leverage, rather than pain control.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Officers are additionally instructed to place a handcuffed suspect into a seated and upright position as quickly as they can <b>to ensure that breathing is not labored</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Cary Police Department uses “reality-based training” to conduct the physical portion of their use of force and de-escalation training. Each block of training is designed to mirror a use of force incident that has, or may have happened nationally. They utilize role players and simunition (non-lethal training ammunition) to give the officers the real experience of dealing with the unknown. Officers never know if a “suspect” is armed or not and will have to deal with the situation appropriately. Every evolution of reality-based training offers an opportunity to de-escalate or change tactics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Focus has been on dealing with calls of suspicious persons where the officer has no idea if any law has been broken or not, they are merely “dispatched” to a call of a suspicious person much as they would be when a citizen calls the police with little details. The officer must deal with this just as they would any call. The goal is to simulate real calls for service and evaluate and train the officers on the correct response. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Cary PD added de-escalation training to their continued curriculum, they noticed that many courses of study offered a variety of techniques. They emphasize active listening but the primary focus of training is “De-Escalation of Self.” There is no guarantee that Cary officers will be able to de-escalate someone else, <b>but they can always de-escalate themselves</b>. This is done by focusing on breathing and self-control so that they are able to step back if needed and re-assess any situation so that they can handle it with a clear mind and make the best decisions possible.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary Police Officers also receive training regarding people with mental health crisis, those who may be suicidal or irate, the non-compliant, hearing impaired and those with whom we may have a language barrier (for which we have interpreters).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Regarding the use of force, Cary Police Officers attend Use of Force Training every year with topics covering different levels of force and their appropriate use. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The officers must qualify on their firearm with a requirement that exceeds the state minimum by 10%. Officers must also qualify on a tactical firearms course involving movement, decision making, and “shoot/no shoot” targets. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary Police Officers exceed state requirements by attending additional firearms training annually which further addresses decision making, team work, advancing and retreating with safety and casualty evacuation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They also train annually on law Enforcement Trauma Care and have learned to treat traumatic injuries. This has resulted in the life saving field application of several tourniquets on persons experiencing arterial bleeding. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary Police Officers also receive training on response to active shooter incidents and have done so in partnership with our schools utilizing role players and reality-based training to simulate an incident to the best of their ability.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Simply put, Cary Police Officers receive the most comprehensive, rigorous and relevant training available. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And last but certainly not least, the Cary Police Department has done yeoman’s work to build bridges throughout our community through a number of initiatives to include:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Project Phoenix</b>: <a href="https://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/police/services-bureau/project-phoenix">Project Phoenix</a> is designed to help residents, owners and rental property managers of multi-family housing communities keep drugs and other illegal activity off their property.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This initiative brings Cary police and apartment managers together to share information, review crime trends and develop strategies for solving problems and reducing the fear of crime in and near multifamily housing developments. Team officers partner with residents and management staff to become involved in community affairs and tailor services to the unique characteristics and needs of the participating properties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Barbershop Rap Sessions</b>: The Barbershop Rap Sessions began years ago thanks to the leadership of Tru Pedigrew of <a href="https://tru-access.com/">TruAccess </a>and Former Cary Police Chief, Tony Godwin. The sessions are hosted monthly at Headlinder’s Barbershop in Cary and encourage an open and honest discussion on a wide range of topics between the African-American community, Cary Police officers and citizens. The initiative has become so successful that it has expanded to other communities throughout the region. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend. WRAL did an amazing piece on the rap sessions and their impact on our community <a href="https://www.wral.com/cary-barbershop-rap-session-tackles-racism-offensive-language-in-monthly-gathering/18548372/">here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57I3JftH48a5gRpyA1eKMeWo6yTmCHwnIqs2xk_wfzTfr4k_EI3zjLdYKe8H6TnTh1-3A8kbuBM2UvbPspRV-3s7wQigLzHF_qTSP-d0TtW93ouXE5JXAUF25FR3nvR2OvZTNFPM91BI/s1600/Barbershop+Rap+Headliners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj57I3JftH48a5gRpyA1eKMeWo6yTmCHwnIqs2xk_wfzTfr4k_EI3zjLdYKe8H6TnTh1-3A8kbuBM2UvbPspRV-3s7wQigLzHF_qTSP-d0TtW93ouXE5JXAUF25FR3nvR2OvZTNFPM91BI/s400/Barbershop+Rap+Headliners.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>School Resource Officers</b>: The School Resource Team, a component of the Services Bureau, emphasizes early intervention in the lives of youth who are at risk. The team consists of 12 uniformed officers assigned to the schools. The goal is to redirect negative behavior before it lands a student in the court system and build positive relationships between students and police officers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Team members are active in the Wake County Teen Court program, which diverts minor offenders from the juvenile justice system. Programs are designed to empower youth to take charge in situations that could adversely affect them. School resource officers and juvenile crime detectives work together and are regularly in contact with the same youths.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A full-time school resource officer (SRO) is assigned to each middle and high school in Cary. The officers work with school administrators on security and safety issues and investigate crimes in which students are victims or suspects. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The list goes on and on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am especially proud of Cary Police Chief, Toni Dezomits who along with countless Police Chiefs and Departments across the country have condemned the actions of the Minneapolis Police Officers involved in Mr. Floyd's death. Here is an excerpt from her press release.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>"I too share in your emotions and sentiments regarding the heartbreaking and senseless death of Mr. Floyd. The actions of the officers in Minneapolis were deeply disturbing, inexcusable, and were void of basic human compassion. As a result, this incident has invoked strong emotions across all communities in this country and threatens to degrade the trust and positive partnerships many police departments have worked tirelessly to foster within our communities."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can read her full message <a href="https://www.townofcary.org/Home/Components/News/News/15314/715">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bottom line is that the Cary Police Department is doing anything and everything that they can to ensure that Cary Officers are properly trained and prepared to handle most any situation that may arise <b>while also treating our community with the dignity, respect, compassion and transparency they deserve regardless of race, sex or national origin</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They will continue to do even more because that is the Cary way.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-74455832621020337322019-07-30T12:29:00.000-04:002019-07-30T12:29:05.005-04:00Twofer Tuesday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I get asked two questions often.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first is, "<i>What motivated you to run for town council?</i>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And the second is, "<i>What brought you to Cary?</i>"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So we made a couple of campaign videos that speak to both questions as well as my desire to seek reelection to continue working to keep Cary great. Thanks for watching!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Josgtq9yyUc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Josgtq9yyUc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/zQh3u32kQME/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zQh3u32kQME?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-36998658718793059932019-07-08T07:30:00.003-04:002019-07-08T07:30:50.933-04:00Don Frantz Cary Town Council Reelection Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HTGOjelNcvB1a-v24X3KQOXqknvBnscbxzhDlXLGnhTVHiAaTx9r2RKUu0qIsNXOvZ18pGT6y5Hq-pRYq63lF58B4l8BRxn5D5zTKnuB8Uo4e0MZu4IFC1rrwAAM0tItraDU6FCZSHE/s1600/Campaign+Sign+Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="154" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HTGOjelNcvB1a-v24X3KQOXqknvBnscbxzhDlXLGnhTVHiAaTx9r2RKUu0qIsNXOvZ18pGT6y5Hq-pRYq63lF58B4l8BRxn5D5zTKnuB8Uo4e0MZu4IFC1rrwAAM0tItraDU6FCZSHE/s1600/Campaign+Sign+Small.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I am excited to announce that I am running for
reelection to the Cary Town Council, District B!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are truly
blessed to live in one of the greatest communities in America. I am running for
re-election to continue to work to make Cary an even better place to live, work
and play, and to give back to the community that has provided so much for me
and my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My record on the
Council is one of collaboration to address key issues in our community. I have
earned a reputation as a no-nonsense pragmatic leader. <b>I say what I mean and
I mean what I say</b>. I strive to keep citizens informed both through my blog
and social media. Council members must be held accountable and that begins with
an informed citizenry. You will always know where I stand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the last four years I have worked hard to
provide the high levels of service that our citizens demand at the lowest
possible cost to you, the taxpayer, and to create an environment that
encourages business growth and creates jobs. I championed our successful
downtown revitalization efforts and I support sustainable smart growth policies
that help us grow better, not just bigger. I have a proven record of supporting
initiatives that further protect our environment and improves water quality, and
I worked to bring additional senior housing and assisted living facilities to
Cary so that as our parents and grandparents age, they have more opportunities
to stay in town and remain close to family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>Cary is one of
the safest cities to live in America, our parks and recreation amenities are
second to none and we are consistently ranked one of the best cities to raise a
family.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
accomplished a lot, but we still have work to do. Today’s ever-changing world
presents new challenges. Keeping Cary great means staying ahead of the curve on
issues ranging from infrastructure and infill development to housing
affordability and technology. Working together we can continue to address
complex problems with common sense, data-driven solutions. I am excited about
what the future holds for Cary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for
your faith and trust in me to serve as your voice in town government. I hope
that through my efforts I have earned your support for another term. <b>I humbly
ask for your vote for reelection on October 8<sup>th</sup></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In your service,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don Frantz</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-62805921756712268272019-07-01T10:19:00.000-04:002019-07-01T10:33:58.462-04:00Hillcrest Cemetery Monument Restorations<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am pleased to announce that Cary has contracted with Verville Interiors and Preservation, LLC to repair, restore, and preserve cemetery monuments in our local historic landmark, <a href="https://www.townofcary.org/connect-engage/town-departments-offices/town-clerk-s-office/hillcrest-cemetery" target="_blank">Hillcrest Cemetery</a>. Work by expert craftsman, Michael Verville, also includes leveling leaning stones and stabilizing loose stones. Rest assured that the work will be completed in accordance with the US Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation and Conservation and Cary's Historic Preservation Commission will be involved as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What? You’ve never heard of Hillcrest Cemetery? Well, with burials dating back to the 1700s, <b>Hillcrest Cemetery is a special place of great historic significance to our community</b>. It is the final resting place of a number of men and women who made considerable contributions to the Town of Cary’s social, economic, political and religious growth, and development. Interred at the cemetery are fifteen former mayors, educators, and business leaders to include members of the Jones, Page, Templeton and Guess families, and Cary High principal Marcus Baxter Dry, Esther Ivey, Russell O. Heater, Alfred “Buck” Jones, and R. S. “Dad” Dunham. Hillcrest Cemetery was designated a historic landmark in 2014 and is Cary’s only municipal cemetery.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh620yiWfRdOl-4hU5Qco5Kpdmj10_9VSNTPp2D0e30ZCoyBaCnErn-hsBD-iRVKibe-BbuXPebuNTYD_5j-Tr_umsCojYpMltbKs3Mu8XA8jGziWIGzCF6ZFRiX0wkOYHuNS3u3mvyc68/s1600/Hillcrest+Cemetery+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh620yiWfRdOl-4hU5Qco5Kpdmj10_9VSNTPp2D0e30ZCoyBaCnErn-hsBD-iRVKibe-BbuXPebuNTYD_5j-Tr_umsCojYpMltbKs3Mu8XA8jGziWIGzCF6ZFRiX0wkOYHuNS3u3mvyc68/s400/Hillcrest+Cemetery+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQeAqk3W4pICXdrPE2gkWD0TdL3Hrsac15lqhc2lAPUhktG3qnUYGPu_Gi9zEg3upOKYOCDF8CNN4SSWMvzvQOR6bwwYmLaKNMVRPVtYP8HT3DGStKf-LYOuJDq554gcqBpSP8nZuuMs/s1600/Hillcrest+Cemetery+Cary+NC+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEQeAqk3W4pICXdrPE2gkWD0TdL3Hrsac15lqhc2lAPUhktG3qnUYGPu_Gi9zEg3upOKYOCDF8CNN4SSWMvzvQOR6bwwYmLaKNMVRPVtYP8HT3DGStKf-LYOuJDq554gcqBpSP8nZuuMs/s400/Hillcrest+Cemetery+Cary+NC+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillcrest Cemetery, Cary NC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Restoring these monuments to their original glory is the least we can do for those who gave so much of themselves for Cary.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So where is Hillcrest Cemetery? I’m glad you asked! The cemetery is located at 608 Page Street just south of downtown. The Town of Cary acquired most of the cemetery in the 1960s and 1970s, making it the Town’s only active municipal cemetery.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QTA8-H2NAyRG3N-tARqg0AQZcFcnnskS_VMo28l17hHeVkiywea4Kir-gs-0KT1CIrUMf-RTDzx0Xu7ceaVsGKj7-D5H1I_WNpiyG0JiFN6UxHlFyFskW09W4tVG_roLFoH3VFBK6EI/s1600/Hillcrest+Cemetery+Cary+NC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1440" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9QTA8-H2NAyRG3N-tARqg0AQZcFcnnskS_VMo28l17hHeVkiywea4Kir-gs-0KT1CIrUMf-RTDzx0Xu7ceaVsGKj7-D5H1I_WNpiyG0JiFN6UxHlFyFskW09W4tVG_roLFoH3VFBK6EI/s400/Hillcrest+Cemetery+Cary+NC.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cary’s American Legion Post 67 hosts an annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony at Hillcrest Cemetery and The Friends of the Page Walker also promotes walking tours through the cemetery to better educate visitors about Cary’s history. You can learn more about Hillcrest Cemetery from the Friends by <a href="https://friendsofpagewalker.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/hillcrest%20program%20WEB.pdf" target="_blank">clicking here.</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In partnership with the <a href="https://www.townofcary.org/connect-engage/volunteer/environmental-volunteering/spruce" target="_blank">Town’s Spruce Program</a>, the Town will also hold one clean-up day in the Cemetery on September 7 from 9 – 11 a.m. Volunteers can perform light cleaning of headstones/markers and/or just help with a little landscaping maintenance. Sign-up will be available through the Town’s website <a href="https://www.townofcary.org/connect-engage/town-departments-offices/town-clerk-s-office/hillcrest-cemetery/hillcrest-work-day-spruce-program">here.</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spruce volunteers donate their time and energy to help keep Cary clean and green by working in our parks, streets, streams, and other public spaces. From trail maintenance to litter cleanups and many other projects in between, the Spruce Program supports our citizen’s efforts to have a direct positive impact on both the beauty and the environmental health of our community.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I look forward to seeing everyone at Hillcrest Cemetery on September 7th and thanks in advance for coming out to help. If you have any questions about the monument repair and/or the scheduled clean-up day, please shoot me an email at don.frantz@townofcary.org or contact the Town Clerk’s office at virginia.johnson@townofcary.org .</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-28048763701581791652019-05-11T16:00:00.001-04:002019-05-11T16:00:57.855-04:002019 Cary Bond Referendum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yUrwUejZnOgTSdWW8vqE3SJ2IpmsB7fhwFw4GHksjRHNAJQGVtSxgLf7704sSFLSDIA8Y6G92D5-QeBvWrookooMevz54L3FMEEXwsunexm4_vxnMRWc3QWq0V-6aE_LBWIy5tMWb5I/s1600/Cary+NC+Bonds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="588" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yUrwUejZnOgTSdWW8vqE3SJ2IpmsB7fhwFw4GHksjRHNAJQGVtSxgLf7704sSFLSDIA8Y6G92D5-QeBvWrookooMevz54L3FMEEXwsunexm4_vxnMRWc3QWq0V-6aE_LBWIy5tMWb5I/s400/Cary+NC+Bonds.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past Thursday the council and members of our town staff held our third quarter meeting at the SAS Global Education Center. These quarterly meetings are invaluable in that they foster a collaborative environment where the council and staff work collectively to better implement our community’s vision and keep Cary great.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While each quarterly meeting is important, I always consider the third quarter the most critical as it is at this meeting where we begin our annual budget deliberations – which we did. This year however was a bit different as we also spent a great deal of time discussing the upcoming 2019 Bond Referendum.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, Cary voters will have the chance to decide on roughly a $225 million bond referendum this fall for numerous transportation and parks projects throughout town.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Notable bond referendum projects include:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Transportation</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nearly $14 million in additional funding for street improvements beyond the FY2020 budget amount of $5.4 million. This will provide for asphalt patching, overlays and resurfacing of town maintained streets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$5 million for new sidewalks. This is in addition to our annual appropriation of $1.75 million for sidewalk construction. These funds will help us to fulfill citizen requests for neighborhood sidewalks, complete gaps along major streets and provide for ADA upgrades and handicap ramps – not to mention it will further help us move closer to our goal of creating a more walkable and pedestrian friendly community and promote healthier living.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$4.8 million for the Cary Parkway sidewalk and bridge at the Black Creek Greenway. This project will complete the sidewalk gap from Evans Road to N. Harrison Ave. AND construct a pedestrian bridge over Black Creek Greenway next to the existing Cary Parkway bridge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mTAyZaxp2_3QXURiqFXvS_g8LQPoHNp5W1IV_PsIHMV8mLf_d2061yLZ5wz8JJPEWw2BJA9VhCzjmRKfg7N_mf2lrJ2cLUrHekaIdx4-gMxeiY78H6viBUmdRy07shvj4iZ4WQY1XsE/s1600/Cary+Parkway+Bridge+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1083" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mTAyZaxp2_3QXURiqFXvS_g8LQPoHNp5W1IV_PsIHMV8mLf_d2061yLZ5wz8JJPEWw2BJA9VhCzjmRKfg7N_mf2lrJ2cLUrHekaIdx4-gMxeiY78H6viBUmdRy07shvj4iZ4WQY1XsE/s400/Cary+Parkway+Bridge+%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedestrian bridge will be constructed next to the existing bridge AND provide access to the greenway below</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$28.7 million to widen Green Level Church Rd. from McCrimmon Parkway to Kit Creek Rd; Widen O’Kelly Chapel Rd. from Green Level Church Rd. to NC55; and widen Carpenter Fire Station Rd. from NC55 to the Cameron Pond neighborhood.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$5 million for intersection improvements at congested intersections – similar to the recent improvements made to the Cary Parkway and High House intersection.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$23 million for NCDOT Betterments. These include enhancements to and in concert with numerous NCDOT projects above and beyond what NCDOT would typically construct. Examples include two greenway tunnels under NC540; Pedestrian and bicycle facilities on bridges; median and sidewalk upgrades to Cary standards and improved landscaping/aesthetics.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$21 million for transportation improvements associated with the Fenton project at Cary Town Blvd, Trinity Rd. South, Quinard Drive and the I40 interchanges.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Parks and Recreation</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$50 million for the complete design and construction of phase II of the Downtown Cary Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$4 million for playground upgrades at 10 parks to include Rose Street Park, Dunham Park and Godbold Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$2.2 million for historic preservation/renovation of town owned historic properties with an additional $1 million should philanthropic goals be met (what exactly that looks like yet we don’t know but is something we are working on)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$8.9 Million for the construction of Carpenter Fire Station Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$6.1 million for McCrimmon Neighborhood Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$2.2 million for complete tennis court replacements at Dunham Park and Annie Jones Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$2 million in improvements to Sk8 Cary Park – this includes a roof structure so that the facility can be used year-round and ungraded lighting and ramps.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$10 million for construction and design of Tryon Road Park</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>$2 million for improvements to Veterans Freedom Park to include restroom facilities, additional parking and a memorial loop trail.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx0AAk6av6_dxAnUaJUMl3tx8dSyGEAiEa_rdeYU5vQIoj17N2eVV3TPPHk0NvXrwjlMCxAndNCYhyoF097e1vwg9KSCzmYk8WAJZPcoEVKAV4IkFkJr2pibsfJSFUuR5CjP0w5PjoDw/s1600/Veterans+Freedom+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwx0AAk6av6_dxAnUaJUMl3tx8dSyGEAiEa_rdeYU5vQIoj17N2eVV3TPPHk0NvXrwjlMCxAndNCYhyoF097e1vwg9KSCzmYk8WAJZPcoEVKAV4IkFkJr2pibsfJSFUuR5CjP0w5PjoDw/s400/Veterans+Freedom+Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veterans Freedom Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">•</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$20 million for open space acquisition and land banking for future park sites.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yeah, I know what y’all are thinking right about now – how much is this going to cost me? Well the good news is that as a AAA rated municipality, Cary has a long history of conservatively and successfully managing its finances and debt. As a result, the proposed 2019 bond program does NOT have any tax increase associated with it at this time. The town is currently able to absorb these additional costs due to the retirement of previously issued debt, a healthy fund balance and our ongoing efforts to manage operating costs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the lowest tax rate of any municipality in Wake County and beyond at 35 cents per $100 valuation, Cary continues to do more with less.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>I wholeheartedly support the proposed bond referendum and I hope you do too</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will follow up with a separate post about the FY2020 Budget soon as there is still work to be done there. Stay tuned!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks so much to our amazing town staff and my council colleagues for all of their work on this. It is truly a privilege to work with such an amazing group of dedicated public servants. Thank you also to Cary citizens for your faith and trust in me to serve as your voice in town government. It is my honor to serve you. And special thanks also to SAS for hosting our meeting this past Thursday – we are so blessed to have you in our community!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That’s all for now. As always, thanks for reading!</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-37694795378167060782019-03-29T16:15:00.000-04:002019-03-31T10:17:43.298-04:00Downtown LDO Amendment Worksession<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Approved in 2001, the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP) was Cary’s vision and planning document for downtown redevelopment. Also approved at that time was the current zoning downtown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIvcGX_ILwNnycoqVTN-FWBlowB8DQ0jdQRy3ubSze1Hq529oFwmCeqn89bgSrstHEk6kKAI2tGfZr2SgjJejBV2no4PUPIo8nQGO3vnBMQuhojHZXHfMkSflSMNQzapPhMtVOlKGJbw/s1600/TCAP+Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="720" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIvcGX_ILwNnycoqVTN-FWBlowB8DQ0jdQRy3ubSze1Hq529oFwmCeqn89bgSrstHEk6kKAI2tGfZr2SgjJejBV2no4PUPIo8nQGO3vnBMQuhojHZXHfMkSflSMNQzapPhMtVOlKGJbw/s400/TCAP+Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TCAP Zoning Map</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This vision was reaffirmed and further defined with the adoption of the Cary Community Plan – specifically the </span><a href="https://www.townofcary.org/home/showdocument?id=14240" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">downtown special planning area chapter</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. The Cary Community Plan took nearly four years to create given the unprecedented amount of community input and scrutiny. It is our community’s long-range planning document created by Cary citizens for Cary citizens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The vision for downtown Cary as defined in the Cary Community Plan is:</b> <i>Downtown Cary will be a vibrant, sustainable, historic, pedestrian oriented urban downtown, rich in charm and character. As the “heart and soul of Cary,” people will work, live, visit, recreate and shop in downtown. There will be an emphasis on office, residential, retail, entertainment, and civic development. Downtown will be supported by a multi‐modal transportation hub serving pedestrians, bicyclists, bus transit, train and motorists. Downtown Cary will be a community gathering place for surrounding neighborhoods, all of Cary, and the Triangle Region.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks to targeted public investments, regulatory amendments, community support, Cary town staff AND a council who actually has the political will to act upon established plans and implement the vision, meaningful private investment is occurring downtown and there is a lot more on the way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are however, conflicts between that which the Cary Community Plan calls for and the zoning that was established with the TCAP that need to be addressed if we are to truly realize our community’s vision for downtown.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Building height is the primary issue. The community plan breaks downtown up into six sub-areas:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">• East Chatham Gateway</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">• North Academy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">• Central Chatham</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">• South Academy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">• West Chatham Gateway</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">• Supporting Neighborhoods</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In each of those sub-areas the recommended building height is defined by stories (number of floors). The zoning however - which is what can legally be constructed – does not speak to stories and instead defines height by feet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The East Chatham Gateway sub-area for example recommends building heights at 5-6 stories but notes that buildings can go higher depending on context and suitability. A significant amount of property in this sub-area however is zoned MXD (Mixed Use) which caps building height at 45'. You simply can’t build a 5-6 story building and keep it under 45' tall.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At our recent council retreat we briefly discussed some potential Land Development Ordinance Amendments pertaining to building height - but we didn’t spend a lot of time on it as we were to have a more in depth worksession on the topic soon. I did however provide feedback that regardless of any changes proposed, I would not support increasing building height along South Academy St or the old library site when that redevelops to protect the character of the historic district and adjacent residences as best we can. Others who commented agreed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That worksession was held this past Thursday.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The majority of the downtown core which includes the Central Chatham, North and South Academy sub-areas is zoned HMXD (High Density Mixed-Use). HMXD however has a range of building height limits depending on location. In the South Academy sub-area for example – which includes the downtown historic district - building height is capped at 65'. Areas of the North Academy and Central Chatham sub-areas however allow for 75-90 feet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the worksession it was proposed that we amend the HMXD zoning district to allow for 90 feet building heights throughout the district except within 100' of South Academy Street and Chatham Street between Harrison Ave and Walker Street.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Building setback requirements along South Academy were also proposed to be 30’-40’ in keeping with the existing street rhythm (this is great!) and a minimum building height of 35' was also recommended to eliminate one story new construction (current minimum is 20’)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here are two images that illustrate allowable building heights today and what was proposed (sorry about the terrible image quality - I don't have the digital version of the images)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8BY_IH5J1zvWjUlcBJpF7Usc8jigaKHoYb9qFFwWFtsEqNurT4J_T2mtO68YUH6CZoiLFxLrmEBkGi_9kaqroz-PIZz5A64WKM_sfAKQt809NJJkgFyAHGsmSAiR3g-0tMmWFAvu-9A/s1600/TCAP+zoning+allowable+height+today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1250" data-original-width="1600" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg8BY_IH5J1zvWjUlcBJpF7Usc8jigaKHoYb9qFFwWFtsEqNurT4J_T2mtO68YUH6CZoiLFxLrmEBkGi_9kaqroz-PIZz5A64WKM_sfAKQt809NJJkgFyAHGsmSAiR3g-0tMmWFAvu-9A/s400/TCAP+zoning+allowable+height+today.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Existing height limits in the South Academy sub-area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgugDEbCO78y-YwWJbSETL0kwUhKXt0iRfd-xfhKF3W3EZZsIYCR8GB-YPF1CU4oSA9SHHr09IUNKSocc5VXZepV6ysW6zuv0ztkVjj9vglCI_joDM1yvkYoftJgPxvN9lA-Kq2RZXiw/s1600/TCAP+zoning+allowable+height+proposed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1600" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgugDEbCO78y-YwWJbSETL0kwUhKXt0iRfd-xfhKF3W3EZZsIYCR8GB-YPF1CU4oSA9SHHr09IUNKSocc5VXZepV6ysW6zuv0ztkVjj9vglCI_joDM1yvkYoftJgPxvN9lA-Kq2RZXiw/s400/TCAP+zoning+allowable+height+proposed.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proposed height limits in the South Academy sub-area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While this proposal would limit building heights fronting Academy St to 65’, once that same building was 100’ away from the street the height could then increase (step up) to 90’. That <i>could</i> result in a 90' tall building directly adjacent to a single family/historic home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQoDT7Y-R1C6gNyYWpZ7_KLjdEm2pnNKy4PFP7728OzfXV3P1W2Act-D7AEGnNz2F6X4QGmw0NUTa8EP3sGhHonB2TYx54ocV8HyHgCBL50nDJiFrdTGMP9hCj3MWVxlgWQw_306y22U/s1600/TCAP+zoning+height+stepback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQoDT7Y-R1C6gNyYWpZ7_KLjdEm2pnNKy4PFP7728OzfXV3P1W2Act-D7AEGnNz2F6X4QGmw0NUTa8EP3sGhHonB2TYx54ocV8HyHgCBL50nDJiFrdTGMP9hCj3MWVxlgWQw_306y22U/s400/TCAP+zoning+height+stepback.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was not pleased with the proposed zoning change to the South Academy sub-area. I found it insensitive to adjacent properties and the historic district and unnecessary. I believe 65’ is plenty tall enough – possibly even too tall along Academy St, Walker St and South Harrison Ave but there isn’t anything we can do about that. The zoning has been in place since 2001 and we can’t legally downzone someone’s property.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While we absolutely need to make some development ordinance amendments to align regulatory requirements with the vision laid out in community plan, that is not the case in the South Academy sub-area. HMXD with a height limit of 65’ meets if not exceeds the community plan recommendations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>From the South Academy Sub-Area Section of the Cary Community Plan:</b> <i>Along S. Harrison Ave., S. Academy St., Park St., and Dry St., building heights should complement and reinforce the historic built environment and small-town character, and will therefore be primarily 2 stories, except for landmark public and institutional buildings, such as the churches, Arts Center, and County Library. Buildings of 2-4 stories may be appropriate along Walnut and S. Walker Streets, in order to facilitate redevelopment, and since these areas are further away from the historic core of downtown. There will be cases where taller buildings can be accommodated, as long as designs are compatible with the predominant character of the street and adjacent and nearby properties, especially historic properties.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While I can appreciate the economic challenges the development community faces in regards to land acquisition and redevelopment costs, I haven't yet heard a compelling case made as to why we should allow 90’ tall buildings in the South Academy sub-area. If an applicant thinks that they can make a compelling case, then bring it to council for a request for modification and we’ll consider it. We consider modification requests all the time - but to allow it by right is concerning.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our community invested nearly 4 years creating the Cary Community Plan. It’s a dang good plan. I think we should stick to it until a compelling case is made otherwise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Based on worksession materials staff was to also propose amending the MXD zoning district to allow for 55’ for residential buildings and 65’ for mixed use buildings that would address the conflicts between the community plan and zoning like that in the Eastern Gateway example mentioned earlier - but we never got that far. We couldn’t get past South Academy. I have no problem owning that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There will be a follow up worksession held soon. I look forward to it.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-22922405478500396022018-11-29T09:12:00.000-05:002018-11-29T09:12:44.065-05:00Stormwater<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary is one of the greatest communities to live in America. Yet after a heavy storm event, for some of our citizens, it’s all washed up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stormwater and flooding have caused problems for decades – especially in older areas of town developed before 2000 when Cary didn’t have many of the stormwater mitigation regulations and riparian buffer requirements that we have today. Some homes were literally constructed in a floodplain – a practice that is prohibited today. Aging and in some cases, inadequate infrastructure is also a concern.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stormwater management is an incredibly complex topic. What might be required to address a problem upstream can have detrimental impacts to those downstream. A comprehensive and adaptive approach is required.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this year we created a stormwater working group comprised of impacted citizens, stormwater experts, engineers and town staff as part of a pilot program to model the impacts of stormwater using state of the art technology in the Walnut Creek Basin downtown. Assuming that our efforts are successful - and we have no intention of failing - it is our goal to implement this initiative town-wide.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The stormwater modeling provides a holistic look at how the area reacts during a storm event. This comprehensive model dynamically depicts current conditions, identifies potential issues and allows us to assess a variety of approaches to managing the floodplain. Potential “fixes” can be entered into the model allowing us to see if it actually fixed anything or not, and if it did, did it make it worse somewhere else? This will better help us focus town resources on actual solutions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The pilot program also includes locating, verifying, and
video documenting the condition of all stormwater pipes and culverts. There is
approximately 10,000 feet of public storm drain pipes in the pilot area. To
date, our Public Works department has completed maintenance on approximately
70% of them, with half of the pipes requiring cleaning. This information is then
used to update our condition assessment tool and model to reflect actual
conditions. These efforts are yielding results beyond just storm drain lines.
They have also identified gaps in technology and processes that are being
addressed, highlighting the importance of piloting these initiatives.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThfxIVfwPdwMQZO2J3GJgKNm49igHOHdtJZpzww1u8qOMZItbZ1C_xtGp3svzEfc9wRK3wqxSFAYolMGl1dFLdKm_z8RYk4ccc-38wT2YK4Z9mgvQwfWPlBkuVRP_3aPhOUpYWhMZ1LM/s1600/Town+of+Cary+Vac+Truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThfxIVfwPdwMQZO2J3GJgKNm49igHOHdtJZpzww1u8qOMZItbZ1C_xtGp3svzEfc9wRK3wqxSFAYolMGl1dFLdKm_z8RYk4ccc-38wT2YK4Z9mgvQwfWPlBkuVRP_3aPhOUpYWhMZ1LM/s400/Town+of+Cary+Vac+Truck.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vacuum truck the town uses to remove debris from pipes and culverts. It's like a giant shop-vac on wheels! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But not all stormwater pipes are in the public domain. Many exist on private property. Some property owners may not even know that they exist if they have become inoperative or even buried over the years. In instances where we need access to private property, we have directed our town staff to work with property owners to gain a right of entry in order to perform a condition assessment for the purpose of resolving infrastructure impacts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nvIPbxccnqs7kEAScfWmfuSlNojf43mRytuGYVg3_1bsdQtmK8O6hxOMN6RQBtWmtrrpUXRasXJ1Y2CcIspNIPJrOvnZiX1oMuhU2-qMPgpTr3HJzQjv-0iKibG35Fep30IcsV2aMFI/s1600/Stormwater+Pipe+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="325" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nvIPbxccnqs7kEAScfWmfuSlNojf43mRytuGYVg3_1bsdQtmK8O6hxOMN6RQBtWmtrrpUXRasXJ1Y2CcIspNIPJrOvnZiX1oMuhU2-qMPgpTr3HJzQjv-0iKibG35Fep30IcsV2aMFI/s400/Stormwater+Pipe+1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buried pipe outlet that was causing flooding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS3enMX0eojccXbGnHlMlp02PGpZUVfQ0-zOJJkp5y8A2ePZ_af8KOBaiJCQbVCUKpLvdNGmVfmwW1dWPoxlRIyWcvkP_d3TzIPFthCBYvyhGdruRD3vEF12GffmZhW151Qy_xeY_hio/s1600/Stormwater+Pipe+2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="258" data-original-width="344" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTS3enMX0eojccXbGnHlMlp02PGpZUVfQ0-zOJJkp5y8A2ePZ_af8KOBaiJCQbVCUKpLvdNGmVfmwW1dWPoxlRIyWcvkP_d3TzIPFthCBYvyhGdruRD3vEF12GffmZhW151Qy_xeY_hio/s320/Stormwater+Pipe+2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Stormwater infrastructure is more than pipes and culverts. It also includes green infrastructure such as detention facilities, open space and channel improvements. The water feature in phase II of the downtown park for example will also serve as a stormwater device that will help to mitigate area flooding as well as serve as a visual amenity. All of this can be plugged into the model to test the level of benefit each provides. Going forward we will refine our policies and programs and further develop our open space acquisition criteria.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have also directed our town staff to begin working on an ordinance amendment that will require new development to perform a stormwater impact analysis and model their project to the 100 year storm event. If the analysis shows any adverse impact, they will be required to mitigate it. Our current regulations require that development mitigates to the 10 year storm event. A 100 year storm event in Cary is roughly 7.5 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. The last time that happened here was July 2016 so we’re good for another 98 years right? Wrong. Just because it is called a 100 year storm doesn’t mean it only happens once every hundred years. This amendment will better ensure that new development does not exacerbate the problem, and in some instances might actually help to solve some of the problem(s).</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are some of the things that we are working on to help address the issue of flooding in our community. I am sure that as time goes on, and our modeling continues to improve that we will discover more. We remain committed to creating the most robust stormwater management program in the country.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Special thanks to our citizens and volunteers on the Stormwater Working Group. Your efforts are truly making a difference.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now and as always, thanks for reading!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-47643202108690075232018-05-15T10:45:00.000-04:002018-05-15T10:45:31.936-04:00FY2019 Budget, Recycling and an update on the Downtown Park<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The council and town staff held our third quarter meeting this past Thursday at the Matthews House in Downtown Cary. Our quarterly meetings are basically a mini council retreat where we reflect on noteworthy projects or initiatives over the last three months and discuss other important items while looking to the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blogworthy discussion items included the budget, recycling and the downtown park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are still early on in the budget process and by “we” I mean the council. Town staff – especially those in finance – never really leave the budget process. As soon as one fiscal year’s budget is adopted they begin working on the next one. Who knew that collecting and spending $340 million was so complicated? 😉 Well, it is and we are blessed to have such talented folks working on it – even more so this year. This is the first year that our department directors; rather than simply submitting independent department requests to the Town Manager, worked collaboratively to identify the organization’s overall needs to submit a unified recommendation to our Town Manager. The result is a budget that more closely aligns the organization’s resources with our community’s priorities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.townofcary.org/home/showdocument?id=19951" target="_blank">Proposed budget</a> highlights include:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The addition of 12 new firefighters and a new ladder truck<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$7.1 Million in street resurfacing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$1.75 Million in new sidewalks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$3.1 Million for Phase III of the Higgins Greenway<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Master Plan Phase II of the downtown Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$1.8 Million for Stormwater initiatives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">$6.7 Million for Reedy Creek Road Widening<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>NO TAX INCREASE</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Proposed budget lowlights include:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sanitation fees will increase $1 per month to help move the
system closer to cost recovery<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Annual Vehicle License fee will increase $15.00 to help
cover the costs of road improvements and sidewalks<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Utility rates will increase 3% per household.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Recycling is becoming more expensive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a very interesting part of the budget discussion.
While Cary’s robust recycling program never came close to breaking even,
historically we have been able to sell certain recyclables for about $10.00 a
ton. Recent changes in the market however have resulted in us now paying $21.47
a ton to get rid of it. So what happened? Well nearly 40% of US recyclables are
shipped to China. That is until <a href="https://resource-recycling.com/recycling/2017/05/23/national-sword-upending-exports/" target="_blank">China squashed that last year</a> and announced that
they would no longer be importing most recyclables. <b>Supply and demand.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary delivers roughly 11,000 tons of recyclables to Sonoco
Recycling in Raleigh each year. At $10 a ton that generated $110,000.00 in
revenue. Paying nearly $22 to get rid of it equals a $220,000 expenditure – a $330,000.00
swing. That stinks, and I aint talking about the trash.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the end however it is a values decision. Does our
community support recycling enough to invest another $330K to keep doing it? Is
diverting recyclables away from the landfill worth it? I believe so. In fact, according
to Cary’s most recent biennial survey, 93.9% of Cary citizens support Cary’s
recycling program - It’s the right thing to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Citizens can comment on the proposed budget at the Budget
Public Hearing in Council Chambers on June 14<sup>th</sup> or via email at <a href="mailto:budgetinput@townofcary.org">budgetinput@townofcary.org</a>.
Citizens can also contact council members at <a href="mailto:council@townofcary.org">council@townofcary.org</a></span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Downtown Park Update</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The council voted 6-1 to hire the <a href="https://www.ojb.com/project/parks-gardens" target="_blank">Office of James Burnett</a>
(OJB) as the downtown park phase II master plan design consultant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had previously blogged about the selection process and
firms competing for the job <a href="http://donfrantz.blogspot.com/2017/05/downtown-park-design-firm-selection.html" target="_blank">here</a>. All four firms are world class and there is
no question that any one of them would do a wonderful job if selected. They
didn’t get to where they are by being mediocre. After an extensive interview
process however, the majority of our town staff and council believed OJB to be
the best fit for Cary for a number of reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What really resonated with me was their emphasis on
programming, their understanding of the park as a driver for economic
development and redevelopment and that Cary’s own Withers and Ravenel are their
civil engineers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While it took a little longer to get here than I had hoped,
I am very pleased with the end result and look forward to the real work getting
started and working with the community to develop a remarkable master plan for
the park so we can start building it. <b>Git r done!</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6L5heHvLx7EzUIQMEmvAv7bib4TfJ_GcwLFy5mRBoQMIRHpzYissqDMUvZIHY3fUWQ-zGGFMH16W2x8Zo7ThjK5jGFmMEFLPoWDORpnt8vU4HdZwIoOFZBgUxH3qm7Iz0kHT0H539gA/s1600/Levy_Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_6L5heHvLx7EzUIQMEmvAv7bib4TfJ_GcwLFy5mRBoQMIRHpzYissqDMUvZIHY3fUWQ-zGGFMH16W2x8Zo7ThjK5jGFmMEFLPoWDORpnt8vU4HdZwIoOFZBgUxH3qm7Iz0kHT0H539gA/s400/Levy_Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Levy Park in Houston Texas is one example of OJB's work. Click on the link above to see more. Photo courtesy OJB.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That’s about it for now. As always thanks for reading and friend
me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DonFrantz/" target="_blank">facebook</a> or follow me on <a href="https://twitter.com/DonFrantzNC" target="_blank">twitter</a> for more town news and announcements.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-59809341731513709382018-05-04T13:50:00.001-04:002018-05-04T13:50:31.629-04:00Black Creek Greenway Improvements<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Major renovations to Cary’s Black Creek Greenway from the Old Reedy Creek Trailhead to West Dynasty moved one step closer to construction at our council meeting last night with the recognition of at least $4 million in NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) funds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Phases I & II of <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/greenways/black-creek-greenway" target="_blank">Black Creek Greenway</a> were originally constructed 25 years ago and extend approximately 2.5 miles between Old Reedy Creek Road and West Dynasty Drive. This portion of the greenway trail does not meet the current Town’s minimum design standard of ten feet wide for asphalt trails and twelve feet wide for the bridges. The greenway has also been severely impacted by heavy rains and flooding requiring major upgrades to prevent further storm damage. Phases I & II reconstruction will bring the greenway up to current design standards including 7 new bridges that will be upgraded and elevated to reduce stormwater impacts.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkEao2C1nfkpB4sKbTOp8I_5E_54BmmNTo4KR4_GnY32amUv8WMzLmtVqyjBxsTmQwbkhCicUlCnvVNIngPFfxAIiNstfEFjEhbS4hhqujaMpkj8b6dljaguUy7YtgxvvKrBk83Ju8qo/s1600/Black+Creek+Greenway+Damage+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="523" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkEao2C1nfkpB4sKbTOp8I_5E_54BmmNTo4KR4_GnY32amUv8WMzLmtVqyjBxsTmQwbkhCicUlCnvVNIngPFfxAIiNstfEFjEhbS4hhqujaMpkj8b6dljaguUy7YtgxvvKrBk83Ju8qo/s400/Black+Creek+Greenway+Damage+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Phase V portion of the project (see image below) is a
new greenway trail. Currently, sidewalks on West Dynasty Drive provide the
connection between Phases II & III of the greenway. As I am sure everyone
who has traversed this section of greenway is well aware, it has extremely
steep grades that make it difficult for pedestrians and cyclists. <b>The new Phase
V section of greenway eliminates the need for users of the trail to travel on
the steep section of West Dynasty Drive </b>and aligns the greenway access points
directly across from each other on West Dynasty Drive.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgaanaGtjQcyoDkUxv58s_ISU1vIrKwvnzXBmgPxiVJKSXJa5QOs1rUmPs3eOqumJCjNND5N-Gwa5Xo-KvVkKWyuAWgaJi6TmXpGHryQhr0cxiLOALhPktVsnotHe3nXKvR1zYyYAe3I/s1600/Black+Creek+Greenway+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="409" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgaanaGtjQcyoDkUxv58s_ISU1vIrKwvnzXBmgPxiVJKSXJa5QOs1rUmPs3eOqumJCjNND5N-Gwa5Xo-KvVkKWyuAWgaJi6TmXpGHryQhr0cxiLOALhPktVsnotHe3nXKvR1zYyYAe3I/s400/Black+Creek+Greenway+%25282%2529.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The total estimated project cost for the renovations to
phases I & II and the new phase V trail is $6.6 million. The town had
originally received a grant from the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning
Organization (CAMPO) for $2.6 million and Cary had already appropriated $2 million.
Shortly thereafter we were awarded the $4 million grant from NCDOT. We don’t
just apply for grants from one agency, we apply for grants from all possible agencies
;-)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So yeah, we’re accepting the higher grant award from NCDOT
and not the CAMPO grant – and before you ask, no we can’t use both 😉<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The $4 million grant from NCDOT also allows for another $1
million grant once the project has gone to bid for a total grant amount of $5
million in NCDOT STIP funds. Cary’s share of the cost would be $1.6 million. We
have already appropriated $2 million so roughly 400K will be returned to the
general fund and become available for other needs. Cary will be getting a shiny
new $6.6 million greenway for $1.6 million in town funds…. <b>And did I mention it
aligns the greenway crossing West Dynasty so you won’t kill yourself peddling
up that crazy hill anymore? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With the acceptance of grant funds, our Town of Cary staff
will begin the process for acquiring the necessary easements and right-of-way
for the project with a goal of initiating the construction bidding phase in
2019.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Special thanks to our amazing Town of Cary Staff and the
fine folks at the <a href="https://wrri.ncsu.edu/partnerships/cewm/bcwa/" target="_blank">Black Creek Watershed Association</a> for all their efforts thus
far. As with everything Cary, everyone working together makes great things happen! I can’t wait for this project to begin.
<b>Cary Rocks!</b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-46674889382726694652018-01-29T11:09:00.000-05:002018-01-29T11:09:51.150-05:00Fenton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhSzX3RSvDbaFyh7yF_k-fV8ekWmmgypJ4SPsGH7RuZuU8eXsRwWb4hEVJV6o5UIT9LD-URJYWrPooLVLh6lxbPLPzC6OAJOs9TLlaO3YyeAelZDGcy6kk3EaJjBSF6f2FofHuSveEvs/s1600/FENTON.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1100" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhSzX3RSvDbaFyh7yF_k-fV8ekWmmgypJ4SPsGH7RuZuU8eXsRwWb4hEVJV6o5UIT9LD-URJYWrPooLVLh6lxbPLPzC6OAJOs9TLlaO3YyeAelZDGcy6kk3EaJjBSF6f2FofHuSveEvs/s400/FENTON.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At our last council meeting the council unanimously approved
Fenton, a signature mixed-use project which will be located along Cary Town
Blvd. across the street from the future IKEA and Cary Town Center Mall.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CiiNnPNgjRrTs4qMmULI_cHlakpzjhX9giqQEKwe9btAtUtfqiG1Wg04ClHFlnxztHBiYREt3_GSuBUwpKtvAzcquOCh53LzrTA_Z2TMbI-yiNr_bYAaUpKR7G1hbjHhuPszWoSTY2I/s1600/Fenton+site.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="755" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8CiiNnPNgjRrTs4qMmULI_cHlakpzjhX9giqQEKwe9btAtUtfqiG1Wg04ClHFlnxztHBiYREt3_GSuBUwpKtvAzcquOCh53LzrTA_Z2TMbI-yiNr_bYAaUpKR7G1hbjHhuPszWoSTY2I/s400/Fenton+site.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fenton site location</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The “state property” (it is owned by North Carolina) has
been on Cary’s radar for years. We have always had concerns that one day the
state might choose to develop the site as an underwhelming government building or worse, an NCDOT fleet vehicle storage/service facility. So you can
imagine our excitement when we learned that the state was putting the land up
for sale.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The first developer to put the property under contract
proposed a residential project similar to the Inside Wade project in Raleigh. While
a quality proposal, the majority of council did not believe that met <b>Cary’s vision
for the site – an employment based mixed use center</b> – and the project was ultimately
denied.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not too long after that, in 2015 <a href="http://www.columbiadevelopment.com/projects/fenton" target="_blank">Columbia Development</a> put
the property under contract and proposed a Wegmans grocery store and a sea of
surface parking - another good project, but one that again fell short of our
vision for this property and Cary’s Eastern Gateway. The state property is one
of Cary’s last prime undeveloped properties suitable for large class A office
development – centrally located between Raleigh and Durham and in close
proximity to the airport. To allow anything less than remarkable on this site would
be doing our community a disservice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To Columbia Development’s credit they bought into our vision
for Cary’s eastern Gateway, rolled up their sleeves and spent the next two
years working with Cary Town Staff and the council to do just that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The result
is Fenton.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fenton includes up to 2.5 million square
feet of office, commercial and residential development <b>with office being the
primary user</b>. Retail and residential however will be developed first in an
effort to create a sense of place and an attractive destination where office
tenants will want to locate. That said, there is nothing that prohibits an
office user from coming in sooner than later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNao_k7SiVGkdVdS-bDh4fKKFGlIuiRui8PqzUsQboA5vnKEsJL7UEqQRX-Kv1rRGcvnWYAkRVU3M3CVbafj0iknvXGCVxAYbfydfNhAMI7Bq0wIAehNic_ruZX3oylAvtJfbtsX-kMw/s1600/Fenton+Office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNao_k7SiVGkdVdS-bDh4fKKFGlIuiRui8PqzUsQboA5vnKEsJL7UEqQRX-Kv1rRGcvnWYAkRVU3M3CVbafj0iknvXGCVxAYbfydfNhAMI7Bq0wIAehNic_ruZX3oylAvtJfbtsX-kMw/s400/Fenton+Office.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conceptual office development at Fenton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">The majority of the proposed buildings that include retail
uses – except for the Wegmans Grocery - will be vertically integrated with a
mix of uses - that being restaurant or retail on the ground floor with either
office or residential on the floors above. This will create an experiential “main
street” to include “jewel box” retail and restaurants in the medians between
the buildings – very similar to what we saw at <a href="http://www.experienceavalon.com/" target="_blank">Avalon</a> in Alpharetta, Georgia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeJMCthHGyV0g7czgYGPPoKKpisZkCOh7DFz4J1bidjjkvCcYW-odqwq8dDCnXW94IZF82bRunYmz3om4B46sNOWmp4ysyJV6cAsFUAE7ZauepfYne60E-WDMhRZH8SJbuLmCIqzlYAg/s1600/Fenton+Site+Plan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="446" data-original-width="624" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCeJMCthHGyV0g7czgYGPPoKKpisZkCOh7DFz4J1bidjjkvCcYW-odqwq8dDCnXW94IZF82bRunYmz3om4B46sNOWmp4ysyJV6cAsFUAE7ZauepfYne60E-WDMhRZH8SJbuLmCIqzlYAg/s400/Fenton+Site+Plan.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proposed Fenton Site Plan. Purple indicates vertical mix of uses required.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrSygrxbUsVilMWX5q3Q_TW8Wx8KXeyS-xN-kPA5REDYMdSmJERgK5rDJHVmFsjZOQti_oltOHGy35Gwfg8Mr4JUgsyd82PpI7-QUhI0Lw9gcTH8xGBpCrOV7anekExL8lySPeGrWfZY/s1600/Fenton+Jewel+Box+Retail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtrSygrxbUsVilMWX5q3Q_TW8Wx8KXeyS-xN-kPA5REDYMdSmJERgK5rDJHVmFsjZOQti_oltOHGy35Gwfg8Mr4JUgsyd82PpI7-QUhI0Lw9gcTH8xGBpCrOV7anekExL8lySPeGrWfZY/s400/Fenton+Jewel+Box+Retail.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example of "Jewel Box" Retail/Restaurant in between buildings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Six community gathering areas integrated into the
development to provide both passive and active opportunities for residents and
visitors. Eight parking decks are proposed with buildings designed to screen or
wrap the decks. The Wegmans even gets a table-top parking structure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The main entrance into the site will be on Cary Town Blvd. where
the "road to nowhere" that is always blocked off is located. In case
you are wondering how that road ever got there, the town built it years ago
when NCDOT granted the access point on Cary Town Blvd. to ensure access to
future development and the Soccer Park just in case NCDOT changed their
rules/criteria later on.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Other access points will include extending Quinard Drive
from Maynard into the site, East Chatham Street from the north and a new access
road along the eastern boundary of the site from Quinard Drive.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeph3Ap3wBEXV7Az-isoJDN-bMF_VI5QTlC1BzFkHWB3v9mhPtSb3qNq8epnZJmLatVP47glY1srBcc5k691BZEXUj0HuTTUCud8bOQGHXU4k-nj6EXwhyekily2-C6bepMnP7IzzeG8/s1600/Fenton+Transportation+Network.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="307" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMeph3Ap3wBEXV7Az-isoJDN-bMF_VI5QTlC1BzFkHWB3v9mhPtSb3qNq8epnZJmLatVP47glY1srBcc5k691BZEXUj0HuTTUCud8bOQGHXU4k-nj6EXwhyekily2-C6bepMnP7IzzeG8/s400/Fenton+Transportation+Network.jpeg" width="362" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proposed transportation network - purple lines are streets.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5fN85Afrxju1oIwM_3mxFH3J23q2PfZ5C2pwb4XircHDpqpVrbNWtegiNTwUZhtSPHx-wiqavQo2SzJsuj4mb6pnHkyl9OAKdgk2IztYpmsGjMciZ5dhabk20hysDeVTeraKsLqhShA/s1600/Fenton+Quinard+Road+Extension.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="630" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU5fN85Afrxju1oIwM_3mxFH3J23q2PfZ5C2pwb4XircHDpqpVrbNWtegiNTwUZhtSPHx-wiqavQo2SzJsuj4mb6pnHkyl9OAKdgk2IztYpmsGjMciZ5dhabk20hysDeVTeraKsLqhShA/s400/Fenton+Quinard+Road+Extension.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Quinard Road Extension</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The project will provide for bike, pedestrian and transit facilities and
the future IronGate Greenway from downtown will also provide access to the
site.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9osRq2nsv5Sc14t-7yZG_CAceCupYGMDak5dFlZLh6f_p2_qrj-VJSiy3xRu7oz99-2eOcdxLyNQwYDuessPe2edzA0PnbQreKXZZMhSmoeFdTpGm6jnnze4R6mggnGCiZeDuo0Oojyo/s1600/Fenton+Irongate+Greenway.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="633" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9osRq2nsv5Sc14t-7yZG_CAceCupYGMDak5dFlZLh6f_p2_qrj-VJSiy3xRu7oz99-2eOcdxLyNQwYDuessPe2edzA0PnbQreKXZZMhSmoeFdTpGm6jnnze4R6mggnGCiZeDuo0Oojyo/s400/Fenton+Irongate+Greenway.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Future Irongate Greenway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The applicant, Columbia Development, <b>voluntarily offered
over 100 different zoning conditions with this rezoning to ensure that what is
promised is what get’s built.</b> This is unprecedented for a development in Cary.
Conditions offered include transportation improvements at 13 intersections,
phasing and vertical mix of uses, building and use location, parking
structures, public art, streetscapes and buffers, accommodation for a
pedestrian bridge from this site to the Cary Town Center Mall site,
bike/ped/transit facilities, etc..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two unique conditions offered include a design guidebook and
developer agreement with the town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Design Guidebook</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Design Guidebook is offered as a commitment that the
development of all buildings, structures, hardscape, site furnishings,
lighting, screening, landscaping, signage, and public art (the “site elements”)
shall be “substantially similar” to characteristics and features promised by
the applicant and “sold” to the town via their marketing materials and our trip
to Avalon. <b>Many elements of the design guidebook far exceed town standards</b>.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3RuNHQkKFQ8Vu7j3lKn_MSn2zbf2pGF_YLNqR8ibe4io_ro9NhFQEjnm0i9CJviPQ89tzmVvYHMhSTn75nfKVD1o2vGW5WvcGoR8rIoxG9S-ns6ymXivF1UC7_buydWL4tFPxt_kec4/s1600/Fenton+Design+Guidebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="647" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3RuNHQkKFQ8Vu7j3lKn_MSn2zbf2pGF_YLNqR8ibe4io_ro9NhFQEjnm0i9CJviPQ89tzmVvYHMhSTn75nfKVD1o2vGW5WvcGoR8rIoxG9S-ns6ymXivF1UC7_buydWL4tFPxt_kec4/s400/Fenton+Design+Guidebook.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqtekHbS2l1fvfA_i-HTCngM-FJw5WG5Py2viENTXvQihjiQzpg4gvdsUQHbK4qu8ajRjqHQy0YRlTL89VGW3RO75fGN1ye3UPOuRMcB4NcvgTIIl3Cla817hMSfbR8EQUFPwbm0uS4U/s1600/Fenton+Guidebook+1+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1247" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqtekHbS2l1fvfA_i-HTCngM-FJw5WG5Py2viENTXvQihjiQzpg4gvdsUQHbK4qu8ajRjqHQy0YRlTL89VGW3RO75fGN1ye3UPOuRMcB4NcvgTIIl3Cla817hMSfbR8EQUFPwbm0uS4U/s400/Fenton+Guidebook+1+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example page from Fenton Design Guidebook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrSXypiY7fJsowD4GwB8Kwc6WqeVqt_isAB0JzQnydMSc219k9wmIu6l4IA3tV20IScTO9B0yPZBd-QAZB_qFoBpdVLQfFQAZVZdzzXPSpYpOnraVdVZ3vAkFHyfnMXhgjfHl7EdH4co/s1600/Fenton+Guidebook+2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1311" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirrSXypiY7fJsowD4GwB8Kwc6WqeVqt_isAB0JzQnydMSc219k9wmIu6l4IA3tV20IScTO9B0yPZBd-QAZB_qFoBpdVLQfFQAZVZdzzXPSpYpOnraVdVZ3vAkFHyfnMXhgjfHl7EdH4co/s400/Fenton+Guidebook+2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Example page from Fenton Design Guidebook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you want to see the entire Design Guidebook, <a href="http://carync.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=4199&MediaPosition=&ID=2888&CssClass=" target="_blank">click here</a> and scroll to the bottom of the page and click
the Design Guidebook link - it's a 12 MB PDF.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Development Agreement</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A development agreement is a legal agreement between the
town and the developer. The agreement
provides a level of certainty to the developer regarding what can be built when
and what mitigation measures will be required.
It also provides the Town with the opportunity to look at the long-term
horizon and ensure that the development will fit with the Town’s comprehensive
planning efforts and local policies in more detail than a rezoning allows. In addition, development agreements give the
Town greater flexibility in determining conditions and requirements for the
project, and allow greater latitude and more creative solutions to address impacts,
including potential Town contributions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Since the development agreement is a condition of the
rezoning, <b>no development may occur unless it complies with the development
agreement</b>. The development agreement
provides the opportunity to address a variety of topics related to this project
in greater detail, including but not limited to provisions related to timing,
phasing, intensity of development, and funding of infrastructure construction.
We hope to have the developer agreement completed by late February or March. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All this seems pretty complicated, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is – which it is why it too so long to get here. To those of you anxious for the Wegmans, Thank You for your patience. It's coming ;-) <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a <a href="http://donfrantz.blogspot.com/2017/08/eastern-cary-gateway-update-ikea-and.html" target="_blank">previous blog post</a> I compared the process to making
Grandma’s famous chili – that if you rushed it or cut corners it wouldn’t be as
good as it could have been. Same thing here. We spent a great deal of time
making sure we got all the ingredients right to ensure a truly remarkable project.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That said, as with any project of this magnitude I'm sure we'll run into a few unforeseen issues here and there. I am confident that by continuing to work together as we have been there is nothing we can't overcome.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really appreciate the applicant’s willingness to listen
and work with us to help us achieve our vision. It wasn’t easy for them or us.
But in the end I believe we have something that we can all be proud of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Special thanks also to our amazing town staff who spent
countless hours on this project as well as the <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/projects-initiatives/cary-community-plan/eastern-cary-gateway" target="_blank">Eastern Gateway</a> component of the
Cary Community Plan. As a member of the council I have had the pleasure - or not - of working with staff members from other municipalities or agencies. None of them can hold a candle to the dedicated and talented group of folks at Cary Town Hall. Cary's staff are the best!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now. As always, thanks for reading!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-77539512538864261672018-01-16T13:44:00.000-05:002018-01-16T13:44:10.201-05:00Urban Drive Townhomes<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our council meeting this past Thursday we unanimously
approved the Urban Drive Townhome Rezoning. This request rezones one lot along
Urban Drive from Medium Density Residential (MDR) to Mixed-use allowing for the
construction of five townhomes that will be integrated into the <a href="https://www.chathamwalk.com/" target="_blank">Chatham Walk Condominium</a> project at the corner of Chatham and Urban.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Chatham Walk condominium project did not require council
consideration as the use is already allowed under the existing zoning which was
put in place in 2001 with the adoption of the Town Center Area Plan (TCAP). <b>The
Chatham Walk Condominiums would still be built</b> whether or not we approved the
townhomes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So while we technically weren’t considering the condominium
project, we were considering a component of it – separating the two was
difficult as the proposed townhome layout relies on the condominium site for
access, parking and stormwater management.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcYD1X0xX8RDWVQzAn2UvRq5OdpKnyB9n60FsunHUBN5NdSfqIBUfQJeMLgeMI0azKcHdaAtfXtPLty57LLPAAEym3dx_W5qC3g37qspBguAlzSA-cR6TgCl1hnLXtKLgGIqSeqvsrcs/s1600/Urban+Drive+Chatham+Walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZcYD1X0xX8RDWVQzAn2UvRq5OdpKnyB9n60FsunHUBN5NdSfqIBUfQJeMLgeMI0azKcHdaAtfXtPLty57LLPAAEym3dx_W5qC3g37qspBguAlzSA-cR6TgCl1hnLXtKLgGIqSeqvsrcs/s400/Urban+Drive+Chatham+Walk.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Computer rendering of Chatham Walk Condos and Townhomes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The image above was generated to demonstrate scale and
transition. That is NOT what the townhomes will look like 😉</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Downtown residents expressed both support and opposition to
the proposal with the majority of residents along Urban Drive in opposition.
Concerns included building height, neighborhood character, transition, building
set-backs and stromwater/flooding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zoning conditions offered by the applicant in an effort to
address neighbor and council concerns included:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) Stormwater runoff from the roof and driveways of any
townhome building constructed upon the property shall be diverted to the
existing stormwater system within Chatham Street.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While this clearly won’t in any way solve the stormwater
problem downtown, it won’t make it worse either and may actually help a bit as
runoff post-development will be mitigated vs no stormwater mitigation
pre-development. Cary’s stormwater requirements now are MUCH stricter than in
years past. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) The applicant has also offered conditions related to
building design and architecture. These
include locating the principal entrance on Urban Drive for any townhomes with
frontage on Urban Drive, providing a minimum percentage of masonry material on
building facades, and limiting the use of vinyl siding to soffits and
architectural accents. The intent of
these conditions is to provide an architectural transition between the existing
single-family homes and condos and respect the residential front door feel of the
neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) Conditions were also offered to provide a six-foot tall
fence or wall within ten feet of the boundary line and a ten-foot building
setback from the southern property line (the same set-back requirement that
exists with MDR).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The townhomes will be three stories tall with a maximum
height of 45 feet - the same height that could have been built by-right under
the existing MDR zoning. That deserves repeating - <b>a 45 feet tall residential
building could have been built on this site today without any council
consideration or citizen input.</b> The primary difference between the existing
zoning and that requested is the number of units and access/parking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And while I appreciate the resident’s concerns regarding
transition, we will have to agree to disagree. I believe that three-story
townhomes do provide a good transition from a four-story condominium building
into a single-family neighborhood downtown. <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/home/showdocument?id=14240" target="_blank">The Cary Community Plan</a> – our community’s
vision document speaks to this – “Heights should step
down to adjacent lower story buildings where necessary, or otherwise provide
acceptable transitions.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The townhomes will also better shield the condominium’s
parking lot from view along Urban Drive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another concern raised by area residents was “development
creep” – that by approving this proposal we are opening the door for the rest
of the neighborhood to be redeveloped with townhomes or other high density uses.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>That is not the case.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While some parts of our downtown neighborhoods may see change
over the coming years – especially those areas close to Chatham Street, Academy
Street and Harrison Ave – the majority of downtown neighborhoods are planned to
stay the same – except of course for remodels, additions or other improvements
performed by homeowners – which is happening a lot these days!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The vision for the Central Chatham Sub-area as described in
the Cary Community Plan is, “A vibrant mixed-use corridor with shops,
restaurants, breweries, studios, and sidewalk vendors. The street will be a
corridor, where people move between adjacent subareas. It will be Cary’s
primary destination for dining, entertainment, and shopping. And it will be a
neighborhood, a downtown community with a variety of living options where
residents can obtain their daily needs within a short walk.”</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is an image of all the downtown sub-areas as well as the Central Chatham Sub-area where the site is located.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-AO45yOiq_CfeOrCQawxQ0Troq-G0nf7DCCrx_mQ97kpcChppl28r68-wGGJi88I6OMcCINsOQK9Z8V_RH6osHEBGwPaL_k4JvA23qYKgfNZwGrquzrIs2-03hAOVKkuCIzTTxSVYv4/s1600/Cary+Community+Plan+Image+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="595" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-AO45yOiq_CfeOrCQawxQ0Troq-G0nf7DCCrx_mQ97kpcChppl28r68-wGGJi88I6OMcCINsOQK9Z8V_RH6osHEBGwPaL_k4JvA23qYKgfNZwGrquzrIs2-03hAOVKkuCIzTTxSVYv4/s400/Cary+Community+Plan+Image+1.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the Cary Community Plan – “The shaded areas on
this map highlight some of the general locations that might offer particular
opportunities for future infill development, redevelopment, or re-use that
could help to achieve the vision for Central Chatham. Change is anticipated to
occur slowly over time, as individual property owners elect at their own
discretion to undertake changes to their properties to better align with this
vision. Additional sites not highlighted in this subarea are expected to be
maintained as is, or not change significantly, over the planning horizon.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So the bottom line is that if your neighborhood isn’t
highlighted, it isn’t expected to change much nor do we plan for it to. If it
is highlighted, change might occur if property owners choose to do so.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I appreciate that change can be difficult for folks, I
really do. But change is coming to downtown and for the most part this is a
great thing. The condominium and townhomes above might look out of place today.
They won’t look out of place in 5-10 years. A similar project is already in the
works on the eastern corner of Urban and Chatham and the land on the northern
side of Chatham St. has been assembled for redevelopment. A number of other
projects are also in the works downtown such as the townhomes along Park St
across from the downtown park, the mixed-use development at the corner of
Harrison and Chatham and private development at the downtown library parking
deck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As new development occurs, we will continue to work to
ensure that it is done in a manner that is consistent with our community’s
vision for downtown and respects the character and charm of surrounding neighborhoods.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can’t say that I ever thought I’d dedicate an entire blog post to
five townhomes, but the reality is that this case was much bigger than that. It
was about striking a balance between existing residents and new development and
sticking to the vision laid out in the Cary Community Plan. As downtown continues to evolve we will surely face similar challenges. I look forward to it.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks for reading!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-50485259751750686872017-11-21T10:06:00.000-05:002017-11-21T10:06:06.198-05:00Cary citizens make Cary great!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every time I see the news I am reminded how blessed we are
to live in one of the greatest communities in America. But I am also reminded that we must not take
this for granted. It is so important that we as a community continue to support
each other and give back, and there isn’t much that better demonstrates Cary
citizens doing exactly that than some of the recent events in town.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary hosted two <b>Veterans Day events</b> to pay tribute to and
thank our veterans and their families for their sacrifice and service to our
great nation - the 2017 Veterans Luncheon at the Herb Young Community Center
and Veterans Day Observance Ceremonies at Veterans Freedom Park. Both events
are always well attended.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the luncheon our veterans and their families are treated
to a patriotic program, lunch and musical entertainment. One of the more
popular parts of the program is when the band plays the service songs of all
the military branches and veterans from each branch stand and wave flags
when their song is played. Their might even be a little competition
between the service members of the different branches 😉
Thanks so much to the dozens of volunteers and Town of Cary employees who,
without for them the event would not be possible; and special thanks to <a href="http://www.carytownband.org/" target="_blank">The Cary Town Band</a> and the Cary Christian School Chamber Choir who did an amazing
job – seriously, if you haven’t heard the these two perform together you’re
missing out. Well done!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcl37gfOIrjlBUrG_xFEVTLtfQSE74_ZJSbzMji3olgMLAiqv21r2ZwLIOdQQ7DXXz9cJ0XkW8vw2FPnQZg6YvSZceHx7CIH_1kTncNacIySmdvzWeFSpXuB9j5jPOyNDIOkx3-Rv6P8/s1600/Veterans+lunch+2017+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRcl37gfOIrjlBUrG_xFEVTLtfQSE74_ZJSbzMji3olgMLAiqv21r2ZwLIOdQQ7DXXz9cJ0XkW8vw2FPnQZg6YvSZceHx7CIH_1kTncNacIySmdvzWeFSpXuB9j5jPOyNDIOkx3-Rv6P8/s400/Veterans+lunch+2017+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2017 Veterans Day Luncheon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYXVZmDcUvRycp0woYKNKJCeqMSjxxGMVoqzf8wnbquRFvn6iVCfIjjHpckGyxQUdRsaX8OvDYPYAakeXux-qTrSs1BXVVcZXOmf-OgUoYeaAkTJ8ifEh_xyQSUpKhBWfJ81qCCILdIk/s1600/Veterans+Lunch+2017+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcYXVZmDcUvRycp0woYKNKJCeqMSjxxGMVoqzf8wnbquRFvn6iVCfIjjHpckGyxQUdRsaX8OvDYPYAakeXux-qTrSs1BXVVcZXOmf-OgUoYeaAkTJ8ifEh_xyQSUpKhBWfJ81qCCILdIk/s400/Veterans+Lunch+2017+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Cary Town Band and the Cary Christian School Concert Choir</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUOrwm8xcZaNgyLO-v2JWNY9wtsKyHg7MJM7x-EvU7HPQ1u3d8VilEtENxzXtinNxH_f0ueyPqEiFIwrXJCrqLjxfWNNOEfjeuA7k_4MTVSXLJKoQ7h17wAPXH0Y-BPsvoZprUI4Zeys/s1600/Veterans+Lunch+2017+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1600" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDUOrwm8xcZaNgyLO-v2JWNY9wtsKyHg7MJM7x-EvU7HPQ1u3d8VilEtENxzXtinNxH_f0ueyPqEiFIwrXJCrqLjxfWNNOEfjeuA7k_4MTVSXLJKoQ7h17wAPXH0Y-BPsvoZprUI4Zeys/s400/Veterans+Lunch+2017+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Council Member and US Army Veteran Jack Smith</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Veterans Day Observance Ceremony at Veterans Freedom
Park featured speakers from both the town and local armed forces community
support groups. The Old North State Band provided musical entertainment and
Carolina Veterans Support Group provided a field of flags that folks could
sponsor. Little toy soldiers were provided for citizens to write a soldier's
name on and place in the memorial as a way to honor those who have served in
the armed forces. These soldiers will be saved and placed in the monument every
Memorial Day and Veterans Day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And on a related note, back in September The Herb Young
Community Center hosted the <a href="https://www.milvets.nc.gov/veterans%E2%80%99-experience-action-center" target="_blank">Veteran's Benefits Action Center</a>. The Cary program
in partnership with Veteran’s Affairs, allows eligible veterans and dependents
a unique opportunity to be assisted by a team that includes Veteran’s
Organization Service Officers, Department of Veteran’s Affairs, benefits
officials and healthcare representatives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSEFbzP6UeUDzEV7TZPuIUs9A1kVuQRcEwv1UMOgfUGGGiFnzPuEUT1cOYTjI3YEALmxxoRwyUCO609FkHjUSwEKP0Hwm1iYTz3rIiPV3TOtKVFyx78cA5xmTzOCMUlOGXgq2XG6XOGs/s1600/Veterans+Freedom+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1600" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgSEFbzP6UeUDzEV7TZPuIUs9A1kVuQRcEwv1UMOgfUGGGiFnzPuEUT1cOYTjI3YEALmxxoRwyUCO609FkHjUSwEKP0Hwm1iYTz3rIiPV3TOtKVFyx78cA5xmTzOCMUlOGXgq2XG6XOGs/s400/Veterans+Freedom+Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veterans Freedom Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Cary Unity Walk</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Cary Unity Walk is an event to celebrate citizens
working together to support local first responders and create a safe, unified,
and nurturing community for our youth and our future. Produced by <a href="https://fitandable.net/about-fit-and-able/" target="_blank">Fit and AbleProductions</a>, nearly 300 people walked with Cary Police officers, firefighters
and EMS personnel from Downtown Cary to WakeMed Soccer Park. Following the walk
was a 5K/10K race which also featured kids games by Special Olympics North
Carolina, performances by LA Dance, a fly-over by the Bandit Flight Team, the
national anthem by the USO, and representatives from every branch of the
military.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk499014982"></a>Finding ways in which our citizens can
connect with our first responders is so important, and I am so very proud
of the fine folks at Fit and Able and our citizens for making this a priority.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJvbte7qhwSD57jwtV-QWKlh6h-5DjlUKWfiS95npk22pFTy-fSenwz3lC5mmqudkJpsdZBr2bgsJ8xRixPzJ6p38M0JNkVafLUD7RBrMQwNo5vAGXpkJK661NTkrX70-6-kcG7WZimw/s1600/Cary+Unity+Walk+2017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJvbte7qhwSD57jwtV-QWKlh6h-5DjlUKWfiS95npk22pFTy-fSenwz3lC5mmqudkJpsdZBr2bgsJ8xRixPzJ6p38M0JNkVafLUD7RBrMQwNo5vAGXpkJK661NTkrX70-6-kcG7WZimw/s400/Cary+Unity+Walk+2017.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cary Unity Walk Opening Ceremonies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hometown Spirit Award</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary’s Hometown Spirit Award is bestowed annually on a Cary
resident who enhances the quality of life in Cary by preserving, promoting and
carrying out positive and quantifiable traditional small-town community values
and traits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.townofcary.org/mayor-council/hometown-spirit-award/2015-nominees" target="_blank">Nine outstanding Cary residents</a> were nominated this year by
their peers. Nominees were recognized and honored at a reception at the Page
Walker Hotel prior to our council meeting where last year’s Hometown Spirit
Award Winner, Sheila Ogle along with Mayor Harold Weinbrecht opened the super
top-secret envelope to reveal that this year’s award winner is, drumroll
please…, Ralph and Daphne Ashworth!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For 60 years Ralph and Daphne Ashworth have been very
involved in both Cary’s business and philanthropic community giving time and
treasure to make Cary a better place. Their list of contributions is long –
real long – like there isn’t enough room on this blog to list it all long; and
chances are that if you’ve lived in Cary for any length of time you are familiar
with the many wonderful contributions the Ashworths have made to our community
– they are legends. If not, I’d encourage you to learn more about them <a href="https://www.carymagazine.com/features/legends-ralph-and-daphne-ashworth/" target="_blank">here</a>,
<a href="http://carycitizen.com/2014/04/30/ashworth-drugs-celebrates-57-years/" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/mayor-council/hometown-spirit-award/ralph-daphne-ashworth-2017-nominee" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are forever grateful for their lifetime of service. Cary
is literally a better place because of Ralph and Daphne Ashworth and their
family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKherpzhuN7rOm8md8V0BnRlJLSXqPOBQztoDCP_9U_cuxXxYTY3OJ1rRQcV7r45XsvtCvpqQarJqthLa2_6QsyYEAF4nrSP1FV9bSuMt3sWe8WdsgkqT8XMuNfwO_mdcSWTHJOmDLkY/s1600/Ashworth+Hometown+Spirit+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKherpzhuN7rOm8md8V0BnRlJLSXqPOBQztoDCP_9U_cuxXxYTY3OJ1rRQcV7r45XsvtCvpqQarJqthLa2_6QsyYEAF4nrSP1FV9bSuMt3sWe8WdsgkqT8XMuNfwO_mdcSWTHJOmDLkY/s400/Ashworth+Hometown+Spirit+Award.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ralph Ashworth accepting the 2017 Cary Hometown Spirit Award</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Meeting Place Park</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our most recent council meeting we changed the name of Meeting
Place Park in Downtown Cary to Kay Struffolino Park to honor Kay for her over
40 years of service and volunteerism to Cary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary’s 2010<a href="http://www.townofcary.org/mayor-council/hometown-spirit-award/archive-of-hometown-spirit-award-recipients/kay-struffolino" target="_blank"> Hometown Spirit Award Winner</a>, Kay has
dedicated her life to making Cary a better place. She has adopted two parks to
maintain, has donated thousands of hours and dollars to beautify Cary’s parks
and greenways, and has served on numerous boards, committees, and task forces. Kay’s
fingerprints are all over Cary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kay is one of Cary’s greatest citizens and an inspiration to
everyone. It is because of her selfless commitment to all things Cary that we
renamed this park in her honor.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv5nd96mUfrHJt22qB6zbmVX_uQzzVgzQycwJn7eeeyaWEtaJXaWzaBC0Sf4e5NzllXDmrDmhzJAqO0fQXJMgREihfRJOJMxtmzEM2a1gfjQppmXWh6OHDgaVHSIku3P4Jr3zdWTJduE/s1600/Kay+Struffolino+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisv5nd96mUfrHJt22qB6zbmVX_uQzzVgzQycwJn7eeeyaWEtaJXaWzaBC0Sf4e5NzllXDmrDmhzJAqO0fQXJMgREihfRJOJMxtmzEM2a1gfjQppmXWh6OHDgaVHSIku3P4Jr3zdWTJduE/s400/Kay+Struffolino+Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Renaming Meeting Place Park to Kay Struffolino Park. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjk3XZ1kqGgrMnLmxWgrvmNb-d5-A_aK6tqR-B1loQvZn7B1tNzshIbedpmTvcOTtnnIDsXjsee3y6wHcm_K3kYsMgykFkZaVDrikf9ehAdblbxyZEv_vWDB59Cwfcp1X9dMkRxddLvo/s1600/Kay+Struffolino+Park+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1322" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJjk3XZ1kqGgrMnLmxWgrvmNb-d5-A_aK6tqR-B1loQvZn7B1tNzshIbedpmTvcOTtnnIDsXjsee3y6wHcm_K3kYsMgykFkZaVDrikf9ehAdblbxyZEv_vWDB59Cwfcp1X9dMkRxddLvo/s400/Kay+Struffolino+Park+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In closing, I mentioned earlier how blessed we are to live
in Cary – but just to be clear “blessed” doesn’t mean “lucky”. Cary clearly didn’t
become one of the greatest places to live in America by accident. We have YOU,
our amazing citizens to thank for that. So keep doing what you’re doing and if
there is ever anything that we at the town can do to help you help us, please
let us know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so thankful for each and every one of you! <b><span style="color: orange;">Happy
Thanksgiving!</span></b> </span> <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-13035520502007746002017-10-31T10:57:00.000-04:002017-10-31T11:53:48.989-04:00Glenaire, MetLife, IKEA, Wegmans, Waltonwood<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Glenaire Ribbon Cutting</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was honored to attend Glenaire’s ribbon cutting ceremony for their new health care center and take a tour of the new facility with council members Bush and Yerha.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Glenaire is one of the first retirement communities in North Carolina to transform its health center away from the traditional healthcare layout, into a home model. Now, residents needing skilled nursing care will have the privacy and normalcy of a real home. The expansion allowed for 4 “households” to be created in the assisted living and skilled nursing wings of the main building. Each household houses approximately 20 residents. This model allows for more individualized care between nurse and resident.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We can’t thank all the fine folks at <a href="http://www.glenaire.org/" target="_blank">Glenaire</a> enough for all that they do to provide high quality senior services in our community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQpJoUONdbTb9r2fJxCHjdAOhoYBWf_BeyHX51PmXSy4F0oNCsVgx9cwwPllY-H6hEmsad-edkRzbrCpytPEeqkrpJ8usrw4YXcdzjbHuOf-P1h159noWSjsJDLPCQI3UAF_FEUtXBwo/s1600/2017+Glenaire+ribbon+cutting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQpJoUONdbTb9r2fJxCHjdAOhoYBWf_BeyHX51PmXSy4F0oNCsVgx9cwwPllY-H6hEmsad-edkRzbrCpytPEeqkrpJ8usrw4YXcdzjbHuOf-P1h159noWSjsJDLPCQI3UAF_FEUtXBwo/s400/2017+Glenaire+ribbon+cutting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>MetLife Groundbreaking</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mayor Weinbrecht, Council member Yerha and I joined a number of elected officials and business and community leaders to break ground on MetLife's 3rd building in Cary. The new building will be approximately 240,000 sq ft and bring an estimated 700 jobs to Cary.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Governor Roy Cooper, Senators Tillis and Burr, Congressmen Price and Holding and representatives from MetLife and Highwoods Properties all addressed the large crowd. My favorite remarks however came from Ed Fritsch of Highwoods Properties who stated that in projects of this magnitude, “…every community claims partnership; the Town of Cary delivers.” Yes we do. Cary rocks! :-)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZvgAvVPGgSa4bF-QcZw48E1FOgkGB7yo5YccHIrRczAmM8AFHvPxodfsZVzgtfjTIVZ_Ey1EDl2OCoq57jCpZPLNR5LJqKJc6WvM_USL2ASS3aMhphkmAZLss9fyw9-d9mFFRbdBN6E/s1600/MetLife+2017+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZvgAvVPGgSa4bF-QcZw48E1FOgkGB7yo5YccHIrRczAmM8AFHvPxodfsZVzgtfjTIVZ_Ey1EDl2OCoq57jCpZPLNR5LJqKJc6WvM_USL2ASS3aMhphkmAZLss9fyw9-d9mFFRbdBN6E/s400/MetLife+2017+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know it's a big deal when the Mayor and I are in the fourth row ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBeWOHvlID2T_5M9S9nRrQJ8mM0pO_026K1Kf4Y_WQDJJYa04yQhBw4IaVmI3s13xNZHsTaMe7R1gjH62DDWiWwUMSHJl72ZhOnbkjGqf8UZznx5MSReiI7375jn8aZbz45WLwxsN5g4/s1600/MetLife+2017+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBeWOHvlID2T_5M9S9nRrQJ8mM0pO_026K1Kf4Y_WQDJJYa04yQhBw4IaVmI3s13xNZHsTaMe7R1gjH62DDWiWwUMSHJl72ZhOnbkjGqf8UZznx5MSReiI7375jn8aZbz45WLwxsN5g4/s400/MetLife+2017+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Cary delegation breaking ground</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>IKEA</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, yeah, in case you haven't heard, at our most recent council meeting we unanimously approved the <a href="http://donfrantz.blogspot.com/2017/08/eastern-cary-gateway-update-ikea-and.html" target="_blank">IKEA rezoning</a> and associated preliminary development plan ;-) Construction will begin once building permits are approved and is expected to be completed in 2020.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Redevelopment plans are also in the works for the remainder of the Cary Town Center Mall site and are currently going through the development review process and should come to council for public hearing soon so stay tuned.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The <a href="http://www.columbiadevelopment.com/" target="_blank">Fenton</a> mixed use rezoning on the state property across the street from Cary Town Center that includes the Wegmans project is on our council agenda for public hearing this Thursday. You can view the staff report for that project <a href="http://carync.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2668&MediaPosition=&ID=2758&CssClass=" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waltonwood Rezoning</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also at our council meeting we considered and ultimately approved a request to change permitted uses in the Silverton Planned Development District on the properties below from commercial and office to allow for a senior life care facility and residential.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEtGHQHv9vrgqCdbpXaM6A-yjrlcd5sEjHkG8ennGzvS30pLfmVjH2bphE8ao8EnR5ZBh-5vHgJV0kbSDPD69Yam7yHaxvD-CDQr8pccjLUmgXSmSR8GcwG30GzQuWgqI72wFwKTetOA/s1600/Cary+Parkway+and+Evans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="700" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNEtGHQHv9vrgqCdbpXaM6A-yjrlcd5sEjHkG8ennGzvS30pLfmVjH2bphE8ao8EnR5ZBh-5vHgJV0kbSDPD69Yam7yHaxvD-CDQr8pccjLUmgXSmSR8GcwG30GzQuWgqI72wFwKTetOA/s400/Cary+Parkway+and+Evans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This was a unique request in that both quadrants were combined into one rezoning and not considered separately. The reason for this was the applicant’s intent to create an upscale “<a href="http://www.gu.org/OURWORK/SharedSpaces.aspx" target="_blank">intergenerational community</a>” that would allow seniors and their families to be in close proximity to each other as well as provide easier, hassle free living for empty nesters looking to downsize and young professionals.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The senior living facility and age-targeted townhomes would be located on the southern property with townhomes and multi-family on the northern property. </span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGQKpfOgoVBy0YieWST0DbpMJwf2k8GQKlSaRmOBehPop-XMqLl-nodZiJFxQggUfGaKFUOP4nwu32lcyPldcmiOqzrNqJPtB3OqyO_gB3mJVAcEbuNZMZnMsIdS_k5VYVgsQYA6GQbk/s1600/Singh+4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="637" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGQKpfOgoVBy0YieWST0DbpMJwf2k8GQKlSaRmOBehPop-XMqLl-nodZiJFxQggUfGaKFUOP4nwu32lcyPldcmiOqzrNqJPtB3OqyO_gB3mJVAcEbuNZMZnMsIdS_k5VYVgsQYA6GQbk/s400/Singh+4.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I really liked the senior living component for a number of reasons. First of all, it meets a desperate need in our community for additional senior housing and services. Believe it or not, Cary is the second oldest city in North Carolina and we aren’t getting any younger. The median age for Cary residents has climbed to 40 years old and 10+% of our population is already age 65 or older. Cary is such an awesome place to live that nobody wants to leave 😉 and they shouldn’t have to because they can’t find a place that meets their needs. Waiting lists for many Cary assisted living facilities range anywhere from 3-10 years.</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Secondly, the majority of area residents that I heard from to include folks who had opposed previous proposals – especially those living along or near Winfair Drive – expressed their support for the project as it would be less impactful to their neighborhood than a commercial development would. Assisted living facilities are very low traffic generators, quiet and safe.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOw6MB_F6RzaY7LnK7OjaTfUH8POtoqUmtmZP6huvETJxfeXXmKGwnpraCcjvW1-9j2JdfBilsUNL4uETNCYrPLP38VKQr6d6M3hav3LkKjjz_96C-HapZPaQggWVhyphenhyphengN3GeaMgnIJNE/s1600/Singh+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1600" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdOw6MB_F6RzaY7LnK7OjaTfUH8POtoqUmtmZP6huvETJxfeXXmKGwnpraCcjvW1-9j2JdfBilsUNL4uETNCYrPLP38VKQr6d6M3hav3LkKjjz_96C-HapZPaQggWVhyphenhyphengN3GeaMgnIJNE/s400/Singh+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rendering of the Waltonwood Senior Living Community</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The multi-family component on the northern quadrant however
is what made this case somewhat challenging as we had planned for office development on that site.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The reality however is that the site has been on the market as
office for decades with no one expressing any interest. It is not a desirable
location for class A office development nor do our economic development folks
consider this a priority office site. While it could <i>possibly</i> develop as
neighborhood/medical/dental office sometime in the future, the existing office quadrant
on the other side of Evans Road (where the Dental Society and Primrose are located) that still has land available for office has
not experienced any additional demand for space.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The proposed multi-family development is a product fairly
unique to our region. It is comprised of stacked ranch and townhome residences
with direct entry garages and architectural design elements that exceed Cary’s
strict standards. The applicant voluntarily added a number of conditions to the
rezoning to ensure that the high-quality project they promise is what actually gets
built. Notable conditions include direct entry garages, architectural elements,
first floor master bedrooms on many of the units, 50% masonry construction and
a gathering space/clubhouse and pool. They will also construct a greenway on
the northern and eastern part of the site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeniu-3vNsxjn6wwY36RCFZvA01_srXcknRXDRfHbsE-HhvP8KbY9BpZengAoklln1yPW1_OvPnIxG1XzAj8Yz66VsqQ2ZggnjjhRYIK0tYfgfQ7dcOQEMKp1r7E-POQ0ECDB2sfh_BXc/s1600/Singh+1.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeniu-3vNsxjn6wwY36RCFZvA01_srXcknRXDRfHbsE-HhvP8KbY9BpZengAoklln1yPW1_OvPnIxG1XzAj8Yz66VsqQ2ZggnjjhRYIK0tYfgfQ7dcOQEMKp1r7E-POQ0ECDB2sfh_BXc/s400/Singh+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJjLZTdEXIo2tIO6TLrJtGT7Yx1oHbJUvq1CVQCKVyq6QGqTPyWBpvQV1bcwMjKrn-whmzeDQtFhIjIcqSwSq_50l49k2iQ9nTqgEK9qIG0lHi6D23nBa_OAF9ty6YlzvkpBVLfjSZFE/s1600/Singh+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaJjLZTdEXIo2tIO6TLrJtGT7Yx1oHbJUvq1CVQCKVyq6QGqTPyWBpvQV1bcwMjKrn-whmzeDQtFhIjIcqSwSq_50l49k2iQ9nTqgEK9qIG0lHi6D23nBa_OAF9ty6YlzvkpBVLfjSZFE/s400/Singh+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Site plan concept for street corners and public art</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The applicant has also committed to pay for a traffic signal at Winfair and Cary Parkway if warranted. A traffic study will be done one year after the last certificate of occupancy is issued and if it is determined that a signal is warranted, it will be installed. The developer is also making a number of area traffic improvements and the town will be installing dual turning lanes at Cary Parkway and Evans and a right turn lane on southbound Evans Road soon.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-01Z7oB_bOT0SMDa0ucaMUhD_nw3ZeBMGT6KeJjEdTz3ion7KbwkaJRomF-m5YWkaU9ItZjruajbapMll2VD6DaL52ltYMF08RVh-_Y-gkg9JrJ5kuH_0hKR1Pp0aYGv-o9ZxgHQCtBY/s1600/Cary+Parkway+and+Evans+Improvements.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1108" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-01Z7oB_bOT0SMDa0ucaMUhD_nw3ZeBMGT6KeJjEdTz3ion7KbwkaJRomF-m5YWkaU9ItZjruajbapMll2VD6DaL52ltYMF08RVh-_Y-gkg9JrJ5kuH_0hKR1Pp0aYGv-o9ZxgHQCtBY/s400/Cary+Parkway+and+Evans+Improvements.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our town staff and planning board ultimately recommended denial primarily due to concerns regarding the loss of a potential office site, although staff did identify a number of positives with the project and stated that “they could go either way”. While we always value the advice of our staff and advisory boards, sometimes we simply disagree with their recommendation(s). This isn’t the first time we voted differently than what was recommended and it surely won’t be the last.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The council takes seriously the request to rezone a potential office site to residential. Any proposal to do so must make a compelling case why. Taken as a whole and considering the majority support of area residents, the reality of market forces, conditions offered by the applicant that ensures a high quality product and development trends, the majority of council believed this proposal made a compelling case and was approved by a vote of 5-2.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well that's all for now. As always, thanks for reading!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-56000201592966558502017-10-20T14:25:00.001-04:002017-10-20T14:25:25.764-04:00Reedy Creek Trailhead, HQ2, FRG and Halloween!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Reedy Creek Road Trailhead</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Thursday we celebrated the official opening of the new Reedy Creek Trailhead located at 2139 Old Reedy Creek Road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The trailhead is the starting point for Cary’s seven-mile Black Creek Greenway and an access point for the East Coast Greenway which runs west on Black Creek Greenway and east through Umstead State Park on Reedy Creek Greenway. These trails connect westward to White Oak Creek Greenway, and the American Tobacco Trail and eastward through Raleigh then southward along the Neuse River. The trailhead also provides access to scenic Lake Crabtree overlooks, Wake County’s multi-use trails linking to Lake Crabtree County Park, and hiking and biking trails in Umstead State Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The new trailhead also features 82 parking spaces, restrooms, a small shelter with tables and a grill, Cary’s first bike fix-it station and a drinking fountain with a bottle filler and pet dish.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Representatives from Cary’s Greenway Committee, the East Coast Greenway, Wake County Parks and Rec and Cary Town Staff members were on hand to greet folks and answer questions about the new trailhead, greenways and parks throughout our community. You can learn more about the trailhead by <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/parks/old-reedy-creek-road-trailhead" target="_blank">clicking here</a></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCfrsSCCe3RFHTK0hC1GsXpjbWHTOzhgnO9MDewp3uh9N8NntEIw6QJ8eoluFPECWJyNR42hFxv__JgPEXFEhDxdfD7wVN9W7R6tq3RyM7dYkWyrSQD6WOgoUnxDPafJCM0Et4_QjucE/s1600/Reedy+Creek+Trailhead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcCfrsSCCe3RFHTK0hC1GsXpjbWHTOzhgnO9MDewp3uh9N8NntEIw6QJ8eoluFPECWJyNR42hFxv__JgPEXFEhDxdfD7wVN9W7R6tq3RyM7dYkWyrSQD6WOgoUnxDPafJCM0Et4_QjucE/s400/Reedy+Creek+Trailhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Citizens learning more about the trailhead and greenways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>FRG Begins Construction</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Construction has begun on <a href="http://www.frgrisk.com/" target="_blank">Financial Risk Group</a>’s new 11,000 sq ft office building on West Chatham Street in Downtown Cary (the old Carolina Lighting building) and will serve as the company’s new global headquarters. The move will centralize FRG’s US-based employees in a single location while allowing for future expansion.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This major renovation project will transform the building into a modern office. The building’s exterior will be revised with a modern, steel and green glass façade as illustrated in the image below. Plans also include approximately 1,200 square feet of retail space available for lease. Construction is expected to be complete early 2018.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT04cGIrtTQrOyIKN7QaHJ9bfptHLAXYZbcXY_0SaeNP5zKjyCWZQKhCuqoGhkYkb2I9nwhvrDP1Ju_ADK5GiTQi_V6aFXddrRi0HcDp9Ky21MFOz4739eA1yB-gb8wreke7wXp3xt6vE/s1600/FRG+Groundbreaking+ceremony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT04cGIrtTQrOyIKN7QaHJ9bfptHLAXYZbcXY_0SaeNP5zKjyCWZQKhCuqoGhkYkb2I9nwhvrDP1Ju_ADK5GiTQi_V6aFXddrRi0HcDp9Ky21MFOz4739eA1yB-gb8wreke7wXp3xt6vE/s400/FRG+Groundbreaking+ceremony.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Groundbreaking Ceremonies for FRG's New Building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglEdSZfbLWxG7VwL7frka2D3amhPZx397j-3L-MgaVhqpwFH6kDKhMPUG5VXh0UlGBP338v923JvvC6bUaRQsAbjlCMjsuXJlp1ZhFdwt90-Dc4tkgaKMQJ1Ba9MhoFX8IZ9bwrIo478/s1600/FRG+Building+Rendering.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="880" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiglEdSZfbLWxG7VwL7frka2D3amhPZx397j-3L-MgaVhqpwFH6kDKhMPUG5VXh0UlGBP338v923JvvC6bUaRQsAbjlCMjsuXJlp1ZhFdwt90-Dc4tkgaKMQJ1Ba9MhoFX8IZ9bwrIo478/s400/FRG+Building+Rendering.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FRG's New Building Facade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Awards and HQ2</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary was recently named the 2<sup>nd</sup> Most Livable
Mid-Sized City in the country by <a href="https://smartasset.com/mortgage/livable-mid-sized-cities" target="_blank">SmartAsset</a> with no other North Carolina cities
making the top 25.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary was also recognized as the 6<sup>th</sup> Best City for
Quality of Life by <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/credit-cards/best-cities-for-quality-of-life/" target="_blank">NerdWallet</a>. (Raleigh came in at #22 and Charlotte #92) </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We also smoked McKinney, Texas who placed 59th. That makes me soooo happy ;-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">….which are just two more reasons why <a href="https://www.amazon.com/" target="_blank">Amazon</a> should pick Cary for their new headquarters right???</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.caryeconomicdevelopment.com/" target="_blank">Cary’s Economic Development team</a> and town staff have been working hard with our Research Triangle partners to respond to Amazon’s HQ2 RFP – and on October 19th that proposal was delivered to Amazon (shipping was FREE because we’re PRIME members) ;-)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The proposal focuses on the strengths of our region and delivers a strong case for consideration. It highlights among other things our highly educated and talented workforce, globally recognized universities, a robust economy and start-up scene, low cost of living vs high quality of life, a quality airport and growing transit options.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The proposal also identifies potential sites that meet Amazon’s criteria to include Cary – and before you ask, no, I am not allowed to disclose where those sites are. Sorry.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The collaboration between so many different agencies and entities on this project in such a short period of time has been nothing short of amazing and everyone involved should be commended for their efforts.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe our region will be a serious contender to make Amazon’s short list – so do <a href="https://www.inc.com/christina-desmarais/amazon-hq2-proposal-deadline-has-arrived-here-are-top-5-contenders.html" target="_blank">some in the media</a>. So stay tuned for updates and if you are on twitter you can be a part of the conversation using #TriangleDelivers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Halloween Fun!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Learn more about all of the hair-raising Halloween events coming up in Cary by watching the video below, or visit the <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/halloween-events" target="_blank">town’s website here</a>. With pumpkin carvings, a haunted house, Zombiepalooza and trick-or-treating there is something for everyone!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WbWWWeoD_Uk" width="540"></iframe></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That's all for now - as always, thanks for reading!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-38215035815353250282017-08-31T08:30:00.000-04:002017-08-31T08:30:57.129-04:00Eastern Cary Gateway Update - IKEA and Wegmans<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Eastern Cary Gateway Update</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both the proposed IKEA and Wegmans’ projects continue to
work their way through the approval process and barring any unforeseen issues should
receive council approval/rezoning in the near future – the IKEA project sooner
than later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>IKEA</b></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our most recent council meeting we conducted the public hearing
for the <a href="http://carync.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2658&MediaPosition=1930.222&ID=2646&CssClass=" target="_blank">proposed IKEA rezoning</a> and associated preliminary development plan.
This was the public’s opportunity to offer comment on the proposal and associated
conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here is an image of the subject property and future IKEA
site. Note that only the proposed IKEA site and associated parking was under consideration
and not the entire Cary Towne Center Mall site. Mixed-use redevelopment plans are in the works for the rest of the mall site and we expect to consider a
rezoning for the remaining property soon.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH1KSkQPe2Bd0PUEAQXm9r9nKdv8Sze5U2TbkAFyodRBuQLNNxTyadD91avZM-t-02ti9ry5prbHs4JrTtBIRhVtznJW1KD8KKbTyl9iahZP5rrsN_SygqgT6mw6cz9bLibz6fozP15w/s1600/IKEA+Rezoning1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="438" data-original-width="593" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAH1KSkQPe2Bd0PUEAQXm9r9nKdv8Sze5U2TbkAFyodRBuQLNNxTyadD91avZM-t-02ti9ry5prbHs4JrTtBIRhVtznJW1KD8KKbTyl9iahZP5rrsN_SygqgT6mw6cz9bLibz6fozP15w/s400/IKEA+Rezoning1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IKEA site at Cary Towne Center Mall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Zoning conditions offered by IKEA include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Limiting building height to 60 feet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Limiting building to 380,000 square feet of retail use<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Providing a 150 foot building setback from the eastern
property line adjacent to the Ivy Meadows subdivision<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preservation of the landscape buffer area between the
proposed building and the eastern property line<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Architectural design will look like this:</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosEn7r81viYsVloZOKLZMRzn7yygsUd2Xsja26psY-dUmdtRchJYBa9hH6l94u3LgaeTFb0P3n8byKyGLVarpPG5W0mBhHw-5cdJEhrXeRspyPxDdlvo3KFKqm6jvPE9OPSXwf-2gNqI/s1600/IKEA+Elevation.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="134" data-original-width="698" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosEn7r81viYsVloZOKLZMRzn7yygsUd2Xsja26psY-dUmdtRchJYBa9hH6l94u3LgaeTFb0P3n8byKyGLVarpPG5W0mBhHw-5cdJEhrXeRspyPxDdlvo3KFKqm6jvPE9OPSXwf-2gNqI/s640/IKEA+Elevation.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Notice the building signage says “sign” and not “IKEA”. That
is because we cannot by law consider who the applicant of any rezoning is – we can
only consider the use and associated conditions. Although given the request and
conditions offered it is obvious who the end user will be. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All of the citizens who spoke at the public hearing were
supportive of the proposal although a few did express some concerns regarding
increased traffic, light pollution and the condition of the existing buffer. IKEA
has agreed to make many traffic improvements as identified in the traffic
analysis report and also agreed to reduce the height of site lighting to
address lighting concerns. The remaining issues are minor and can easily be
addressed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary’s Planning and Zoning Board will now review the case
and make their recommendation before the case comes back to us for final
decision in a couple of months. <b>I look forward to supporting it. </b>This is a big deal for Cary and especially for the revitalization of the Cary Towne Center Mall and surrounding area.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Wegmans</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The council recently visited Alpharetta, Georgia to visit
<a href="http://www.experienceavalon.com/" target="_blank">Avalon</a>, a successful mixed-use development project similar to that which is
being proposed on the state-owned property along Cary Towne Blvd. across the street
from the future IKEA and Triangle Aquatics Center.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There we toured the project and heard from a number of
stakeholders both private and public about the project. What were some of the
lessons learned? What did they get right? What would they do differently? How
can we be sure that what they delivered in Alpharetta can be delivered here?
Stuff like that. This was clearly the most valuable part of the visit and I
believe helped to alleviate some of the doubts folks might have had.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE07OatET9UvG5bKh2P6Y860iutgCBy1kjvL85KUGMCJDAQmjc7z0exuIRyYsc-Q48u3HIb97ilNJxCtLA7nRPVUH093IeRJQmwMqYcVcfj_jg12vDVwHLJJmkP88FDbIQK7eRDV28Bc/s1600/AVALON1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1600" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglE07OatET9UvG5bKh2P6Y860iutgCBy1kjvL85KUGMCJDAQmjc7z0exuIRyYsc-Q48u3HIb97ilNJxCtLA7nRPVUH093IeRJQmwMqYcVcfj_jg12vDVwHLJJmkP88FDbIQK7eRDV28Bc/s400/AVALON1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Avalon nightlife</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclVYf0_NCrYKf6ZmZ3dbbLJimvU_4VpXqYbozcydHUgvq0v5rxI2jXBzzZ_wyOZqPi_L-_xv3Pb0b7X0mIqjy154bB6OcoZ3_QH2PxIGB_nROjKN6-F0Ewr01DmCpLGQo2rLvGKjqyas/s1600/AVALON2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclVYf0_NCrYKf6ZmZ3dbbLJimvU_4VpXqYbozcydHUgvq0v5rxI2jXBzzZ_wyOZqPi_L-_xv3Pb0b7X0mIqjy154bB6OcoZ3_QH2PxIGB_nROjKN6-F0Ewr01DmCpLGQo2rLvGKjqyas/s400/AVALON2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apple Store at Avalon negates the need for street lights ;-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__7c-Nd1m0cvEt8PlFP9_1EkKTVCA8yw-OQ5zCPkJdMHnLdOdCWCdSPyDBpiGW5dOWMoaUy4w3zZVZKlo1IVJ-QYHFu8kE-E5JFnAjsvI-VVZ5Pbxy1hc8MS8gHmuElaKsxZIel03chs/s1600/AVALON4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="786" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj__7c-Nd1m0cvEt8PlFP9_1EkKTVCA8yw-OQ5zCPkJdMHnLdOdCWCdSPyDBpiGW5dOWMoaUy4w3zZVZKlo1IVJ-QYHFu8kE-E5JFnAjsvI-VVZ5Pbxy1hc8MS8gHmuElaKsxZIel03chs/s400/AVALON4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas at Avalon - photo courtesy of Avalon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you can see, Avalon is more than a mixed-use development. It is an experience. It’s a destination – which is exactly what
we are looking for on the state property. But keep in mind that we aren’t
trying to copy Avalon. Cary isn't Alpharetta. The state property is one of Cary’s last primo pieces of undeveloped land adjacent
to I40 suitable for class A office development. Therefore, while a high quality
project like Avalon and a Wegmans can surely work on this site, the plan MUST include a healthy amount of office development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The good news is that is exactly the direction this proposal
is headed. The bad news is that it is going to take a little more time to iron out all
of the details.... because if grandma’s world-famous chili recipe says to let it
simmer for 10 hours, <b>you let it simmer for 10 hours.</b> You don’t rush it because
the end result won’t be as good as it could have been. Same thing here. We’re
going to make sure this project is fully cooked before we say it’s ready. But
once it’s done, man it’s gonna be good!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-19488240487546669542017-06-25T21:44:00.000-04:002017-06-25T21:44:23.685-04:00FY18 Budget, Downtown Park Phase 1 Dedication and Reedy Creek Road Widening<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our meeting this past Thursday the council approved the
<a href="http://townofcary.org/services-publications/plans-publications-reports/budget" target="_blank">fiscal year 2018 Budget</a>. The budget totals roughly $311 million with $242
million for operations and $68 million for capital projects. <b>The FY18 budget is
2.9% LESS than the FY17 budget</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Budget highlights include:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Cary’s tax rate remains unchanged at 35 cents<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Solid waste fee remains unchanged at $16 per
month<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Funds a new Police Detective Position to help
address the growing opioid crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->$3 million for a grade separated crossing at
Carpenter Firestation Road and the CSX Railroad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->$1 million for historic preservation initiatives<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Funds the design of the new Cameron Pond Park<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Reedy Creek Road Widening Project (more on this
later!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This will be our first budget year shifting away from an
annual budget event to one that more closely resembles the corporate model
where our town staff will present quarterly updates to council using rolling
forecasts of both revenues and expenditures. Should we discover during the
quarterly update process that our revenue forecast is beating budget, we might
be able to fund another project before the next budget cycle. Should we
discover that our revenue forecast is lower than budgeted, we could decide to
put a project on hold. This will provide for greater flexibility and responsiveness
to our community’s needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The completion of the <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/parks-greenways-environment/greenways/higgins-greenway" target="_blank">Higgins Greenway</a> project for example is one that could
be considered at the next update as we are waiting for more information
regarding Parks and Rec payment-in-lieu funds. The Higgins Greenway project
would provide a greenway connection to downtown for a number of area
neighborhoods and is something that both Mayor Pro Tem Yerha and I have been
trying to get completed for years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I can’t thank our town staff - especially the fine folks in
budget and finance - enough for their amazing work in helping us craft a fiscally
responsible budget that meets our community’s goals, advances the policies and
vision set forth in the new Cary Community Plan and keeps taxes low – the lowest
of any municipality in Wake County btw ;-)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Downtown Park Dedication</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This past Saturday we FINALLY dedicated the new downtown
square and fountain. About time right? This was a wonderful event despite the
fact that somebody forgot to tell Mother Nature it wouldn’t be a good time for
a severe thunderstorm. I was completely blown away at how many folks chose to
weather the storm in nearby businesses and CAME BACK once the rain stopped. The
place was packed before and after the storm!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both Mayor Weinbrecht and myself spoke prior to the
ceremonial coin flip and fountain light show.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My remarks were brief (I know, surprise right?) and can be
summarized as follows: 1) Heck yeah this is awesome and 2) You aint seen
nothing yet!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The downtown square and fountain (phase 1 of the downtown
park) is but one acre of what will be a seven acre park in downtown Cary. We
still have six acres to go. So if this is what one acre of the downtown park
looks like, I can’t wait to see how the remaining six acres turns out! You can
read more about the plans for phase 2 of the downtown park <a href="http://donfrantz.blogspot.com/2017/05/downtown-park-design-firm-selection.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were also thrilled that NC House Representative and former Town Council Member, Gale Adcock could join us for the festivities. Gale was on the council when we approved the park and was also a big part of making this happen. While we greatly appreciate everything she is doing for us in Raleigh, we still miss having her on the council - oh boy do we ever. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Great things are happening in and around our downtown and
with your continued support we intend to keep it that way!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineKPeXEb306iUWN44O4nhvqM5dD9iHDq3fu7uoacsgpwm8ZV7Pw9j3FYXry6oZnrvteOKC-vLVwJsizoM4lA9CM1fnTdmzN3TDWJmRl8opNWnxHEE09qtLiGndogs8Ir5nyJEwCnhvuQ/s1600/fountain+dedication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEineKPeXEb306iUWN44O4nhvqM5dD9iHDq3fu7uoacsgpwm8ZV7Pw9j3FYXry6oZnrvteOKC-vLVwJsizoM4lA9CM1fnTdmzN3TDWJmRl8opNWnxHEE09qtLiGndogs8Ir5nyJEwCnhvuQ/s400/fountain+dedication.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Park Dedication Ceremonies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a related note – Cary’s Downtown Manager, Ted Boyd will
be giving his third “Ted Talk” at The Cary Theater on July 19</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. He
will be updated folks on current and future projects downtown to be followed by a
question and answer session at the end. You can learn more about the event </span><a href="http://townofcary.org/Home/Components/News/News/13346/715" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Reedy Creek Road Widening</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our meeting this past Thursday the council approved the Execution
of the Locally Administered Project Agreement for the Reedy Creek Road Widening
Project with NCDOT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Reedy Creek Road Widening Project will:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Widen Reedy Creek Road between Harrison Ave. and
Maynard Road to a consistent three lane cross-section<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Provide sidewalks for pedestrians<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Provide bike lanes for cyclists<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Provide a 12’ landscaped median where turning
lanes are not required<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Include roundabouts at both the entrance to the Middle
and Elementary Schools as well as the intersection of Reedy Creek Road and
Dynasty/Electra Drive to reduce vehicle speeds and better protect pedestrians –
especially school children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Improving Reedy Creek Road has been a priority of mine and
the surrounding community for a long time. I can’t tell you how pleased I am to
finally see this project move towards construction. Thanks so much to the fine
folks in Cary’s Transportation and Engineering Departments for all of their hard
work, the surrounding community for all your input and NCDOT. This has truly
been a team effort.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEOTjqP2KAbT_-LpwPdXqHR-tYGWBw_j5R-LtBFQiec5-WK9fOgHyjhlzzPNpJnH6H4HINaey6tazispHhmxjIyMT5Sa3CyPLlPRgYOHFCbMVjOnlpzctAPwj1fRSuTPaoQWhnVmOf-w/s1600/Reedy+Creek+Road+Widening+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="527" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDEOTjqP2KAbT_-LpwPdXqHR-tYGWBw_j5R-LtBFQiec5-WK9fOgHyjhlzzPNpJnH6H4HINaey6tazispHhmxjIyMT5Sa3CyPLlPRgYOHFCbMVjOnlpzctAPwj1fRSuTPaoQWhnVmOf-w/s400/Reedy+Creek+Road+Widening+1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Conceptual image of the Reedy Creek Road Improvements</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBKWi8jJXPmQ-nMeJ7Ar6Hs2KouLbo-SHzNaY1UDysRJmhU1XB-MKmaLRzL4FdoIcLVyibqD9xp-uXx1Tlat8mVkCUxK94-Q2LmvoeSCiPDutZnD2TMzkuhog969z3jiBk8AvNVN8YbE/s1600/Reedy+Creek+Road+Widening+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="308" data-original-width="308" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBKWi8jJXPmQ-nMeJ7Ar6Hs2KouLbo-SHzNaY1UDysRJmhU1XB-MKmaLRzL4FdoIcLVyibqD9xp-uXx1Tlat8mVkCUxK94-Q2LmvoeSCiPDutZnD2TMzkuhog969z3jiBk8AvNVN8YbE/s400/Reedy+Creek+Road+Widening+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The proposed roundabout at the entrance to Reedy Creek Middle and Elementary Schools</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well that's all for now. As always, thanks for reading!</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-83008009818805891282017-05-05T11:36:00.002-04:002017-05-05T11:36:46.777-04:00Downtown Park Design Firm Selection Process<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our workesession last night the council agreed to move
forward with a new process for selecting a design consultant to work with the
community, town staff and the council to design phase 2 of the new downtown park.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a nutshell, four nationally recognized design firms will be
competing for the job.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why do we want to engage a nationally renowned award winning design firm with this project you ask? Well, if you want to build the best park in the country, you look for the best park planners. While Cary absolutely has some amazing and beautiful parks throughout town, we are cranking this one up to 11 😀</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An interdepartmental team of town staff members researched a
number of design firms who have created award winning parks and public spaces
across the country and whittled that list down to four that they recommended
the council consider. They presented this list along with examples of their
work for council to consider.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The four design firms recommended are being considered
because of their proven record of repeated success and commitment to shared
design goals which include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">The
importance of engaging the community</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> and incorporating unique features from
the community into the park design.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Emphasis on the development of large and small
spaces creating the right balance for each unique park setting.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Experience working with a variety of funding
models to include public/private partnerships and/or community foundations to
support design and construction of the parks.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>·<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">An understanding of the relationship of the
park’s immediate proximity to its surroundings be it a museum, a performing
arts center, restaurants, shops, commercial and residential development so</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">the entire area thrives along with the park.</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each firm will visit Cary to learn about our community,
visit the park site and review current plans and meet with staff and council. They
will return at a later date to present their ideas and proposed approach to
working with our community to create the master plan for phase 2 of the
downtown park. Upon the completion of this process, the council will select one
of the four that best demonstrates our community’s vision and values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, ya, you could say that I’m a little excited 😀 I can’t
wait to see how this process plays out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I do want to be clear that this specific process in not to
design the park – only to select the best design firm possible. Design will
occur after this process is completed and will include significant community
input. <b>This will be your park after all</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to everyone who has worked to get us to this point and
special thanks to the members of the interdepartmental team who spent extra
time outside of their usual responsibilities and maybe even stepped outside of
their comfort zone a little to be a part of something remarkable. You all never
cease to amaze me! </span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s great to be Cary</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, and since I know you are going to ask 😉 the four design firms selected to participate and some examples of their work include:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>James Corner</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previous park projects include <a href="http://www.thehighline.org/about" target="_blank">The High Line</a> in New York City, <a href="http://www.fieldoperations.net/project-details/project/cleveland-public-square.html" target="_blank">Public Square</a> in Nashville and <a href="http://bittenbenderconstruction.com/project/central-green/" target="_blank">Navy Yards Central Green</a> in Philadelphia</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Office of James Burnett</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previous park projects include <a href="https://www.klydewarrenpark.org/Park-Map/index.html" target="_blank">Klyde Warren Park</a> in Dallas and <a href="http://www.greensboro-nc.gov/index.aspx?page=5014" target="_blank">LeBauer Park</a> in Greensboro.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Nelson Byrd Woltz</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previous park projects include <a href="http://www.citygardenstl.org/" target="_blank">CityGarden</a> in St. Louis and <a href="https://www.nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Parks/Centennial-Park.aspx" target="_blank">Centennial Park</a> in Nashville.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Hargreaves Associates</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previous park projects include <a href="http://www.belogarden.com/" target="_blank">Belo Garden Park</a> in Dallas and <a href="http://www.discoverygreen.com/discovery-green-park-map" target="_blank">Discovery Green Park</a> in Houston</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-76257241952401570972017-04-20T17:15:00.002-04:002017-04-20T17:15:58.250-04:002017 Bad Bills of the Year<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to bring to folk’s attention a number of bills that
are working their way through the state legislature that, if passed have the
potential to negatively impact Cary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2017&BillID=H436" target="_blank">H436</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This bill revokes Cary’s and other North Carolina municipality’s
abilities to charge impact fees on new development. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Impact fees help to offset some of the financial “impact” that new
development places on our infrastructure as well as the costs of providing public
services to new development.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Proponents of impact fees claim they ensure that growth pays
for itself. Opponents claim that they raise the cost of housing or doing
business.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are both correct.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I believe that a balance of fees and new tax revenue best
works to ensure that growth pays for itself; and in Cary we have worked very
hard to strike that balance so that we do not burden existing taxpayers while
at the same time keep Cary an affordable place to live and do business as
possible.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let’s be honest, more often than not developers do not pay impact fees anyways – <b>the end
user does</b>. And in Cary, if a developer makes a transportation improvement for example above a collector road standard and they enter into a developer agreement with the town, we credit the costs of that improvement towards the fees
they would otherwise pay - but I agree that this gets very complicated and hard for folks to totally understand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently other cities or counties in North Carolina have not been as
responsible with the manner in which they assess their fees and have drawn the
ire of state legislators. It only takes one bad apple I guess. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The “impact” to Cary’s budget - and you the taxpayer - should
this bill become law would be in the neighborhood of $11.5 Million annually.
</span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That equates to roughly 5 cents on our property tax rate</b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. However, since the
majority of these fees are for water and sewer, the greatest impact would be on
folk’s utility rates.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The bottom line is that existing Cary citizens should not
have to pay for infrastructure or services that are directly attributable to
new development. If this bill passes, that is exactly what will happen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>UPDATE</b> – After writing this blog but before posting we
learned that H436 was heard in Finance Committee on Thursday, April 20. NC
Representative and Finance Committee Vice-Chair, Nelson Dollar along with NC
Representative Robert Reives spoke out against the proposed bill as written.
Mr. Dollar specifically mentioned the negative impact this bill would have on
Cary. An amendment was offered to make this a <a href="http://www.ncleg.net/Sessions/2017/Bills/House/PDF/H436v2.pdf" target="_blank">study bill</a> instead and that
amendment passed. While this is good news for Cary we will continue to keep a
close eye on this one. <b>Thank you Representatives Dollar and Reives!</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2017&BillID=h310&submitButton=Go" target="_blank">H310</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This bill would <b>further restrict</b> Cary’s local authority
regarding wireless communications facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It would eliminate local zoning authority related to small
cell wireless installations. It would also force Cary and other cities to expedite
all wireless application review processes, limits the amount we can charge them
for such services and reduces our authority regarding installations in the
public rights-of-way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I sure hope they kiss us first. Man they have good
lobbyists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now we all want better cell service, but we also want to protect
the beauty and character of our community too. I think Cary has done a pretty good
job at balancing both over the years, but what do we know…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A growing trend in telecommunications equipment is to mount
them on traffic signals or power poles – something like the images below. If this bill passes there will be little to nothing we could do to regulate the appearance of such installations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_7uF-L7xAY951GiJT-RL9TbnDjcP_I2WCaZBzocGZWcsZdoTL1wivGv4Z_hCa7AglFClDDDdVns8SJVnfAKK61Wxg5m9-ef6_gN-HjpOHzAimG_v4Cv_9oy26BDRW230z-3OnGaMUI0/s1600/Ugly+Cell+Tower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_7uF-L7xAY951GiJT-RL9TbnDjcP_I2WCaZBzocGZWcsZdoTL1wivGv4Z_hCa7AglFClDDDdVns8SJVnfAKK61Wxg5m9-ef6_gN-HjpOHzAimG_v4Cv_9oy26BDRW230z-3OnGaMUI0/s400/Ugly+Cell+Tower2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0ZbqmQ9dhc701o-kQI8mJflm9ZHou6EGiHN7aVfCPIFFbb7Ch6kL2uFcAw_Jj7ScBI2zg7hrFzZFyqoTkP2iI_MMdhQsVT-ACkEx2tNKlc4ktoZ6OpX2bebJCXrErwi1WjL6mNINhr8/s1600/Ugly+Cell+Tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0ZbqmQ9dhc701o-kQI8mJflm9ZHou6EGiHN7aVfCPIFFbb7Ch6kL2uFcAw_Jj7ScBI2zg7hrFzZFyqoTkP2iI_MMdhQsVT-ACkEx2tNKlc4ktoZ6OpX2bebJCXrErwi1WjL6mNINhr8/s400/Ugly+Cell+Tower.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Makes that fake tree cell tower not look so bad huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2017&BillID=S94" target="_blank">S94</a> and <a href="http://www.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2017&BillID=H64" target="_blank">H64</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These bills would change all local offices currently elected
on a non-partisan basis to partisan and moves local elections to the same year
and date as national and state elections.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of the things that this council takes great pride in is
how not-partisan we operate. That’s because there really isn’t anything
partisan about roads, water, sewer, public safety, parks etc… I’ve never seen a
Republican pothole or a Democrat traffic signal have you? We simply don’t allow
partisan state and national issues to impact our decisions or our relationships
with one another and we only focus on those things that are within our control.
It’s part of the reason we have been so successful. But apparently we could do
so much better if we put partisan labels on everyone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now let’s be honest, political parties today are active in
local non-partisan elections and they do work to get their candidates elected….
if you consider primarily handing out slate cards at the polls “working”. But
the great thing about odd-year elections is that voters can actually focus on
local candidates and issues and not get lost in all of the noise of a presidential,
gubernatorial or congressional election.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another negative is how this change could discourage
unaffiliated candidates from running for local office. Candidates not
affiliated with either political party would now be required to collect the
signatures of at least 4% of eligible voters in the district they are running
for before they would even be allowed to file for election – but if you’re a
member of a political party you don’t have to. That’s fair right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oh, and if more than one candidate of the same political
party files for the same office, a primary election would now be required before the general election. And I still don't understand what would happen if a Democrat, Republican and two Unaffiliateds all ran for the same seat and nobody reached the 50% threshold. Would a runoff election still be required possibly resulting in three separate elections for a council seat?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://library.ncleg.net/gascripts/BillLookUp/BillLookUp.pl?Session=2017&BillID=S434" target="_blank">S434</a></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This bill amends environmental laws by limiting a local
government’s authority to require riparian buffers larger than what the state
requires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So those strict riparian buffer laws that Cary enacted years
ago that have led to improved water quality and reduced stormwater runoff? Ya,
screw those. Developers need that land to meet minimum lot size requirements. (rolls eyes)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These are just some of the bills making their way through
the North Carolina General Assembly right now that would have a negative impact
on Cary citizens and how we operate. <b>There are others. </b>I would encourage
everyone to contact your state legislators and let them know your thoughts. We
need all of the help we can get. Thank you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can reach state lawmakers who represent at least some
portion of Cary at the email addresses below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net">Nelson.Dollar@ncleg.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Duane.Hall@ncleg.net">Duane.Hall@ncleg.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Gale.Adcock@ncleg.net">Gale.Adcock@ncleg.net</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:Tamara.Barringer@ncleg.net">Tamara.Barringer@ncleg.net</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="mailto:Jay.Chaudhuri@ncleg.net"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Jay.Chaudhuri@ncleg.net</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-91395546579140081032017-03-27T11:26:00.000-04:002017-03-27T12:35:20.860-04:002017 Inter-City Visit to Scottsdale and Tempe Arizona<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On Wednesday the town council along with members of our town staff, our economic development agency, business and community leaders and members of the Cary Chamber of Commerce traveled to Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona for an inter-city visit. Our mission was to learn from them about their experiences – both positive and negative - regarding economic development and redevelopment. What did they do right? What did they do wrong? What would they change if they could do it all over again? Stuff like that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our first stop was to a public/private redevelopment project in South Scottsdale called <a href="http://skysong.com/" target="_blank">SkySong</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can’t describe SkySong any better than they can:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center is one of the premier economic engines in the Valley of the Sun. The project’s success is a direct result of a focus on innovation and technology that attracts companies ranging from some of the world’s best known brands to one- or two-person startups.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>These companies come to SkySong because of its strong connection to Arizona State University – including the ASU SkySong incubator – as well as the exceptional facilities and ideal location in Scottsdale.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>The goal of SkySong is to attract cutting-edge and innovative companies and their base of knowledge workers from around the world, integrating the resources of ASU with the opportunities of the private sector. SkySong is a true epicenter of economic activity in the state of Arizona. The 42-acre mixed-use development will include more than 1.2 million square feet upon buildout. SkySong 1, 2 and 3, all approximately 150,000 square foot of continuing education buildings, are near full occupancy.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO-xc5YriCOZCEWzOPRcqSM5F1nhgjo3BtnivDcGdQv7zQ0MwFfTdKxtbjb3ewo11uyXuv9wGIVltv10-Fv_6-ZJxkgHFUNi43uAFGpddeSz2X9x0pEbHBCq8wcwnLZpiXBH6FuP_-hI/s1600/SkySong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTO-xc5YriCOZCEWzOPRcqSM5F1nhgjo3BtnivDcGdQv7zQ0MwFfTdKxtbjb3ewo11uyXuv9wGIVltv10-Fv_6-ZJxkgHFUNi43uAFGpddeSz2X9x0pEbHBCq8wcwnLZpiXBH6FuP_-hI/s400/SkySong.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skysong and artistic shade structure. Photo courtesy of Skysong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Corporate tenants at SkySong include, Cannon, ASU, Ticketmaster, GroupOn, CenturyLink, Workiva, Yodle and Pearson.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Scottsdale Mayor, Jim Lane, city planners, SkySong personnel and Plaza Companies – the project developer - spoke about the public/private partnership forged between the city of Scottsdale, ASU and SkySong; and how that without the commitment from the city and University the project would not have been possible. They also talked a lot about branding; specifically their efforts to <a href="http://scottsdalegatewayalliance.com/" target="_blank">re-brand South Scottsdale</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUf4QmE5WHymP8ne9mE7y5kiH-1FU7RME3rJDCEHqvL8K8pu5sOlUayDMmCbwL3cWVzObtOu0mHcDSHjZpIycHUq-dhZRtRSIaEsxDg-v4orX_RbuY6YVj9Hq-KggwuE49iS8PFChR9Q/s1600/Cary+Skysong+Visit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUf4QmE5WHymP8ne9mE7y5kiH-1FU7RME3rJDCEHqvL8K8pu5sOlUayDMmCbwL3cWVzObtOu0mHcDSHjZpIycHUq-dhZRtRSIaEsxDg-v4orX_RbuY6YVj9Hq-KggwuE49iS8PFChR9Q/s400/Cary+Skysong+Visit.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cary Delegation Learning About Skysong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was fascinating to hear about South Scottsdale’s past and see firsthand how far they have come. It wasn’t too long ago that South Scottsdale really wasn’t a desirable place to be. Businesses had fled to other areas of the city and there were a lot of abandoned properties. Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s “<a href="http://www.cbs5az.com/story/32680139/tent-city-celebrates-23rd-anniversary-with-neon-vacancy-sign" target="_blank">Tent City</a>” was nearby. But since the development of SkySong and a commitment by the city to improve South Scottsdale, they are experiencing significant growth in both new development and redevelopment. South Scottsdale, as they like to say, is "humming".</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1khVflqExGHvBAC0fAIGHqvNSHshwQEWFMEsYriIpQHZVo2bL69UvopcvGzldgQcElroOS9TG0kWiY9GpUoHAMNndm6lDnI_jYxg7EL0tUa91sYVtVp4RSrkVJii5ShLuJmcOw8_AWE/s1600/Scottsdale+Humming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1khVflqExGHvBAC0fAIGHqvNSHshwQEWFMEsYriIpQHZVo2bL69UvopcvGzldgQcElroOS9TG0kWiY9GpUoHAMNndm6lDnI_jYxg7EL0tUa91sYVtVp4RSrkVJii5ShLuJmcOw8_AWE/s400/Scottsdale+Humming.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">South Scottsdale is Humming!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Afterwards we boarded the bus and headed to Tempe for a working lunch with the Mayor of Tempe, Mark Mitchell and their Public Information Officer, Nikki Ripley. They too were undertaking a rebranding campaign and spoke to us about the initiative and their efforts to engage citizens in the process so that their “brand” truly reflects who they are. Good stuff.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We also had the pleasure of hearing from <a href="https://president.asu.edu/about/michaelcrow" target="_blank">Dr. Michael Crow</a>, President of Arizona State University, and learn about his efforts to transform ASU into a “<a href="https://newamericanuniversity.asu.edu/" target="_blank">New American University</a>” that combines the highest levels of academic excellence, inclusiveness to a broad demographic and maximum societal impact. ASU isn’t just working to make their university better – they are working to make the surrounding community and Arizona better. <b>Dr. Crow has worked to transform ASU from a bureaucratic, faculty focused institution to one that is student and community focused</b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ASU also partners with area high schools to improve student success and graduation rates which in turn provides for greater access to higher learning. Unlike most universities, ASU actually <b>LOWERED admission requirements</b>. ASU now accepts EVERY Arizona high school student who applies that has a B average or better while at the same time graduates a higher percentage of freshman students in four years than most every other university in the nation. They support and participate in economic development initiatives that create opportunities for students, citizens and businesses and improves the community’s quality of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hearing from Dr. Crow was one of the highlights of the trip. I could have listened to him talk for hours. It is absolutely amazing what they have accomplished at ASU and their continued efforts to make ASU a “New American University” and redefine the landscape of higher education – so much so that I texted my wife, Lisa that we should consider ASU for our daughter, Elizabeth. Seriously. Google him and watch some of his <a href="https://www.google.com/#q=dr+michael+crow+new+american+university&tbm=vid&*" target="_blank">online videos</a>. This guy is amazing. A few of us even commented afterwards that this guy should be Secretary of Education.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After hearing from Dr. Crow it was back on the bus to head to <a href="http://www.tempe.gov/city-hall/public-works/transportation/transit-center" target="_blank">Tempe’s Transit Center</a> to meet with their Community Planning Director and Transit Director for a discussion about transit and transit oriented development. While it was a very informative discussion, I really can’t say I learned much of anything new here as I have heard about how transit will influence development many times before – but I believe that it was valuable for some of the others on the trip and I did take away a few nuggets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8xBEnLXk7SOOyZ2cs50a8aebJIfS9E7FFCNjZQI9ozkoZ8WW7PV4547zgdrejf458I1hzEGdm-SElyuDTf7JmK8bNWdv8ARRXDaVrHgr391T37-14c_byWqva2KCl_l9VuF6xVv1uJ0/s1600/Tempe+Transit+Center.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN8xBEnLXk7SOOyZ2cs50a8aebJIfS9E7FFCNjZQI9ozkoZ8WW7PV4547zgdrejf458I1hzEGdm-SElyuDTf7JmK8bNWdv8ARRXDaVrHgr391T37-14c_byWqva2KCl_l9VuF6xVv1uJ0/s400/Tempe+Transit+Center.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tempe Transit Center. Photo Courtesy of Tempe, AZ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For dinner we got to have a little fun. We went to Scottsdale Stadium to watch the San Francisco Giants play the Seattle Mariners. Scottsdale is the spring training home for the San Francisco Giants and boy do they love their “home team”. The game was sold out… for a spring training game! The stadium hot dogs were excellent and really complimented the beer ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEFxRYK2Qdtrwx_V8LECHVDRSR-xN1z8FmQvr-Cw7lDFqPAeKvhmlhagOrN9yAWfl6JIj34JERIBXJnFV2I7UsZxxdHVFAHj6c3A1_S_S6VgTwY2efu9De-opVy1Cpy34u9udTx51lpE/s1600/Scottsadale+Giants+Basebal+Game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYEFxRYK2Qdtrwx_V8LECHVDRSR-xN1z8FmQvr-Cw7lDFqPAeKvhmlhagOrN9yAWfl6JIj34JERIBXJnFV2I7UsZxxdHVFAHj6c3A1_S_S6VgTwY2efu9De-opVy1Cpy34u9udTx51lpE/s400/Scottsadale+Giants+Basebal+Game.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottsdale Giants baseball game. From L-R Council members Jack Smith, Don Frantz, Mayor Harold Weinbrecht, Lori Bush, Ed Yerha and Police Chief Tony Godwin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The following morning our first stop was <a href="http://scottsdalemuseumwest.org/" target="_blank">Scottsdale’s Museum of the West</a>. The museum is owned by the city of Scottsdale and operated by a non-profit. The museum has a number of exhibit spaces both indoor and outdoor as well as an auditorium and facilities for special events.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then it was back on the bus to go meet with Scottsdale’s Assistant Manager, Brent Stockton and their Planning Director, Randy Grant along with the developer of Scottsdale Waterfront to learn about Scottsdale’s amazing waterfront redevelopment and mixed use projects. I know what you’re thinking – waterfront in Scottsdale Arizona??? It’s like that <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNlMzNUDM8s" target="_blank">song</a> right? I was surprised too. But I gotta say this place was really cool. High rise condos, office and retail adjacent to Scottsdale’s waterway – it was an amazing mixed use project that was 20+ years in the making. It also makes one wonder what can be done with flood prone areas of a community to turn water problems into amenities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGYxCHdNe8MQ4aRMz7uPXqRxcqtHNMwukF7W6KTBqYewI-wC4Fyu-lwBvxj_lnW6L97G9RG386P2w5b-h-hcRoU6l9hRjLZbS8fYh0wABcbTsv21kcZjZ9hho785d6ExBAIgr2q2vQic/s1600/Scottsdale+Waterfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGYxCHdNe8MQ4aRMz7uPXqRxcqtHNMwukF7W6KTBqYewI-wC4Fyu-lwBvxj_lnW6L97G9RG386P2w5b-h-hcRoU6l9hRjLZbS8fYh0wABcbTsv21kcZjZ9hho785d6ExBAIgr2q2vQic/s400/Scottsdale+Waterfront.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottsdale Waterfront Redevelopment Project(s)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A really interesting tidbit that we learned was how difficult it is to get any tall building approved in Scottsdale. Nobody wants their view of the mountains blocked – which after seeing the mountains I can understand. They are absolutely beautiful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsAWijysvRg-KOLo_7t8iwRU2QRIM6WLzLkS5AimiqLFKeTGvGx5_CpWo92U5ydVyIESBL27ZkJ5338WRNf9H65duGJ5cDXgpCK5oaKJ1B1aEvr08njhz_vETCsBH-k9bpGwrEhhMgH4/s1600/Scottsdale+Mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsAWijysvRg-KOLo_7t8iwRU2QRIM6WLzLkS5AimiqLFKeTGvGx5_CpWo92U5ydVyIESBL27ZkJ5338WRNf9H65duGJ5cDXgpCK5oaKJ1B1aEvr08njhz_vETCsBH-k9bpGwrEhhMgH4/s400/Scottsdale+Mountains.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful View of the Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They are however very flexible in regards to design guidelines. For example, you can paint your building any color you want to...as long as it is Navajo White. ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They also love their public art in Scottsdale, and the really cool thing about most everything that I saw was that you can actually tell what it is without having to read a plaque. This particular project was fascinating in that once inside it becomes a kaleidoscope and you see like 20 of yourself….including the bald spot on the back of your head…. That your wife said wasn’t bad…. She lied. ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR0lRJJksnxT1h1EUT8z89KQWgiVWhnhKqR5IZHOrzqeS5W-4zUNxBdkqR42cfIPGuSXMGYoS-ReelDyn6afE3SZ2MNeN1bvRjIqZAGNppYQKc0cP22Vco1e3GBM0D-xlGqar9zMf_o0/s1600/Scottsdale+Door+Art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmR0lRJJksnxT1h1EUT8z89KQWgiVWhnhKqR5IZHOrzqeS5W-4zUNxBdkqR42cfIPGuSXMGYoS-ReelDyn6afE3SZ2MNeN1bvRjIqZAGNppYQKc0cP22Vco1e3GBM0D-xlGqar9zMf_o0/s400/Scottsdale+Door+Art.jpg" width="220" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scottsdale Door Kaleidoscope Art</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This however was my personal favorite. Killer right?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicACDU-jka0fREd9Myn38ELQqoiPTNO0lBcTevF1r1-Mg8Z8qjaOCNpvN_yKZDhCG4aul9BYGN0DkrKE3U76YXuIB7K5RJY5eP5dSf8geKKf_Zcwtiv-mXo4BVZAQnSPgkbp22wdeFfqc/s1600/Scottsdale+Indian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicACDU-jka0fREd9Myn38ELQqoiPTNO0lBcTevF1r1-Mg8Z8qjaOCNpvN_yKZDhCG4aul9BYGN0DkrKE3U76YXuIB7K5RJY5eP5dSf8geKKf_Zcwtiv-mXo4BVZAQnSPgkbp22wdeFfqc/s400/Scottsdale+Indian.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Indian outside of Scottsdale's Museum of the West</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The afternoon was “free time” for everyone to explore Scottsdale or Tempe on your own. Council member Lori Bush and I chose to explore a new outdoor mall adjacent to our hotel. Ya ya…, I know what you’re thinking. NO, I didn’t go shopping. <b>I don’t shop</b>. The mall is a mixed use project with residential and office above retail or restaurants and we wanted to see the project firsthand as this type of development is exactly what we have been trying to encourage in certain areas of town such as downtown, the state property off of Cary Town Blvd. and the Cary Town Center Mall property. The project was very walkable with a number of small, green areas peppered about for folks to relax and enjoy that shake you just got. Shake Shack is awesome btw. ;-) The one pictured</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> below was extra amazing in that it also offered an outdoor LED screen that showed movies for kids – the kids can watch movies while momma shops. Awesome.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmdFxcnhcQy0PdMonossOao5bft58XWvcWGpVQ0Ne8_yuQwa67Goe1Bca54FXPlUYW51c7GXkk_qsZ0ivZyLFhWwugqH9i_uW7pCmyGk8YTmhgKX_VxCU3d2oBEkTIAqZKkTngMjYB8Y/s1600/Scottsdale+Pocket+Park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXmdFxcnhcQy0PdMonossOao5bft58XWvcWGpVQ0Ne8_yuQwa67Goe1Bca54FXPlUYW51c7GXkk_qsZ0ivZyLFhWwugqH9i_uW7pCmyGk8YTmhgKX_VxCU3d2oBEkTIAqZKkTngMjYB8Y/s400/Scottsdale+Pocket+Park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pocket Park with play space and movies for children</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The majority of dinner was spent discussing everything that we saw and learned and how that relates to what we are trying to do – or not do – in Cary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cary and Scottsdale/Tempe are very different places – <b>VERY different </b>– but we also have a lot of things in common like:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Encourage the redevelopment of older or distressed properties</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Promote walkable sustainable development</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Public/private partnerships</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Branding – Cary will soon undertake a branding effort - especially in regards to economic development</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Transit and transit oriented development</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A commitment to parks, greenways and open spaces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In all I found the trip to be very educational and worthwhile. It also recharged the batteries a bit. I really want to thank everyone at the <a href="http://www.carychamber.com/" target="_blank">Cary Chamber of Commerce</a> and our town staff for all of their efforts in planning the trip, and special thanks to both the Scottsdale and Tempe town staff and elected officials for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with us. We really appreciate it and I hope that we can return the favor one day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All that said,<b> It’s great to be home!</b></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-92169503882620972732017-03-12T16:10:00.000-04:002018-11-03T16:50:24.553-04:00NO PARKING<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG0T1Xt_SVlg5rL_mj3XFAyEuJYiik05HGrkSRwdBU2eb-4mQ6RxMHnAiNGWUOX-ybr4HDezr4jIND2nY6R-bMr1xeRlGNP5AmD4_EvzXBrTj35-gFipJmrZ7b8gqhzSQZhpxXWhephg/s1600/No+Parking.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSG0T1Xt_SVlg5rL_mj3XFAyEuJYiik05HGrkSRwdBU2eb-4mQ6RxMHnAiNGWUOX-ybr4HDezr4jIND2nY6R-bMr1xeRlGNP5AmD4_EvzXBrTj35-gFipJmrZ7b8gqhzSQZhpxXWhephg/s320/No+Parking.png" width="216" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Non-consensual Towing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Odd term right? What it means is that your vehicle was towed and you didn’t consent to it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let’s say that you and your friends are going out to dinner. When you get to your favorite restaurant you find that their parking lot is full because the place is awesome. You notice a lot of available parking at a closed business across the street so you park there and go inside the restaurant. You’ve had a wonderful evening – that is until you return to where you parked your car and its gone. <b>Your first reaction is that your car has been stolen</b>, and only after searching for your vehicle do you discover a small, inconspicuous “no parking tow-away sign”. <b>You’re angry</b> and rightfully so. Had you actually seen the dang sign you wouldn’t have parked there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So you call the towing company to try and get your car back only to be told that <b>their fee is $175.00 and that they only accept cash</b>. And on top of that they tell you that if you can’t get to their lot in the next 10 minutes, they won’t be able to give you your car back until 8:00 the next morning. Nice…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Angry just became infuriated</b>. Who carries that much cash? Where is the closest ATM? And like they expect you to get to both an ATM and their storage lot <b>on foot</b> in the next 10 minutes? Even Uber isn’t that fast.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You’ll show them! You call the police department…. only to learn that there isn’t much they can legally do to assist you. You did after all park in a tow-away zone, and NC general statutes prohibit the regulation of fees that tow companies may charge. The towing and release of private vehicles is largely a civil matter. About the only thing the police department can do is respond with an obligation to help prevent a fight between you and the towing operator.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Unfortunately this scenario has happened far too often in Cary. <b>Cary PD has been called over 150 times</b> for situations just like this since 2010.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s sad, especially in an area like our downtown where parking for some businesses is challenging as the current use – a restaurant, brewery etc.. generates more traffic than the original use was designed to accommodate. That happens a lot with redevelopment. Since we all want to see downtown Cary succeed you would think that businesses that are closed in the evening and don’t need their parking would allow adjacent businesses that really need extra parking in the evening to use theirs right? We do. But unfortunately the risk of liability and increased cost deter many from allowing the use of their parking after hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While unfortunate, there are some things we can do to hopefully limit situations like the one above from occurring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks to the hard work of the Cary Police Department and our legal department, we were able to pass a new non-consensual towing ordinance that complies with North Carolina general statutes and better protects vehicle owners, property owners and tow operators.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The new <a href="http://carync.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=2634&MediaPosition=9108.093&ID=2173&CssClass=" target="_blank">non-consensual towing ordinance</a> does the following:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Requires the posting of visible signage in prominent locations that clearly notifies motorists of any parking prohibitions. Signage must also include the contact information for the specific towing company as well as on-site release requirements.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Towing companies must notify the police of any non-consensual tow along with the vehicle make, color and license plate number so that if a motorist calls the police, the police can inform them of the appropriate towing company information.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Towing companies must respond in person to a motorists call within 30 minutes of receiving a call.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Towing companies must respond to the vehicle storage location within two hours of receiving a release request. Exceptions include between the hours of midnight and 6:00 am.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Towing companies will now be required to accept cash and at least 2 major credit cards – one must be a VISA or Mastercard.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vehicle storage lots may not be located more than 15 miles away from where the vehicle was towed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Should a motorist return to their vehicle while a towing company has initiated a tow, the tow truck operator must release the vehicle on site upon the payment of a release fee.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Establishes penalties for towing operators who do not comply with the ordinance. $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second, $500 for the third, $750 for the fourth and so on.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We really hope that this new non-consensual towing ordinance helps alleviate some of the problems that motorists, and in some cases towing operators have experienced. We will also continue to work to better educate business and property owners – especially in our downtown – about the benefits that shared parking affords the surrounding community. <b>Rising tides do lift all ships</b>.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-12454039923176501912017-01-31T13:49:00.000-05:002017-02-01T08:21:34.320-05:002017 Town of Cary Council/Staff Retreat<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This past weekend the council traveled to Wrightsville Beach for our annual council/staff retreat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We began the retreat with a tradition we started a number of years ago where the council heads up the night before and has dinner together in an effort to get to know each other better. We ate at the Blockade Runner Hotel restaurant. The food was terrible. Seriously, $16 for a burger that tasted like it was frozen a half hour before I ate it. Hamburgers are my favorite food in the world. I eat probably 10 hamburgers a week - I know a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecc0nbg9m-8" target="_blank">tasty burger</a> when I eat one. They need a <a href="https://www.crosstowndowntown.com/" target="_blank">Crosstown Pub</a>, <a href="http://tribecatavernnc.com/" target="_blank">Tribeca</a> or an <a href="http://abbeyroadcary.com/" target="_blank">Abbey Road</a> in Wrightsville Beach bad. Anyways, we enjoyed each other’s company and learned a little more about one another.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Over the years Cary has grown from a suburban boomtown to an established city that now competes with the likes of Raleigh, RTP, Charlotte and other cities across the country in regards to economic development and jobs. More people actually work inside town limits now than those who commute outside of Cary for employment.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our Parks system is <a href="http://townofcary.org/connect-engage/town-departments-offices/parks-recreation-cultural-resources" target="_blank">second to none</a>. We offer an amazing array of cultural and arts programs. We host numerous festivals such as <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/events/festivals/lazy-daze-arts-and-crafts-festival" target="_blank">Lazy Daze</a> (which has now grown into a two day event), the Chinese Lantern Festival, <a href="http://townofcary.org/recreation-enjoyment/events/holiday-events/diwali-celebration" target="_blank">Diwali</a> and Spring Daze just to name a few.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2sUNHK2veG2gtt78BQAxD1a6ojI-qCHHcsIaBTcuQWclCu6mduSKm5HCnMMHwVrttYpKPRvwViEDJdn90Xi6HxMJw2YzIaWMZ5QFKIkHcm8zOprRJ8U39KBLc-3W1NxakoX8oF_GBmI/s1600/Chinese+Lantern+Festival+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj2sUNHK2veG2gtt78BQAxD1a6ojI-qCHHcsIaBTcuQWclCu6mduSKm5HCnMMHwVrttYpKPRvwViEDJdn90Xi6HxMJw2YzIaWMZ5QFKIkHcm8zOprRJ8U39KBLc-3W1NxakoX8oF_GBmI/s400/Chinese+Lantern+Festival+%25282%2529.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2016-2017 Chinese Lantern Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cary’s strict development standards and good planning have helped to ensure that development met or exceeded our community’s expectations and reflected our values. Were there some mistakes along the way? <b>Sure there were.</b> But I think as a whole folks would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful or well planned community.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cary is also less homogeneous than ever. 30% of Cary’s population is now “not white” with our fastest growing demographic being Asian/Indian.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I could go on, but the bottom line is that Cary is one of the greatest communities in America to live, work and play.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So how do we stay that way?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>THAT was the primary focus of this year’s retreat.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Town staff shared a Buddhist saying (at least that’s what they told us – it could have been an internet meme for all I know 😉 ) that spoke to Cary’s challenges well; <i><b>“If you want to know your past, look into your present conditions. If you want to know your future, look into your present actions”.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cary didn’t grow into a city of 159,000 residents overnight and like it or not, Cary will continue to grow. We are too darn awesome a place not to. That presents challenges; the most significant being our infrastructure.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our <b>present conditions</b> are that a large portion of Cary’s infrastructure is 30-40+ years old and in need of repairs/replacement now and/or in the foreseeable future (more on this in just a bit). <b>Our present actions</b> include maintaining that infrastructure while at the same time planning for infrastructure that hasn’t even been built yet to accommodate future growth and development.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This isn’t news to anyone at town hall or the council. We have been doing this for years. Take water mains for example: In 2008 the town implemented a program to better identify those water mains in need of replacement and take care of them <b>BEFORE they fail</b>. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of water main breaks. In 2007 there were 15 separate water main failures. Since the initiative that number has dropped to an average of 3.75 failures per year. Believe it or not, 15 water main failures per year is less than average for a community of our size – but we don’t settle for average here in Cary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While Cary is no spring chicken (<i>you can’t have a Cary blog without using the word chicken once and a while</i>), our boom years were predominantly in the 90’s and early 2000’s. <b>A LOT</b> of Cary’s existing infrastructure was built during that period. Cary currently has 1035 miles of water mains – 24% of which are 40+ years old and reaching the end of its service life. So while the good news is that 76% are less than 40 years old – the bad news is it won’t be too long before everything built in the 90’s hits the big Four O. With each passing year the number of mains that will need repairs or replacement will continue to increase and is something that we must better prepare for. The same holds true for all of our infrastructure such as roads, stormwater management devices, parks, greenways, town facilities, sewers etc…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the need to maintain this infrastructure to Cary standards grows, so will the pressures on the town’s budget. What that exactly means yet we do not know. What we do know is that <b>we remain committed to providing Cary quality infrastructure, services and amenities for our citizens at the lowest possible cost to you the taxpayer.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjopz4V9kByeJT0oxf7Ec7jp8FRYS0y-qskz1B67oo5KrwkTvSPS-Lz2NK0P6NauuOVuey9R_CHLhPPqWfJM0vObkdcNvjbWP1QPyXhLYwfLeX6RLPjxjkqlf05xXLzREQSpydJgzXX5Q/s1600/2017+Cary+Council+Retreat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjopz4V9kByeJT0oxf7Ec7jp8FRYS0y-qskz1B67oo5KrwkTvSPS-Lz2NK0P6NauuOVuey9R_CHLhPPqWfJM0vObkdcNvjbWP1QPyXhLYwfLeX6RLPjxjkqlf05xXLzREQSpydJgzXX5Q/s400/2017+Cary+Council+Retreat.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working away at the retreat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Infrastructure isn’t the only thing aging in Cary. Nearly 50% of all buildings and homes in Cary were built from 1980 – 1999. 14% were built prior to 1980. Now just because something is old doesn’t mean that its broken, right Jack? 😉 Heck, Cary’s older neighborhoods are one of the things that makes Cary great – I wouldn’t live anywhere else. They typically have larger lot sizes, mature trees, and they don’t look like they were built by the same builder on the same day. But just like anything else that ages, our older neighborhoods will need more attention if Cary is to remain the premier community that we are.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">12% of homes in Cary are rental. 22% of homes inside the Maynard Loop are rental. Now not all renters or landlords are bad at maintaining their property just like not all homeowners are good at it. We do have some really crappy looking owner-occupied homes in Cary. But the fact remains that rental properties do present different challenges. Renters are far less likely than homeowners to invest in their home as that is the landlord’s responsibility. Landlords typically aren’t going to invest in their rental property as long as the rent check keeps showing up. The landlord might not be local to our area and may not even realize that their property needs work. We can better educate them about that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We discussed and will continue to work on ways to improve the condition and appearance of older neighborhoods either through greater code enforcement, infrastructure improvements, expanding <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/housing/neighborhood-improvement-grant-program" target="_blank">Cary’s Neighborhood Improvement Grant Program</a> and our <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/housing/affordable-housing-initiative/housing-rehabilitation-program" target="_blank">Housing Rehabilitation Program</a> or possibly even expanding Cary’s <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/services-publications/police/community-services/project-phoenix" target="_blank">Project Phoenix</a> to single family communities to address minimum housing issues. Targeted redevelopment initiatives and strategic capital improvements may also help.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our infrastructure is aging, our buildings and neighborhoods are aging and guess what? <b>So are you</b>, our citizens. In 2000 the median age in Cary was 33.7 years old. The median age in Cary today is now over 40 years old with 11% of our citizens aged 65 or older. Of the 14 largest cities in North Carolina, Cary now boasts the highest median age of any of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The good news is that more and more folks are choosing to stay in Cary well into their retirement. The bad news is that they have less money to do that with than in previous years. In 2011 the national medium retirement income was $32,800. In 2015 that number has dropped to $26,600.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Whether through increased affordable housing options, senior/assisted living facilities, housing rehabilitation initiatives, parks and cultural programming, public transportation or other initiatives we must continue to look for ways to make Cary more livable for our growing senior population so that not only can they afford to live here, but enjoy living here.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One other retreat item we discussed outside of the scope above was the naming of Cary’s agricultural park, <b>Good Hope Farm</b>. The site is located at the corner of Morrisville Carpenter Road and Louis Stevens Drive in west Cary directly north of the new Carpenter Park. I am pleased that we used the word “farm” in the name instead of “park” as the site will focus primarily on Cary’s agricultural history and farming practices and provide educational opportunities for students and our citizens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the record, I along with Councilman Yerha voted against the name but for different reasons. I preferred the name “Brightleaf Farm” as this recognized the significance that tobacco farming played in the region’s history – and I just thought the name sounded really cool. Some council members however opposed this as they didn’t want the name to have anything to do with tobacco or it reminded them of Brightleaf Square in Durham and they wanted nothing to do with that. Whatever… Mr. Yerha voted against the name as he preferred the park’s original name, A.M. Howard Farm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another reason I voted against the name Good Hope Farm was more process than anything else. The naming of the farm had already been tabled twice so that council members could consider other options - none of which was Good Hope Farm. This name came up at the last minute and I would have preferred more time to research what someone was telling me – especially when I perceive someone to have a personal agenda on this item. That said, now that I have had that time to do just that, I am satisfied with the name.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One last note on the retreat – I truly believe this retreat was one of, if not the best retreats we have ever had. This was due largely in part to the involvement of all town staff members who attended – not just a select few.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been to retreats where six or seven staff members gave presentations and/or participated in the discussion while the other 15 or so sat there and did nothing for two days because the discussion topic wasn’t under their department’s purview. Yet regardless of responsibility - Police and Fire, Planning, Water Resources, Public Information, Clerk’s Office, Manager’s Office, Engineering, Finance, Technology Services etc… they are all experts on many things Cary and should have a greater role in the process. This time they did and I know <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/connect-engage/town-departments-offices/town-manager-s-office" target="_blank">why</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you'd like to learn even more about our retreat please feel free to visit Councilwoman Lori Bush's Blog <a href="http://loribush.org/2017/01/31/2017-council-retreat/" target="_blank">here</a> or Mayor Weinbrecht's Blog <a href="http://carycitizen.com/2017/01/30/harolds-blog-town-council-retreat-state-of-cary-and-more/" target="_blank">here</a>. Lori's is good. 😃</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No matter our challenges, it is great to be Cary. I love this place. Thanks for reading!</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5934975254722091646.post-29976449839142697012017-01-29T13:20:00.002-05:002017-01-29T13:20:59.693-05:00Stuff, Stuff and Stuff! Jan 2017<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello!?! Is this thing still on? So, ya, it’s been a long time since I blogged. I know. Sorry about that. I have tried to keep everyone informed on town stuff via <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/DonFrantz/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. Life is busy and what little free time I did have I found myself working on the race car. Ya, ya, I hear ya, “If you would quit crashing the car you wouldn’t have to fix it so much”. #racecarproblems</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyways, after we finished the season at <a href="http://www.wcspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Wake County Speedway</a> we decided to run races at <a href="http://carteretspeedway.com/" target="_blank">Carteret County Speedway</a> and <a href="http://snmpark.com/" target="_blank">Southern National Motorsports Park</a> so that took a lot of time and preparation. We had a blast and did ok for our first time at both tracks. Shortly after that the holidays rolled around and, well, here we are. Good things come to those who wait right? ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So without further ado (<i>is that how you spell that? Spell check says its right but I thought it was some weird French word or something?</i>) here is an update on some of the things that have been happening over the last few months.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Imagine Cary</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well, it only took four years but we did it. At our last meeting the council unanimously adopted the <a href="http://www.imaginecary.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Cary_CPMD_FINAL_compressed2.pdf" target="_blank">Cary Community Plan</a>. The Community Plan is the result of <a href="http://www.imaginecary.org/" target="_blank">Imagine Cary</a> – a comprehensive planning effort led by our citizens, town staff, consultants, business and community leaders, planning and transportation experts, our town boards, commissions and council members to develop a single integrated update to Cary’s long range plan and set the course for our community’s future. The plan focuses on growth, development, transportation, economics, the environment and other related topics. It is way more than just a land use plan, the plan articulates Cary’s values and vision and will serve as our guide as the community grows over the next 20 years or so.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While that sounds all sunshine, puppies and <span style="color: red;">r</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: orange;">a</span></span><span style="color: yellow;">i</span><span style="color: lime;">n</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: cyan;">b</span></span><span style="color: blue;">o</span><span style="color: purple;">w</span><span style="color: magenta;">s</span>, this was no easy task I promise you. There were a lot of hiccups and distractions along the way; a major one being the <a href="http://www.imaginecary.org/2016/09/eastern-cary-gateway-special-planning-area-begins-the-adoption-process/" target="_blank">Eastern Gateway Plan</a>. This is the area near Cary Town Center Mall and Cary Town Blvd. Developers were/are interested in developing this area with shopping, residential and office (to include a <a href="https://www.wegmans.com/" target="_blank">Wegmans</a> Grocery) and we needed to have a plan in place that reflected Cary’s vision for that area fast. Imagine Cary was put on hold for a while so that we could focus on developing the Eastern Gateway component and adopt that first so that what gets developed here is Cary quality and meets our expectations.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a related note, I cannot comment on the rumors of IKEA coming here. All I can say right now without running the risk of getting myself in trouble is that we hope to announce that a major global retailer will be coming to the Cary Town Center Mall area in the near future. You figure it out ;-)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now as with any plan, I am sure that over time we will find a few things we got wrong. That’s what plan amendments are for. But we also tried real hard to build flexibility within the plan so it is our hope that any amendments will be far and few between. I can honestly say I am pleased with 90-95% of the plan. I didn’t think I would be able to say that two years ago. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPQlXNH36mI" target="_blank">I love it when a plan comes together</a> ;-)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks so much to everyone who worked so hard on and participated in the Imagine Cary process – especially our citizens. This plan is a better product because of everyone’s involvement.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div>
<b>Downtown</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you have been downtown lately – and I know you have because where else would you want to go? – you have surely noticed that the Academy Street Streetscape Project has been completed! About dang time right? It looks absolutely beautiful! If you haven’t yet walked the street and taken a look at some of the artwork please do – the benches are amazing! Phase one of the downtown park (the town square) is nearing completion and we hope to have that finished by March.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Downtown library and parking deck have been approved and will begin construction soon. You can learn more about that <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/cary-news/article91798822.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.townofcary.org/projects-initiatives/project-updates/parks-projects/downtown-parking-deck" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The construction at Midtown Square is nearing completion and we recently broke ground for the new <a href="https://annelores.com/" target="_blank">Annelore’s German Bakery</a> on Chatham Street. <a href="https://www.lafarmbakery.com/" target="_blank">LaFarm Bakery</a> is also currently under construction at the corner of Harrison and Chatham Street. A number of other businesses that have announced plans to come downtown or that have already opened include: <a href="http://www.pizzeriafaulisi.com/" target="_blank">Pizzeria Faulisi</a>, <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/cary-news/article115434553.html" target="_blank">Pro’s Epicurean Markey and Café</a>, <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/community/cary-news/article114975168.html" target="_blank">FRESH Ice Cream</a>, <a href="http://bottledogcary.com/" target="_blank">Bottle Dog Bites and Brew</a> and <a href="http://www.hustlecary.com/" target="_blank">Hustle Fitness Studio</a>. If I forgot anyone I apologize – it’s a lot to keep up with!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are a number of other plans and projects in the works and we hope to be making more announcements soon! Exciting times in downtown Cary!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b>Cary Matters</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Councilman Ed Yerha and I taped a winter weather preparedness edition of Cary Matters so if you’d like to learn more about what the town does when old man winter shows, click the video below (<i>assuming it shows up correctly - I think I did it right?</i>). We had fun with this one ;-)</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="245" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YPLKBBXD82I" width="400"></iframe></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>WOOF!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary’s newest K9 officer, Lemm was sworn in on December 20th. Lemm is a 16 month old Belgain Malinois from Poland. Lemm is named after fallen serviceman Joseph Lemm who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2015 – the same year that Lemm was born. Lemm replaces Cary K9 Robby who unfortunately was forced to retire early due to an issue with his hips. Robby served for 5 years as a patrol and drug detection K9. The council approved a resolution that allows Robby to serve out the remainder of his life with his best friend and handler, Officer Humphries. This wouldn’t have been possible without the help of the North Carolina General Assembly – especially <a href="http://www.galeadcock.com/" target="_blank">NC Representative Gale Adcock</a> – who worked with cities and towns across North Carolina to pass a bill that allows service animals to remain with their owners/handlers once they are taken out of service.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Funding for Lemm was made possible thanks to the generous donation of $7500 from Richard and Judy Hendrickson of Cary. If you happen to see the Hendricksons please make a point to say, “<b>Thank You!</b>” We are forever grateful.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cary got its first K9 in 2005. Since then Cary’s K9 program has expanded into a pack of three dogs, each with its own handler: K9 Chase and Officer Seth Everett; K9 Tayber and Officer Scott McInerny; and now K9 Lemm and Officer Phil Humphries. K9 Robby joins K9 Axel and K9 Max as members of the Town’s retired K9 Unit.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5Pl1P45Kd4y1npxP6Di8w_2c9U1cNK5Uxl5zPvSC4SRU-aMuld9USsiMEdYI9_o-LvHEgr_HTRnU9HtEN2jh98l16AQEhh5QHrVSpsrAQ08_MrKmsU8sWEqN40Z2s2jcJqJg5ARP204/s1600/K9+Robby+and+Officer+Humphries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5Pl1P45Kd4y1npxP6Di8w_2c9U1cNK5Uxl5zPvSC4SRU-aMuld9USsiMEdYI9_o-LvHEgr_HTRnU9HtEN2jh98l16AQEhh5QHrVSpsrAQ08_MrKmsU8sWEqN40Z2s2jcJqJg5ARP204/s400/K9+Robby+and+Officer+Humphries.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Retiring K9 Robby with Officer Humphries</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><div>
<b>Cary Wins Gold!</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In October 2016, the <a href="http://www.nrpa.org/" target="_blank">National Recreation and Park Association</a> (NRPA) in partnership with the American Academy for Park and Recreation, awarded the Town of Cary the <a href="http://www.nrpa.org/our-work/awards/goldmedal/" target="_blank">2016 Gold Medal Award for Excellence</a> in the field of Park and Recreation Management. This is the highest award a community can receive within the field of parks and recreation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Founded in 1965, the Gold Medal Awards program honors communities throughout the U.S. that demonstrate excellence in parks and recreation through long-range planning, resource management, volunteerism, environmental stewardship, program development, professional development, and agency recognition. Entries are judged on their ability to address the needs of those they serve through the collective energies of citizens, staff, and elected officials.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is <b>HUGE</b>. Simply put, Cary has <b>THE BEST</b> Parks and Recreation Department in the nation among cities our size (population of 150,000 – 400,000). There is only one gold medal award winner - we don’t share this award with any other city. <b>That is how big of a deal this is.</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cary takes tremendous pride in providing the best Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources amenities as possible and our parks system is one of the things that makes Cary the great place to live, work and especially play that it is. This doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a total team effort from our town employees, board and commission volunteers and most importantly, YOU, our citizens. Cary Rocks!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You can learn more about this major accomplishment <a href="http://townofcary.org/connect-engage/town-departments-offices/parks-recreation-cultural-resources" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfZmL8I1XxS3Q3eK7tLecHcI9Doy3P8gPbfroJ26gWPt8mcr26dhqeVIcssAeoyHhRHF6UjcavwTAM0uyxxrw0KOHl8l2fkbKclXmNvulIZIwx1o2RCklJB7PTBzF278L8CPp_856lm0/s1600/Parks+and+Rec+Gold+Medal+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfZmL8I1XxS3Q3eK7tLecHcI9Doy3P8gPbfroJ26gWPt8mcr26dhqeVIcssAeoyHhRHF6UjcavwTAM0uyxxrw0KOHl8l2fkbKclXmNvulIZIwx1o2RCklJB7PTBzF278L8CPp_856lm0/s400/Parks+and+Rec+Gold+Medal+Award.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply The Best!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alston Ridge Middle School</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cary is getting a new Middle School! At our December
Quasi-Judicial meeting we approved the <a href="http://carync.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame&MeetingID=1799&MediaPosition=192.536&ID=2056&CssClass" target="_blank">development plans</a> for the new Alston Ridge
Middle School in West Cary. The school will be located just south of Alston
Ridge Elementary School. I know, creative name right? ;-) Anyways, it will be a
230,000 square foot three story building complete with athletic fields and an
outdoor basketball court.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cary has been in desperate need of another middle school for
years and this will help (key word being help - not meant to imply solve) alleviate current overcrowding conditions in West Cary. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Retreat!</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This past weekend we held our council-staff retreat in
Wrightsville Beach, NC. I will write about this in a future blog as there is so
much to talk about and this topic really deserves it’s own post – and y’all
are probably running out of interest on this one right about now ;-) I will say
it was one of our best – if not the best - retreats ever!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That’s all for now. I’ll post again as soon as I get done working on the race car ;-) Thanks for
reading!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Don Frantzhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02509623902072125233noreply@blogger.com