Cary · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cary public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Historic Landmark Designation and Property Maintenance
The town is moving forward with a local landmark designation report for the historic Ivey-Ellington House, highlighting a newly discovered 1882 plaster signature.
Downtown Multimodal Center Planning
Cary is moving forward with planning and public engagement for the new downtown multimodal transit center, slated to open by 2032 to support buses, BRT, and rail service.
HRID Advisory Board Annual Report
The board is setting its annual priorities around three core areas: housing, transportation, and social engagement. Staff will draft the full work plan for formal board approval in November.
Cary Collision PDI Service Building Expansion
The board approved a major expansion for the Cary Collision Center at 121 Team Hendrick Way, adding over 16,000 square feet and altering existing nonconformities for fencing and lighting.
Flat Iron Mixed-Use Development Agreement Amendment
The downtown Flat Iron project gets 50 more apartments while costing the town $1.5 million less, with a built-in bus shelter, wider sidewalks, and new public water and sewer lines that also serve neighboring properties.
0 Evans Road annexation
A half-acre parcel on Evans Road joins the town so the owner can build a single house on town utilities.
Future of the Former Fire Administration Building
The town's old fire administration building downtown is empty, outdated, and needs $1-1.5 million in upgrades. Council is weighing selling it (staff's recommendation) versus keeping it for community use, and wants an appraisal and municipal-use price tags before deciding.
McCrimmon Village Public Art Installation
The Public Art Advisory Board reviewed and approved a new public art sculpture by artist Matt McConnell for the McCrimmon Village development on Highway 55. This private development art integration enhances the streetscape and adds a creative element to the commercial area.
Future Development and Preservation of the Old Library Site on South Academy Street
A former council member raised concerns about potential plans to build affordable housing on the valuable old library site on South Academy Street, arguing it should be used for cultural or economic development.
Hampton Inn Public Art Integration
Parks Hospitality Group proposed installing a custom sunflower-themed art bench and bike rack at the new Hampton Inn Cary on Alston Avenue. The Public Art Advisory Board enthusiastically approved the design to enhance the hotel's guest experience and community connection.
AskCary Application Development
The town is developing AskCary to help residents easily access municipal information, transit routes, and local service data through an interactive map and chat interface.
Economic Development
Garmin is making moves to expand its local offices here in Cary. This expansion is a big deal because it's expected to bring in new jobs and give our local economy a nice little shot in the arm.
Raleigh Housing Authority Acquisition of Amberwood at Lockmere
A proposal allowing the Raleigh Housing Authority to acquire and preserve 340 units of naturally occurring affordable housing at Amberwood at Lochmere drew heavy public opposition over tax revenue losses, local control, and community impacts. The council ultimately voted 5-2 to table the resolution.
Uniquities Office and Warehouse Development
A local home-furnishings retailer is building a 13,800-square-foot office and warehouse at 2900 Gateway Centre Boulevard, moving from rented Morrisville space and hoping to grow its team. The board finalized the approval with conditions preserving mature trees and using an underground stormwater detention system.
Chatham Cary Joint Land Use Plan Amendment for Ernest Jones Road
An applicant is requesting a land use change for a 6.5-acre property to allow slightly higher housing density in connection with a planned 27-home residential development.
Alston Yards Development Agreement and Public-Private Partnership
The Town is reviewing a 46.3-acre mixed-use development agreement with Heritage Properties, involving $18.19 million in utility and general fund investments. Reimbursements for public infrastructure and fees are tied directly to new property tax revenue generated by the project over a 12-year period.
2026 Biennial Citizen Survey Results
Survey results showed high satisfaction with core town services and public safety, but highlighted ongoing resident concerns regarding traffic, growth, cost of living, and a severe lack of affordable housing choices.
2026 Work Plan Progress and Future Planning
Councilmembers workshopped Cary's 11 statements of value, suggesting swaps like 'citizen' to 'resident,' adding safety and diversity, and reframing growth language toward adaptability. These values guide daily operations and the annual budget.
AvalonBay Downtown Mixed-Use Development Plan
AvalonBay Communities is building a large mixed-use project with 281 apartments, retail space, and a parking deck in downtown Cary. The project includes pedestrian safety improvements and tree preservation.
Mall Redevelopment
Cary's oldest shopping center, South Hills Mall, is finally getting a long-awaited makeover. Developers have pitched a revitalization plan that will completely transform this outdated commercial space.
Affordable Housing and Property Tax Dedication
Multiple residents and advocates called on the council to protect affordable housing funding, urging a dedicated property tax cent and a future housing bond.
Calyx Senior Living Facility Rezoning
Calyx Senior Living is rezoning 7.4 acres at Reedy Creek Road and North Harrison Avenue for a 75-unit senior care community. The project features strict one-story height limits and on-site greenway construction.
Nancy Jones House Preservation and Grant Funding
The commission approved pursuing a state grant to fund detailed paint analysis and public exhibits for the historic Nancy Jones House. This project will help guide future restoration work and share local history with the community.
Cary Housing Explorer Tool Feedback
Staff data shows Cary growing more diverse and older, with median home prices near $615,000, tight for-sale inventory, and only 9.5% of land left to develop. These trends will drive future service and budget choices.
Chatham Estates Mobile Home Park Displacement and Relocation
Residents of the 27-acre Chatham Estates mobile home park face displacement after receiving notice to vacate within 180 days. The Town of Cary, in partnership with NeighborUp, is providing relocation assistance, housing navigation, and financial support through the Stable Homes Cary program.
Downtown mixed-use development parking reduction
A developer wants to build a three-story retail/office building downtown with 35% fewer parking spaces than the ordinance normally requires. Neighbors worry overflow parking will spill onto their properties and already-congested one-lane streets; the board found the applicant's expert data showed the site can function with 31 spaces.
Downtown Park Development
Cary completely flipped the script on its downtown by building a massive, top-tier park that everyone is talking about. It’s a huge win for local planning and proves our city knows how to do cool public spaces right.