Town of Cary

The meeting commenced with the ceremonial opening and pledge of allegiance, noting the absence of Councilmember Bush. Key discussions centered on the upcoming Saint Patrick's Day and the town's sister city relationship with Meet, Ireland, including plans to host representatives. A significant portion of the meeting involved the presentation and proclamation of Sunshine Week by the Executive Director of the North Carolina Open Government Coalition, emphasizing the town's commitment to openness and transparency. Following the public speaks out session, which featured a resident expressing concerns about proposed traffic enhancements at the intersection of Kerry Parkway and Kildare Farms Road, the Council unanimously approved the consent agenda. This agenda included minutes, several rezoning items (Weston and Harvey property), funding for the CAMPO project, streetlight billing, a contract award for engineering services, and a local agreement for shared radio system infrastructure. Finally, the Council reviewed scope options for intersection improvement projects, funded by the 2012 bond referendum, specifically addressing proposed improvements at five major intersections, including Kerry Parkway/Kildare Farm Road, Cary Parkway/Evans Road, Maynard Road/Chapel Hill Road, Maynard Road/High House Road, and Kerry Parkway near US-1/64 ramps.

The work session focused on updating the 2026 meeting schedule and provided an overview and discussion regarding the proposed South Hills Municipal Service District (MSD). Key discussion points for the South Hills project included the site's current state as a former mall with significant surface parking, the developer's purchase in 2021, and the October 2024 rezoning approval, which established concepts for a walkable mixed-use development, including grid network streets, activated ground floors, residential/commercial ratios, and affordable housing commitments. The presentation also clarified that a previously considered community center is not moving forward. The discussion on Municipal Service Districts outlined the authority to levy additional property taxes for services like revitalization and environmental improvements, citing examples from Raleigh. Specifically for South Hills, the developer North Pond requested a 48-acre MSD to foster revitalization, with the next steps involving staff preparing a report for the January meeting, followed by public hearings and dual council votes before a potential July 1st, 2026 effective date. Questions addressed potential service uses (infrastructure like sidewalks), the flexibility of the tax rate over time, and the administrative requirements of managing district funds.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance following the recognition of council member George for the ceremonial opening. The agenda was adopted with an amendment to include a resolution regarding the Ivy Ellington house under reports. The council recognized several distinguished guests from the North Carolina Senate, House, and representatives from the towns of Marvell and Apex. Significant discussion centered around well-wishes and reflections on the service of a departing council member, Ken, highlighting his dedication, involvement in Sister Cities, focus on downtown development, and thoughtful contributions. The session concluded with oaths of office being administered, specifically swearing in Herald Wine Brekford for his fourth term as mayor.

The Planning and Zoning Board meeting addressed the rezoning proposal for the Belcanto site, approximately 35 acres on Green Level West Road, intended for development within the Green Level Destination Center. Key discussion points included the proposed development program of up to 700 multifamily units, 100,000 sq. ft. of office/institutional space, and 20,000 sq. ft. of commercial space. The board reviewed detailed commitments regarding land use pods, building heights, structured parking requirements (minimum 80% in pods 1 and 2), dedication of community gathering areas (minimum 35,000 sq. ft.), greenway connections, road widening plans for Green Level West Road, and provisions for future transit stops. The discussion also heavily featured alternative standards requested by the applicant related to grading, streetscape widths, tree removal, building material percentages (e.g., 75% masonry for certain facades), green infrastructure techniques, and EV charging stations. Council feedback from a previous hearing indicated support for more commercial space, increased structured parking, urban architecture, and consideration for workforce housing and smaller unit types.

The Planning and Zoning Board meeting addressed the adoption of the agenda and the minutes from the previous regular meeting. A key agenda item involved the consideration of a request to rezone approximately 79 acres located near Green Level West Road and Pine Rail Lane. The discussion focused on the conformance of the proposal with the Cary Community Plan and the Green Level Special Planning Area, particularly regarding density, housing options (detached, semi-detached dwellings, and townhomes), and maintaining transitions, noting staff concerns about transportation network alignment. The applicant presented proposed conditions, including limiting townhome units, increasing buffers (especially near the American Tobacco Trail and adjacent residential properties), and committing to road improvements. The applicant argued the proposal balances density and open space preservation.