Golf Course Noise?
Cary, NC — There has been a lot of discussion at the Council table, online and in the papers regarding the proposal for an updated Golf Course Noise ordinance. Read More…
Sign Up Now to Volunteer in Cary
Cary, NC — One of the best things about our Cary community is you. Really. I’m not blowing smoke here. Learn how you can start volunteering in Cary right now. Read More…
Our Cary Budget
It’s Budget Time
Wake County Commissioners just passed their budget, and the NC General Assembly just dropped a big budget document on all the members’ desks on Tuesday, June 16, 2015.
For a vote on Wednesday, June 17, 2015. That’s right. The very next day.
The good news is that, here in the Town of Cary, we have a participatory budget process. It allows lots of time for involvement from you, our citizens. Read More…
Cary is named after, who?
The following comments were made by my esteemed At-Large Council colleague, Ed Yerha. Ed has a phenomenal way of providing informative and entertaining bits of history – and at our last council meeting, he spoke of the man for who Cary is named – Samuel Fenton Cary. He’s provided these comments to me to share, and I thought you all might enjoy the “history lesson.” I did. (Thanks so much to Ed!)
A Brief History Lesson
This year – 2014 – marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of a man without whom Cary would not be Cary. The 200th birthday of — no, not Jack Smith – but of Samuel Fenton Cary, the man for whom our town was named.
Brick Homestead in Ohio
Sam was born on Feb 18,1814 to a pioneer family on the outskirts of Cincinnati, OH in a log cabin. (Although it seems like everyone was born in a log cabin in those days, it still makes for a good story.) We’re told shortly after his birth his father built and moved the family to the finest brick home in the county. Perhaps that’s where we get our preference for brick around here – we may have inherited it from the Carys.
Young Sam Cary
Sam grew up in Cincinnati, went to college and law school and became known for his legal and oratorical skills and was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court at the age of 26, an appointment he turned down.
He used his skills instead to work for the common man advocating strongly for the 8 hour work day and other labor laws. During the Mexican War, he was bestowed the rank of general and served in various military and quasi–military roles.
He became Chief of Staff to 3 Ohio Governors and later served in Congress as an “Independent Republican” and was the only Republican in Congress to vote against the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson, Raleigh’s native son. Sam had an independent streak.
Morrisville Parkway Update
Those of us that travel on the western side of Cary are seeing a lot of road work at intersections along Morrisville Parkway. And more are coming.
Morrisville Parkway Extension
From Town of Cary
Town of Cary staff and consultants have been working to get the planning and design in place for the completion of the final segment of Morrisville Parkway between NC55 and Green Level Church Road. The developments on both ends of that segment of road are helping to expedite the construction – and will have nearly half of the length completed by summer of 2014.
The developers along Morrisville Parkway at Fryar Gate will build another 1,000 feet of this area over the next 18 months, leaving only the connections to the existing NC 540 bridge. The last ½ mile segment at the interchange has cleared a number of major environmental hurdles before going to the Federal Highway Administration for final review and approval. Construction is targeted for mid to late 2015.
Morrisville Parkway Railroad Grade Separation Project
From Town of Morrisville
Starting in April, the Morrisville Parkway/NC Railroad Grade Separation Project near Park West is planned to begin, with a scheduled completion date for May 2017.
What’s Happening?
The grade separation project will eliminate the at-grade crossing that is currently on Morrisville Parkway, just past Crabtree Crossing Drive in the Morrisville/Cary area. This will be done by building a bridge over the Morrisville Parkway, separating the vehicular road traffic from the rail traffic, sending cars underneath the railroad tracks. The project is part of a larger project to “double track” portions of the NC Rail Road corridor between Raleigh and Charlotte.
A Police Ride-Along
Last week I got the chance to ride up front and “shot gun” in what is often referred to as a ride along with a Cary Police officer. For me, it was an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the day (or in this case, evening) of a Cary Police Officer. I came away with more than that. I left my evening with a real appreciation for the hard work of our officers, and the entire Police Department, and what they do to keep Cary one of the safest places to live.
A Tour
Photo from Town of Cary
My evening started with the GRAND tour of the Police department by Lieutenant Jerry McCormick. We started in the 9-1-1 Communications Center where, you guessed it, your 911 calls are sent. Read More…
A visit to the Hospital
Yesterday, At-Large Councilman Ed Yerha and I were treated to a unique experience — a behind-the-scenes tour of WakeMed Cary located at the corner of Tryon and Kildaire Farm Road. (Take a Virtual Tour!)
I’ve had the opportunity to visit WakeMed before, as both a patient and visitor when my kids needed to check out the Emergency Room. I’ve always been impressed with their quality of service and the care that each and every employee shows the patients and visitors. And I’ve seen the hospital grow from a relatively small facility 20 years ago to one that is now expanded out and UP, and serving so much of our Cary community. Read More…
Should I vote for the Cary Bonds?
We are all being bombarded by political ads. It’s the season for it, for sure. But there are a number of other measures on the ballot that also require our attention. One of those, is the Cary Bond referendum. (I should probably say “referendums” since there are 3 on the ballot.)
Why the bond?
My job on the Town Council is to serve you, our citizens. This is a task of which I am immensely honored and privileged. And part of that task is to ensure that you have the services you need to work, live, play, learn and grow in the community that you call home.
Stand Up, Volunteer, Play a Part
Have you ever sat there and said,
Why don’t they put a park by my house?
Wonder what they’re building over there…
I wish we would have bigger recycling bins…
I want a walkable Town…
Why don’t we have a YouTube channel?
I wish Cary would….
If so, then your town needs YOU! Read More…
Why Your Vote Matters
As an elected official, it probably makes sense that I am passionate about democracy and public service. (Otherwise, I probably wouldn’t have run for office, right?)
Perhaps my early engagement learning about our government at Girl’s State is what sparked my pubic service interest. But it’s watching the process of government and seeing how few people vote, that fuels me today. As folks that know me well can tell you, I been an “active” participant in the electoral process – reminding my family, neighbors, friends and constituents about the importance of voting.
