Academy Streetscape

The streetscape project includes a number of components:

–  “Rooms” at selected locations on Academy Street
– Modification of the intersection at Academy and Dry – widening the street into the park to provide exclusive right turn lanes onto Academy when coming from Kildaire
– New light pole options (allowing flags and other hanging ornamentation)
– Street tree lighting (up lighting and string lighting in the trees.)
– Benches, with artistic components
– Electrical infrastructure locations (big power distribution boxes (4 ft tall) and smaller pedestals (18” tall)  

Park and Street Benches

Previous to this meeting, council had already given feedback and chose a number of granite benches and the accompanying artwork with a music theme. Some of the benches are shaped like dulcimers, others like violins; I think they will be beautiful. Our goal at this point was to discuss some of the quotes that will be engraved on the benches. The idea proposed was for the quotes to make references to music, dance, singing and song, linking it to our town or state if possible (perhaps by choice of the author) and also to the location.

For example, the dulcimer benches would incorporate quotes from North Carolina poets such as Dr. Maya Angelou and R.R. Richardson.

Overall, I like the concept and idea, and many of the quotes chosen. I had a concern with one of the quotes, however. This one:

“‘Tis God gives skill,
But not without men’s hands: He could not make
Antonio Stradivarious’s violins
Without Antonio.”

My concern with this quote was its mention of God. I am leery of using Public funds to put a quote that mentions God on a public bench. Don’t get me wrong, I like the quote, and I understand that it was hanging in the nearby Violin shop when the artist was scoping locations. But I do believe in the separation of Church and State, and am sensitive to the fact that not all of our citizens would appreciate the expenditure of our taxes on a quote that mentions a God. I suggested another quote – a famous one from William Shakespeare,

“If music be the food of love, play on”

But I was outvoted. Moving on.

Our Park Fountain

The next section covered the fountain – the iconic entry to our Downtown Park.  Presented with sketches and options associated with the fountain, Council was unanimous in our praise of the design – simple, yet elegant. We decided on adding an additional water pump, to provide options for water usage, asked staff for additional costs for lighting, and turned down additions of adding bronze to the bowl and bronze columns. I cannot wait for this fountain to be constructed, and for the first wedding pictures to be taken in front of it. It will be stunning!

Next steps

After staff completes right of way acquisition for the streetscape, we will soon see things happening downtown.  Please be patient as construction begins, and detours are added to allow for the work to move forward.  Here is the timeline:

November 2014 – Design complete

Spring 2015 – Begin construction

Summer 2016 – End construction

As always, thanks for listening and please feel free to contact me with any questions, comments or concerns.

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Pictures from our Town of Cary materials presented at the work session.

We have the installation of the two roundabouts, the restoration of “The Cary” Theatre, the restoration of the Jones-Foy House, and work going on to install a waterline. 

Town of Cary Map (annotated)

But it’s time for you to weigh in, as well.

Downtown in Progress

Across from the Cary Arts center is what Town Council and Staff commonly refer to as the “Opportunity Site.” Last year the town held a charrette to brainstorm and create a framework regarding the area – to guide how that piece of property will develop.

There have been some great articles written about this effort – some of my favorite are by the Cary Citizen:

– Downtown Park Plans Move Forward (link)
– Ben Shivar: Past, Present, Future in Cary (link)

Now it’s your turn

Citizens are invited to come to a public meeting that will be held next week at Town Hall – where Town Staff will present an update on the park and facilities that are currently on the plan. But most importantly, we want your feedback as we dive deep into creating a truly unique, remarkable and extraordinary destination.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

6 p.m. on March 12th
Cary Town Council Chambers
316 N. Academy Street

You can read more about Cary Downtown at:

– Downtown Development at the Town of Cary 

– Cary Downtown (Town of Cary)

– Heart of Cary Association

Hope to see you there!