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Budget Public Input Fiscal Year 2017
Town of Cary
North Carolina
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Table of Contents
FY17 Budget: Public Input Requests October 2015
Transportation and Facilities ... 5
Streets Conditions ... 5
Traffic Lights ... 5
Sidewalks ... 6
Kettlebridge and Glenbuckley Intersection ... 8
Greenways ... 9
Mills Park Community Center ... 11
Misting Garden at Kids Together Playground ... 12
Tennis Courts ... 14
Parks and Recreation Public Input ... 15
Public Art ... 15
Athletics ... 17
Recreation Centers... 17
Development... 17
Public Works and Utilities ... 19
Water Resources ... 19
Trash/Recycling Collection ... 19
Transit Public Input ... 21
C-Tran ... 21
Public Safety Input ... 22
Police ... 22
Miscellaneous Public Input ... 23
Property Tax ... 23
Bonds ... 24
Impact Fees ... 24
Downtown Development Public Input ... 25
Downtown ... 25
Public Information ... 26
3 Traffic Safety ... 26 Planning ... 28 Affordable Housing ... 28
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0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Transportation and Facilities Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Public Works and Utilities
Transit Public Safety Miscellaneous Downtown Development
Public Information Planning
Public Comments By Topic Area
Public Input on FY 15 Budget – Data Overview
Total Budget Public Input
FY 17 91
FY 16 52
FY 15 87
FY 14 116
FY 13 59
FY 12 34
FY 11 12
FY 10 46
FY 09 16
FY 08 23
FY 07 96
FY 06 35
Average FY 06 - FY 16 52
Methods of Feedback
Email 88 Comments
Voicemail 3 Comments
5
Transportation and Facilities
Streets Conditions
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Citizen’s Name: Paul Barlow Method of Contact: Email
Input: “I would like to see the town spend more on road maintenance. I think the quality of the surface of our roads has deteriorated over the time we have lived in Cary (over fifteen years).”
Staff Response: Thank you for your observation. It is important to note that many of the major roads in Cary are maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation and not the Town of Cary. Here’s a link to a map showing street maintenance responsibilities.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/publicworks/Street_Maintenance.htm
Every year, the Town rates the streets it is responsible for maintaining on a scale of 0 to 100, where 0 is the worst condition. Once this report is completed, a listing of streets is generated to resurface roads based on the amount of funding available. Over the past several years, the annual funding has increased to meet increasing needs. We continue to evaluate the needs and utilize this information to prepare our street resurfacing budget request.
Citizen’s Name: George Amato Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Chapel Hill Road needs to be at least three lanes, but preferably four lanes, from Maynard to Cary Parkway.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. The Town’s current
Comprehensive Transportation Plan identifies the section of Chapel Hill Road (NC 54) from NW Maynard to Cary Parkway as a 6 lane median divided facility. As development occurs along the corridor, private development will be accomplishing the widening. In addition, the North
Carolina Department of Transportation is preparing a feasibility study of that corridor to estimate costs and potential impacts of improvements from NC540 in Morrisville to NW Maynard Road.
For more information on this study, please review the following web page.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/streetsandsidewalks/streetprojects/NC54Mo reFeasibilityStudy.htm
Traffic Lights
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Citizen’s Name: Paul Barlow Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Smarter traffic lights and traffic systems make good sense because they reduce gas usage (save money) and reduce emissions (good for air quality and therefore good for the environment and our health).”
Staff Response: Smarter traffic lights and traffic systems do make sense. We currently have an advanced traffic management system (ATMS) in Cary. You can learn more about it at this web page.
6 http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/trafficandtransportation/traffic/Advanced_Tr affic_Management_System.htm
This past spring, the Town of Cary began upgrading its 10-year old ATMS with the upgrade of its traffic signal system software. In the project’s first phase, staff tested the traffic signals and closed circuit television cameras along NC 55 to determine if the new ATMS software and hardware met all requirements and specifications before moving into the full-scale deployment. The new traffic software, video system and Ethernet IP communication system software/hardware will enhance Town staff’s abilities to monitor traffic, adjust traffic signal operations and share live video.
The total cost of the project is approximately $2.9 million, which includes design and system integration. Funding for this project was approved by Cary voters as part of the 2012 Community Investment Bonds Referendum.
Sidewalks
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Citizen’s Name: Amy Whitfield Method of Contact: Email
Input: “I would like a sidewalk that goes all the way from the corner of Old Apex Rd and High House Rd to downtown Cary (I believe currently the sidewalk ends before the train tracks crossing Old Apex Road). This would make downtown more accessible to people/ families who want to walk to downtown Cary from the area neighborhoods (Edgehill Farms, Dutchess Village, Waterford apartments, etc).”
Staff Response: We recognize that it is important to provide pedestrian connections in the areas that you mentioned as well as other areas in Cary. In November 2012, Cary residents voted to approve the purchase of Community Investment Bonds for Transportation. The bonds were supported by 70% of voters and included $750,000 for sidewalk construction. One of those bonds supported sidewalks in on Old Apex Road - sidewalk from Murphy Drive to W Chatham Street roundabout; includes partial road widening and pedestrian crossing at CSX Railroad which accomplishes the connection that you mentioned. It is currently in the design stage.
For other sidewalk requests, the town has a procedure that enables citizens to fill out a request form for us to investigate the sidewalk need and evaluate it for funding. You can find more about this program at the following web page.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/streetsandsidewalks/sidewalkprojects.htm
Citizen’s Name: Sherri Harmon Method of Contact: Email
Input: “We live in Buckhurst and like to walk downtown (from Queen Elizabeth to town).
Although the walk is much improved, the sidewalks are still inadequate (narrow, close to Harrison) and not very attractive. On Maynard, the sidewalk from West Cary Middle School to the Black Creek Greenway parking lot is narrow, partially obscured with pine straw and dirt, and very close to Maynard. It doesn’t feel very safe for us – we walk single file there as the traffic is whizzing right by us. And likewise for the school kids that use this route.”
7 Staff Response: Thank you for your observations. Staff has been made aware of this concern regarding the maintenance of the existing sidewalk along Maynard and has coordinated with our Public Works Department to address the issue.
Citizen’s Name: George Amato Method of Contact: Email
Input: “One of the sidewalks along Walnut St, from Kildaire Farm Rd to Cary HS, should be widened to accommodate the significant use it gets by kids bicycling to school, runners &
walkers. Note: it would not be good to put in bike lanes due to the significant traffic and limited space.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your interest in the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian network, particularly along Walnut Street. As a nationally recognized bicycle and walk-friendly
community, the Town takes the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities very seriously. The Town continues to plan for and require the construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway facilities with all new development or redevelopment in Cary. The Town also takes a “complete streets” approach to transportation planning, ensuring the accommodation of all modes in all street design and construction projects. The Town approved FY2012 bond funds to provide
$1.78 million dollars for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition to Town funds, the Town actively pursues state/federal and grant funds to facilitate the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway projects throughout Cary. More
information on the Town’s current and planned bicycle and greenway system can be found online at www.townofcary.org or on the Town’s Bike & Hike map, available on-line and at community centers, Town Hall and bike shops in Cary.
With regard to widening the current facility along Walnut Street, this could be considered during our annual review of sidewalk needs. Typically, our sidewalk program focuses on missing connections. For more information, please see the following web page.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/streetsandsidewalks/sidewalkprojects.htm
Citizen’s Name: Carey Forman Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Along the same lines, expanding Holly Springs road, with bike lanes and sidewalks, would be wonderful. I want to be able to bike to the new park on Penny road without dying!
(Even better would be to build a greenway along the creek that runs north/south on the east side of Lochmere, from the Winston Ridge retention pond, south through Swift Creek Bluffs Nature Preserve, and down to the new park on Penny.)”
Staff Response: Thank you for your interest in the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian network.
Holly Springs Road actually is owned by the state and maintained by the North Carolina
Department of Transportation. While Holly Springs Road is not currently budgeted by the Town to be widened in your area, when it is, bicycle accommodations should be considered.
Greenway connections will be considered through the annual budget process.
8 Citizen’s Name: Marla Dorrel
Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Continue to fund the addition of sidewalks throughout Cary, especially in older
neighborhoods. I live on Queensferry Road, a busy connector through MacGregor Downs. The town has now completed the addition of sidewalks, end-to-end, along Queensferry, and it has changed our neighborhood, much for the better. Sidewalks provide more than safety, they build a sense of community. Please continue to fund this project, focusing on older neighborhoods that were developed without sidewalks of any kind. “
Staff Response: Thank you for your interest in the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian network and we are happy that you are enjoying the new pedestrian accommodations in your neighborhood.
As a nationally recognized bicycle and walk-friendly community, the Town takes the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities very seriously. The Town continues to plan for and require the construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway facilities with all new development or
redevelopment in Cary and currently have over 70 miles of greenways. The Town also takes a
“complete streets” approach to transportation planning, ensuring the accommodation of all modes in all street design and construction projects. The Town approved FY2012 bond funds to provide $1.78 million dollars for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition to Town funds, the Town actively pursues state/federal and grant funds to facilitate the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway projects throughout Cary.
More information on the Town’s current and planned bicycle and greenway system can be found online at www.townofcary.org or on the Town’s Bike & Hike map, available on-line and at community centers, Town Hall and bike shops in Cary.
Citizen’s Name: Marc and Susan Brandeis Method of Contact: Email
Input: “And then, the future step, of course, should be dedicated bike lanes on all major Town streets, and these should be accomplished by subtracting from the amount of street width given to cars, rather than by further widening of streets and cutting of trees.”
Staff Response: Thank you for the additional input regarding bike lane widths. Depending on the situation, our on-street bike facilities are either wide outside lanes for a total of 14 feet compared to 12 feet without bike accommodations or marked bike lanes that are typically 4 feet wide.
Kettlebridge and Glenbuckley Intersection
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Citizen’s Name: Scottie Dietz, Lindsay Verburgt, Loy Britto, Lindsey Grinnell, Cindy Wiseman, Sheri Sampson, Corinne Battle, Melanie Beckman, John Douglas, Ellen Williams, Larry
Pegram, Matt West, Robert Bartilucci, Erica Bartilucci, Paul Williams, Bob Dietz, Marguerite Murray, Marty Warner, Terry Beresid, Steve Beresid, Nancy Wiersma, Rebecca West, Jeff Scofield, Laura Smith, Alison McDonald, Sharon Johnson, Tim Scheuler, Laura Smith, Lori Scheuler, Laura J. Smith
Method of Contact: Email, Voicemail
Input: “The intersection of Kettlebridge Drive and Glenbuckley Road pose a risk to pedestrian safety. Please allocate the appropriate funds for installation of a three-way stop at this location.”
9 Staff Response: The Town received a number of comments seeking the installation of a three way stop. Concern was expressed about traffic speed and pedestrian safety at the Kettlebridge Drive and Glenbuckley Road intersection. Additionally, there were two commenters in
opposition of a stop sign being installed. The following response addresses the situation.
Thank you for your input. Typically, issues such as signing are not items that are addressed during the budget process. When we have become aware of a problem, we will evaluate the issue to and develop a resolution. Town staff has been working with several members of the Picardy Point HOA over the last several months. We have reviewed any crash history
information provided by the HOA as well as all crash data we have found using the DMV crash database. Additionally, we have visited the site on multiple occasions to review geometric and signing considerations and observe peak and non-peak traffic.
As a result of our engineering analysis, at this time, we do not recommend providing a multiway stop sign on Kettlebridge Dr at Glenbuckley. The vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic volumes along both Glenbuckley Rd and Kettlebridge Dr do not meet the thresholds as described in US DOT's Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. It is important to note that stop signs are typically not an effective way to control speeding and experience shows that drivers tend to speed up after a stop sign if they don’t believe that the stop sign is needed.
Other methods are available to address the concerns with pedestrian safety. We understand that this is a current school bus stop location. You could approach Wake County public schools to request a change to the bus stop location using the link below.
http://www.wcpss.net/Page/43
In working with your neighborhood representatives, we recently installed a crosswalk and stop bar on Glenbuckley Rd and will provide an intersection warning sign on westbound Kettlebridge Dr near its intersection with Dalrymple Ln. By drawing attention to the intersection, it may help with any turning concerns for traffic heading onto Glenbuckley Rd.
Another option is to pursue the Town’s traffic calming program. You can find more information at the following link and contact Julie Green at (919)462-3945.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/trafficandtransportation/traffic/TrafficCalmin g.htm
Greenways
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Citizen’s Name: Troy Dempsey Method of Contact: Email
Input: “I’d like to suggest funding/construction for the Walnut Creek greenway and the park directly east of the Triangle Aquatic Center, which are both in the Master Plan.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your input. Our 2012 Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Resources Master Plan is a long term, visionary plan and identifies the facilities that we think will be needed in the future. At this point in time, the park on the plan shown near Triangle Aquatics is not in our 10 year capital budget plan.
10 Citizen’s Name: Margaret Yonuschot
Method of Contact: Email
Input: “We would like funds to expand Cary's Greenway System to be included and designated in the next budget. In particular, we would like Cary to complete the trail and Greenway network that has been planned for some time now that is supposed to circle The Park at West Lake community in very southern Cary and connect this and the neighboring communities to the Kraft YMCA and the adjacent Middle Creek Park where the new Wake library extension is planned and approved.”
Staff Response: Thanks for your interest in the greenway system. We have over 70 miles of greenways within the Town are continue to look for opportunities to expand the system. The greenway connection between your neighborhood and the schools and proposed library could be beneficial and is part of our overall greenway plan.
Citizen’s Name: Linda Sweeney Method of Contact: Email
Input: “We propose that for Twin Lakes Park, you split the greenway from the park project and commit to at least part of the greenway in the next fiscal year if possible. There is already a service road wide enough for trucks on the other side of the lake. There is already access on one end from Lake Grove and it would be relatively easy to provide access at the other end.
These areas are unpaved and muddy, so they are not suitable for casual walking. This area is adjacent to other greenways in Cary and Morrisville.
Staff Response: Thank you for your interests in the greenway system and appreciate you sharing your priority for the greenway versus the park. That information will be considered as we move forward in our planning. We also will need to evaluate whether future work for the park would have an impact on any greenway work that may be done separately in advance of the park construction.
Citizen’s Name: Carey Forman Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Work on connecting greenways! I love our greenways, but I’d love them even more if they provided more connections between neighborhoods. I hate that I can’t easily bike to the next neighborhood without going on a busy road, when a short 0.25 mile greenway (along one of the town’s many “future” greenways) could grant me easy access to other paths without resorting to either off-roading or dodging speeding cars.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your interest in the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian network. As a nationally recognized bicycle and walk-friendly community, the Town takes the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities very seriously. The Town continues to plan for and require the construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway facilities with all new development or
redevelopment in Cary and currently have over 70 miles of greenways. The Town also takes a
“complete streets” approach to transportation planning, ensuring the accommodation of all modes in all street design and construction projects. The Town approved FY2012 bond funds to provide $1.78 million dollars for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition to Town funds, the Town actively pursues state/federal and grant funds to facilitate the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway projects throughout Cary.
More information on the Town’s current and planned bicycle and greenway system can be found online at www.townofcary.org or on the Town’s Bike & Hike map, available on-line and
11 at community centers, Town Hall and bike shops in Cary. Please let us know if there is a
specific connection that you are interested in.
Citizen’s Name: Marc and Susan Brandeis Method of Contact: Email
Input: “the greenway system and (to the maximum extent possible) connect the greenways to one another. Cary is a bike-hostile and pedestrian-hostile town, and little road signs, or painted symbols on the pavement of 45-m.p.h. arterial roads, reminding drivers not to kill non-drivers, do not make Cary substantially more hospitable to non-drivers. (At the root of the problem is also the fact that suburban development is, by definition, centrifugal, i.e., sprawling. Development centered on transit and walkability produces Oakwood or Georgetown or Beacon Hill or Greenwich Village. Development based on driving and parking produces Crossroads and Harrison Avenue and Davis Drive.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your interest in the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian network. As a nationally recognized bicycle and walk-friendly community, the Town takes the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities very seriously. The Town continues to plan for and require the construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway facilities with all new development or
redevelopment in Cary and currently have over 70 miles of greenways. The Town also takes a
“complete streets” approach to transportation planning, ensuring the accommodation of all modes in all street design and construction projects. The Town approved FY2012 bond funds to provide $1.78 million dollars for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition to Town funds, the Town actively pursues state/federal and grant funds to facilitate the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway projects throughout Cary.
More information on the Town’s current and planned bicycle and greenway system can be found online at www.townofcary.org or on the Town’s Bike & Hike map, available on-line and at community centers, Town Hall and bike shops in Cary.
Mills Park Community Center
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Citizen’s Name: Melissa Schwarting, Jessica Oehlrich, Susan Kroll, Erin Mora, Jeanne
Stockman, Christina Del Gaizo, Laurie Demille, Kathryn Lewellen, Dan Evarrs, Ben Allen, Vijay Javvadi, Alan Atwood
Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Please consider funding to create the planned Mills Park Community Center. The area of North West Cary has grown exponentially and for the population we have (and are continuing to see flood into the area) we are underserved from a community services perspective.”
Staff Response: Some commenters expressed interest in other amenities in West Cary. The following response addresses those interests.
Thank you for your input. The Town completed the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Master Plan in 2012 which established the long range vision for these facilities. A community center in the Mills Park area was identified as part of this plan. The Town Council discussed the concept of a community center in this are at its October 20, 2015 work session on Town
priorities. As a part of the current FY2017 budget process, we are evaluating all the Town’s capital needs and will make recommendations to the Council about how available funding resources should be allocated to projects.
12 In terms of other facilities in West Cary, the town is currently working on several projects at Mills Park and other areas nearby. Some examples include the conversion of playing fields to sports turn at Thomas Brooks and Mills Park, construction of Carpenter Park, expansion of the Cary Tennis Park, Mills Park Phase 2 and the connecting Panther Creek Greenway. We recently completed the New Hope Church Road Trailhead at the ATT. For more information on each of these projects, please see the link below.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/facilities/Current_Projects.htm
Misting Garden at Kids Together Playground
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Citizen’s Name: Terry Holthaus, Rebecca Jackson Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Please include the Misting Garden at Kids Together Playground (estimated project cost
$106K) in the 2016-17 budget plan. Please help the KT board bring this much-needed water feature to Kids Together Playground by summer 2017.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your suggestion. As you know, this component of the park is included as part of the master plan for the park. While we could not initially provide funding for this component, we are seeking ways to provide funding for it in the future. We are evaluating all needs associated with parks during the budget process and will have to make decisions based on available funding resources. It certainly helps to have funding partnerships in place and we appreciate the effort that has been made to date to raise money for the misting garden.
Citizen’s Name: Ben Allen Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Indoor pool - capable of supporting a variety of aquatics needs including HS swim meets, USA swim teams, learn to swim, water aerobics, etc.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your input. Over the years, there has been discussions regarding an indoor pool in Cary. Currently, the town’s master plans do not include a Town owned pool.
Citizen’s Name: Ben Allen Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Please consider funding for more connections to existing greenways that would allow travel from NW Cary (Amberley) all the way to Bond Park without having to travel on the road.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your interest in the Town’s bicycle and pedestrian network and your desire to get from NW Cary to Bond Park without traveling by car. As a nationally
recognized bicycle and walk-friendly community, the Town takes the provision of bicycle and pedestrian facilities very seriously. The Town continues to plan for and require the construction of bicycle, pedestrian and greenway facilities with all new development or redevelopment in Cary. The Town also takes a “complete streets” approach to transportation planning, ensuring the accommodation of all modes in all street design and construction projects. The Town approved FY2012 bond funds to provide $1.78 million dollars for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. In addition to Town funds, the Town actively pursues state/federal and grant funds to facilitate the design, right-of-way acquisition and construction of bicycle, pedestrian and
13 greenway projects throughout Cary. More information on the Town’s current and planned
bicycle and greenway system can be found online at www.townofcary.org or on the Town’s Bike & Hike map, available on-line and at community centers, Town Hall and bike shops in Cary.
Citizen’s Name: Sue Chaploney Method of Contact: Email Time of Contact: 10-31-15
Input: “I am writing to ask that you include the Misting Garden at Kids Together Playground in the budget for 2016-17. Marla Dorrel has already detailed the project with the estimated cost being $106,000. The amount already raised is $31,000 and the Board is continuing to raise funds to support it.
Staff Response: Thank you for your suggestion. As you know, this component of the park is included as part of the master plan for the park but was not able to be funded initially. As a part of the FY2017 budget process, we are evaluating all needs associated with parks during the budget process and will have to make decisions based on available funding resources. It certainly helps to have funding partnerships in place and we appreciate the effort that has been made to date to raise money for the misting garden.
Citizen’s Name: Marla Dorrel Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Include the Misting Garden at Kids Together Playground in the capital budget for 2016-17.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your suggestion and for all the work that you have done to date to raise funds for this addition to the park. As you know, this component of the park is included as part of the master plan for the park but was not able to be funded initially. As a part of the FY2017 budget process, we are evaluating all needs associated with parks during the budget process and will have to make decisions based on available funding resources. It certainly helps to have funding partnerships in place and we sincerely appreciate the effort that has been made to date to raise money for the misting garden.
Citizen’s Name: Ankur-Chaula Shah Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Carpenter Fire Station (CFS) road in northwest Cary is an important east-west road servicing growing community. Please allocate money to advance the CFS expansion and the railroad bridge work. The road condition for existing portion east of the route 55 is deteriorating and needs to be repaved until the CFS alignment with Morrisville Carpenter road is complete.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your input and thoughts on the condition of the existing roadway. Carpenter Fire Station Road is owned by the state and maintained by the North Carolina Department of Transportation. We routinely share concerns/complaints with them about the condition of the existing roadway. The Town is currently in the design process for a new roadway and a tunnel under the existing CSX railroad tracks. Construction is anticipated in 2018. You can find out additional details about this project at the following webpage.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/streetsandsidewalks/streetprojects/cfsrbrid geintersectionimprovements.htm?
14 Citizen’s Name: Ankur-Chaula Shah
Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Please prioritize connecting Morrisville parkway from Route 55 to Green Level Church (GLC) road first even if 540 entry-exits come later.”
Staff Response: The Town of Cary is working with local developers and the NC Turnpike Authority to complete the last 2-mile segment of the Morrisville Parkway corridor from NC 55 to Green Level Church Road including an interchange at NC 540 (Western Wake Expressway). The roadway will be constructed initially as a two-lane road, and later widened to four lanes when traffic demands necessitate the widening, pending permitting and funding. The Town is currently finalizing design plans and will be starting the right of way acquisition process soon. You can find out additional details about this project at the following webpage.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/fdts/streetsandsidewalks/streetprojects/morrisvi llepkwy.htm?
Tennis Courts
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Citizen’s Name: George Amato Method of Contact: Email
Input: “The tennis center is scheduling matches on local courts, such as Dunham and Godbold, at prime evening hours. This makes it hard for the casual players to get a court. It appears that there just isn't enough courts.”
Staff Response: Thank you for taking the time to share your interest in the tennis courts. The Dunham Park Tennis Courts are currently part of the Capital Improvement Plan. After funding is received, the design and construction process would most likely take several years to complete.
Citizen’s Name: George Amato Method of Contact: Email Time of Contact: 10-20-15
Input: “Cary HS uses Dunham Park for its tennis programs, but there are only 5 courts at Dunham. There appears to be room to add another court, which would help out Cary HS and the local community.”
Staff Response: As mentioned above, with regard to the Dunham Park Tennis Courts, we have currently identified this part as part of the current Capital Improvement Plan. Depending on the year funding is received, we would start the design process. The design process will enable us to determine if an additional court could fit on the site of if additional property is needed.
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Parks and Recreation Public Input
Public Art
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Citizen’s Name: Thomas Gruber Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Please consider funding the public art already approved for Jack Smith Park and Carpenter Park.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your input into our FY17 budget. Public art for the Jack Smith Park is currently included in the park construction that is now underway. Other Public art projects (including Carpenter Park) are under consideration for the FY17 Capital Budget.
Citizen’s Name: Marilyn Wolf Method of Contact: Email
Input: “I hope you will consider increasing the budget and staff for Cultural Affairs so that we Cary residents can continue to enjoy the programs in the future.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your input into the FY17 budget. Cultural arts programs continue to be an area of emphasis in the Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources budget. It is understood that staffing is an important resource to provide quality programs and staff requests will be under consideration. It is good to know that you have found these programs to be beneficial.
Citizen’s Name: George Amato Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Continue to promote art work at both indoor and outdoor locations.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your input into our FY17 budget. The indoor exhibition program and the outdoor sculpture program will continue to be integral parts of the Cultural Arts
operating budget. Public art for capital projects are under consideration for the FY17 Capital Budget. Citizen input is an important component of the Town’s budget process and we thank you for your time and effort.
Citizen’s Name: Carey Forman Method of Contact: Email
Input: “More spending on the arts. While the sculptures around downtown are nice, providing more live concerts, plays, and other performing arts events for the public seems like a great way to increase the quality of life in Cary. My family loves the free concerts at Sertoma amphitheater in Bond Park, the free town-sponsored events at Koka Booth Amphitheater, various CAC performances, and we’re eager to see similar events at the new downtown park. It would be wonderful if we could build and promote our arts destinations in the same way that some of our sports facilities seem to be supported. (I love that my cousin who lives in Wilmington comes to Cary several times a year for tennis and soccer matches, and I’d love it even more if they came for arts events as well.)”
16 Staff Response: Thank you for your input into our FY17 budget. Cultural arts programs at Cary’s arts facilities will continue to be priorities as the Town’s operating budget is developed.
Construction downtown has limited some of the previous concerts and programs, though new arts events, such as Live at Lunch, have been developed to fill some of that void. Once the construction both of the streetscape and the downtown park are complete staff will be working to continue building on the success of previous programs. In order to expand programs, it is understood that staffing is an important resource and staff requests will be considered as the budget process continues. Similarly, the Town is investing additional human resources this year to expand the ability to market all programs. It is encouraging to know that citizens find value in these programs and your input is important as we move through the budget process.
Citizen’s Name: Marla Dorrel Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Provide funding for Public Art to be included in select capital projects. Public art, whether integrated in project design or placed later, makes Cary distinctive, gives us a sense of place and draws residents and visitors, alike, to our town. Nevertheless, I understand that no public art projects were included in the current year’s budget. (Frankly, I am embarrassed that I did not speak out on this earlier.) The Town Council has expressed its preference for integrated art; this is a cost-effective way to achieve impressive results (as evidenced by the stained glass window installation at Fire Station #8). For art to be integrated, it must be accounted for in the budget for select capital projects and an artist or artists must be included in the design team. As the capital budget for 2016-17 is reviewed, please identify projects that can most readily lend themselves to the inclusion of public art and assure that funding to support it is included. A rule of thumb that is used in many places (and by ordinance in some) is 1% of the project budget.
Staff Response:
Thank you for your input into our FY17 budget. While there may be no new projects outlined in the FY16 Capital Budget that does not mean that public art projects are not underway. Current projects include installation of works at Jack Smith Park, continued design for public art in the Downtown Park, as well as the installation earlier in the fiscal year of “The Visitors” at the American Tobacco Trailhead at New Hope Chapel Road. Your observations regarding
integrated art are included in the Public Art Master Plan and will be taken into account as part of our planning process. Public art has been prioritized for inclusion in several upcoming projects and while final decisions are still to be determined, projects will be brought forward for full consideration. Citizen input is an important component of the budget process and your thoughtful input is appreciated.
Citizen’s Name: Thomas Gruber Method of Contact: Voicemail
Input: “More funding for public art, perhaps a 2% construction project set aside. Funding is needed for art in Jack Smith Park and Carpenter Park, which are under construction. Other possible locations for art are community centers, fire stations, the downtown park, the library parking deck, new bridges, and greenways.
Staff Response: Thank you for your input. Public art is a cultural resource and a source of community pride in Cary. The Town has a Public Art Master Plan that was adopted by the Town Council in January 2013. We evaluate each of our projects on an individual basis for inclusion of public art. The downtown park which you mentioned does include provisions for integrated public art. We look forward to the completion of that project so you can enjoy the art
17 components as well as the overall park. You can find out more about public art in Cary on the following webpage.
http://www.townofcary.org/Departments/Parks__Recreation___Cultural_Resources/Arts_
and_Culture/Public_Art.htm
Athletics
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Citizen’s Name: Kim McKnight Method of Contact: Email
Input: “I would like to see a three-on-three basketball tournament set up in the streets of Cary.
There will not be any age limitations in this event. In the past, my family and I participated in an event called the Gus Macker located in Michigan. I would be willing to assist the Town of Cary in any way possible. “
Staff Response: Thank you for your input into our FY17 budget. In in the past, there has been a competitive basketball “Hot Hoops” event on the streets of Cary but was discontinued due to lack of participation. While the Town is interested in bringing unique events into Downtown Cary. There is an issue with our ability to staff any additional events.
Recreation Centers
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Citizen’s Name: Paul Barlow Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Why not build a recreation center for teenagers. It should offer indoor sports and recreation actives (table tennis, foosball tables, etc.).”
Staff Response: Thank you for your input into our FY17 budget. In our design of future
community centers, your request will certainly be considered. The current design of many public community centers throughout the country often include many different elements and some do include teen centers as well as other indoor recreation activities. We appreciate your input and will consider your suggestion for any future community center that we construct.
Development
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Citizen’s Name: Richard Wilson, Richard Carroll, Marina Crosby Method of Contact: Email
Input: We request that you please consider reserving funds for open space preservation in the Town of Cary Budget for 2 lots: 21 Kilmayne Dr. (PIN 0763-15-54-6694) and 212 SE Maynard Rd. (PIN 0763-15-54-8682). Both lots show the same owner on the Wakegov.com website. We are aware of the Town of Cary Open Space plan and we would like to see this program continue and expand. In that spirit we want to bring this area of roughly 4 acres to your attention with the intention of reserving a budget line item for it. The money could be used to create a
conservation easement on it, or to purchase it, or buy the development rights and fund any necessary compensatory tax relief depending on the approach taken. This effort will create a
18 buffer between the neighborhood, the water tower and the commercial zone beyond it. It will give sanctuary to the copious fauna and flora already living in it and create the opportunity for more wild species to find sanctuary.
Staff Response: As you are aware, the property in question is located next to the Kilmayne water tank project, but the Town has acquired all of the land needed for this project, so the land would need to be acquired for another public purpose, such as open space preservation. The Town does not create budget line items for the purchase of specific properties, except as part of a construction project. The Town has previously budgeted funding specifically for open space acquisition, but additional funding has not been appropriated since 2015. If additional funding were provided for open space acquisition, individual properties would be evaluated for
acquisition based on the value of the property as natural resource and the threat of its loss to development.
19
Public Works and Utilities
Water Resources
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Citizen’s Name: John Donnelly Method of Contact: Email
Input: “I observe almost every morning at Apx 6 AM, a TOC Utility white pickup truck, driving through my neighborhood. I know he's inspecting for water use and minor infractions etc. If the inspections were to be decreased by 3 days, this would SAVE the Taxpayers on Fuel, wear on the truck, and Air Conservationthe neighborhood is Harmony Subd. The main road to enter is 6880 Turner Creek Rd. I live on Affinity Lane. “
Staff Response: The Town of Cary field staff collect daily water samples throughout our community to ensure we provide our customers with potable water that meets or surpasses all federal and state regulatory standards. To maximize the efficiency of our field staff in providing our customers with a high level of service, we use those same technicians to support the Town’s watering ordinances and inform our customers about irrigation leaks and rain sensor issues during the irrigation season, mid-April through the end of October.
Having said that, we have two inspectors that are split up by two different zones, divided by Kildaire Farm Road. It should be rare that they are in the same neighborhood, in the same week, much less, the same street. At times however, if they are witnessing multiple runoff or irrigation violations in an area, it may keep them there for a longer time.
Trash/Recycling Collection
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Citizen’s Name: John Donnelly Method of Contact: Email
Input: “A small Fee could be created at the Convenience Center for persons who have Large Heavy garbage/ recycle to drop off. Also contractors dropping off trees, leaves, bushes etc, could be charged a small Fee. Bill would go to the Photo Drivers License shown to attendant.”
Staff Response: Our $16 per month solid waste fee covers the operations and disposal for Town residents at the Convenient Center. We do charge a fee for the disposal of white goods and appliances. Contractors are not allowed to dump materials at the center, therefore no fee needs to be assessed. The site/facility is just not large enough, or set up adequately to allow contractors to use it.
Citizen’s Name: Marc and Susan Brandeis Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Landscaping in median strips should be a priority. This means trees, not dinky shrubs, i.e., something to give some visual “fill” to wide streets and (if we must have so many lanes of traffic) to at least make them look like landscaped boulevards rather than asphalt wounds baking in the sun. Cary Parkway is a good example of desirable appearance, for such a road.”
20 Staff Response: Thank you for your comment and questions regarding median plantings. In response to a growing citizen interest in median plantings and beautification projects, staff worked closely with Town Council to develop a standard policy for the prioritization and planting procedures of medians. Beginning in FY 2015, Council agreed to appropriate $150,000 per year for four years to plant trees and large shrubs in medians on 17 roadways in Cary. A key
component of this was to ensure that plantings were not only attractive and added to the overall look of Cary streets, but also to ensure what was planted met safety standards given traffic volume on these streets. Based on NCDOT safety standard, the size of shrubs or trees planted in medians will range in size from 4-30 feet at maturity, depending upon the width of the median and the speed limits for the roadway.
21
Transit Public Input
C-Tran
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Citizen’s Name: Marc and Susan Brandeis Method of Contact: Email
Time of Contact: 10-29-15
Input: “Expansion of C–Tran in terms of both geographical coverage and hours of operation, including daily direct service to RDU. (Triangle Transit, or Go Triangle, or whatever its name, has limited hours of operation to the airport, and inconvenient routing and long travel times.)”
Staff Response: We appreciate you taking the time to provide us input on our transit system and the transit program within the region. Yes, Town transit staff has been in dozens of meetings with transit professionals throughout our County over the past year and a half
regarding future transit plans. We encourage you to visit www.waketransit.com to learn more about the recently developed recommended 10-year Wake Transit Plan. This plan incorporates all future bus, commuter rail, and bus rapid transit services planned to be implemented
contingent upon the results of the half-cent sales tax referendum anticipated to be on the November 2016 ballot. Some improvements in the plan for Cary include:
o Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) between downtown Raleigh and Cary (with 15 minute frequency)
o Commuter rail between Garner and Durham with one stop in Cary (27 miles) – dependent on Durham County’s ability to fund their portion of this service
o New routes connecting Cary with Morrisville and peak service only to Apex as well as increased frequency of C-Tran routes to 30 minutes all day on Routes 3, 4, 5, and 6.
Sunday service will be added
Service span will increase from 16 to 20 hours a day, 7 days a week o New direct route between Depot and Crossroads
o Extension of Route 5 (Kildaire Farm Rd) to Ten Ten Road and/or Regency Park
o Realignment of Route 3 to serve Weston Parkway with service to Park West Village
o Capital infrastructure to include: BRT stations, some dedicated BRT lanes, multimodal transfer center in downtown Cary vicinity, passenger shelters, park and ride lot(s), technology, planning, buses, and transfer hubs.
As part of this plan, GoTriangle will be planning on more frequent service to RDU from their RTP Transfer Center.
If you have any further questions, you can reach Ray Boylston, Transit Services Administrator at (919) 462-2080 or [email protected]
22
Public Safety Input
Police
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Citizen’s Name: John Donnelly Method of Contact: Email Time of Contact: 10-16-15
Input: “Police Overtime cut be capped at a certain amount of hours by week and/or month for ON-Duty status. Off-Duty work would not apply, due to a private entity paying the Officers.
Example, only 32 hours of Paid Cash overtime and the Rest of overtime be banked as Comp.
Time, on Officers' paystub. Mostly, if not all Police Depts., in Wake County, Do Not pay cash overtime, they just issue it as Comp. Time.”
Staff Response: Thank you for your comments and input. We will certainly take your
comments into consideration. It is expected of our supervisors to closely monitor officer hours to help minimize money spent on overtime. In addition to this, police department executive staff reviews a quarterly report on the use of overtime and asks for response on any uses deemed out of the ordinary.
Citizen’s Name: John Donnelly Method of Contact: Email Time of Contact: 10-16-15
Input: “Police can strictly enforce the Town Ordinances in respect to "No Parking” and related violations. Examples: Parking Facing Wrong Way, Fire Hydrant, Crosswalk, Sidewalk
Staff Response: Thank you for your comments and input. The police department is always responsive to complaints concerning parking issues. We certainly are always on the lookout for some of the key parking issues, such as handicapped parking violations. While we may not always be looking specifically for some of the other parking violations, we are certainly willing and responsive in addressing those brought to our attention. I would encourage you to call our non-emergency line at 919-469-4012 when you see such violations and we will take appropriate action.
23
Miscellaneous Public Input
Property Tax
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Citizen’s Name: Anonymous Method of Contact: Voicemail
Input: “Senior citizens need a break on property taxes like they get in other states.”
Staff Response: North Carolina offers three property tax relief programs for qualified
homeowners at their permanent residence, which includes the dwelling, the dwelling site (up to one acre), and related improvements.
• Elderly or Disabled Exclusion: This program excludes from taxation the first $25,000 or 50% (whichever is greater) of assessed value for the permanent residence.
Applicants must be 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled. In addition, the total income for 2014 for both an applicant and spouse cannot exceed $29,000. For unmarried joint property owners, each owner must apply separately and benefit limitations may apply based on the percent of ownership.
• Circuit Breaker Tax Deferment Program: Under this program, taxes for each year are limited to a percentage of the owner’s income. Taxes above the limitation amount are deferred, which means delayed until a future date. Applicants must be 65 years of age or totally and permanently disabled. The total income for 2014 for both an applicant and spouse cannot exceed $43,500. For unmarried joint property owners, each owner must apply and qualify separately. In addition, all owners must have owned and occupied the residence for the previous five years.
• Disabled Veteran Exclusion: This program excludes up to the first $45,000 of the assessed value of the permanent residence. Honorably discharged disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse may be eligible for a reduction in property tax. There is no age or income limitation on this program.
Because tax assessment is conducted by counties, not cities and towns, a homeowner must submit an application for tax relief under these programs to the county tax office.
Applications for homes in Wake County can be found at the website below:
http://www.wakegov.com/tax/relief/Pages/default.aspx
Applications for homes in Chatham County can be found at here:
http://www.chathamnc.org/index.aspx?page=1466
The State constitution prohibits individual cities and towns from offering property tax relief beyond that which is provided for in State law.
24
Bonds
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Citizen’s Name: David Burnett Method of Contact: Email
Input: “The Town should offer less bonds for fire protection. The cost of fire protection should be included in the budget, even if taxes go up.
Staff Response: The Town only uses bonds to pay for major capital costs of fire protection, such as building fire stations, but not for ongoing operational expenses like personnel, supplies, and maintenance. Bonds are used to pay for capital costs because the new buildings will serve the community for many years, and it is fairer to have these costs paid over time by the citizens who benefit from them than all at once by those living in Cary at the time the building is
constructed. In 2012, Cary voters approved issuing $6,450,000 in bonds to pay for the
construction of Fire Station 2 on E. Chatham St. The bonds were approved by a margin of 80 percent to 20 percent. The debt service to pay principal and interest on these bonds, along with that on the other bonds approved in 2012, is being paid for by a combined 4 cent increase in the tax rate.
Impact Fees
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Citizen’s Name: Gail Reilly Method of Contact: Email Time of Contact: 10-24-15
Input: “I would like to see builders being charged impact fees for their development efforts.
Cary tax payers are burdened with the costs of new schools, fire stations, police officers, and other indirect costs associated with development. I hope charging builders an impact fee will be considered in the new budget.”
Staff Response: Cary currently requires developers to pay impact fees to pay for costs associated with adding capacity to the Town’s utility lines and street network due to the
additional use resulting from a development. The Town was given the authority to impose these fees by a special act of the General Assembly, and additional legislation would be required to impose impact fees for other purposes. In recent years, the General Assembly has been reluctant to expand local government authority to impose impact fees. In addition to these fees, the Town does require developers to provide build local streets and sidewalks, install
streetlighting, and provide land for parks and greenways, or pay a fee to cover the Town’s cost of the infrastructure.
25
Downtown Development Public Input
Downtown
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Citizen’s Name: George Amato Method of Contact: Email Time of Contact: 10-20-15
Input: “Continue to promote location of downtown businesses that would make it more of a place to go for enjoyment. Unique shops, cafes, ice cream/frozen yogurt shops, small restaurants, etc.”
Staff Response: There are a variety of projects currently underway that will help to address the promotion/marketing of Downtown Cary. Please note that promoting the area is very important but equally as important is created new development in order to have spaces to accommodate new businesses, shops, etc. We have a lot of interest in Downtown Cary but we do not currently have enough vacant spaces to meet the demand so working with private development to create new product is a high priority as well.
Specific projects to promote/market Downtown:
1. A Downtown Cary specific website (in progress) 2. A Downtown Cary map/guide (in progress)
3. A marketing/branding plan for Downtown Cary (work to begin in 2016)
4. Creation and expansion of the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID) which gives the Town the legal authority to market/promote a specific area (Downtown Cary) for the purpose of business improvement/downtown revitalization.
5. New development to create more retail opportunities for the type shops mentioned above. Most of this is contingent upon private development, some of which is underway currently, and do have more development planned for the near future.
Citizen’s Name: George Amato Method of Contact: Email Time of Contact: 10-20-15
Input: “Continue downtown outside street events to promote the area and enhance local community life.”
Staff Response: Thanks so much for your comments. We are happy that you are enjoying the events that have taken place so far and we look forward to other exciting events in the years to come.
26
Public Information
Traffic Safety
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Citizen’s Name: [email protected] Method of Contact: Email
Time of Contact: 10-24-15
Input: “I would like to see a publicity campaign (local tv) related to driver/traffic safety.
Additionally, I would like to see a focused effort to better indentify school zones and times when they are active (signage & blinking lights). School zones are poorly marked and times are poorly communicated.”
Staff Response: Thank you for reaching out to the Police Department and to the Town of Cary with your suggestion for a driver/traffic safety publicity campaign. We also appreciate the concern you have shared regarding the Town’s school zone markings. Traffic safety is a high priority for the Town of Cary. As such, we invest considerable resources into what we like to call the “Three-E’s” of roadway safety: Education, Engineering, and Enforcement.
On the Education front, the Police Department’s Traffic Safety and School Resource Teams work closely with our schools to provide frequent drug and alcohol awareness presentations. In 2014, we participated in more than 90 school and community education events. Additionally, the Police and Fire Departments alternate months producing special public safety segments for BUD TV. You can find and watch archived episodes of Bud TV from the Town’s web site at townofcary.org. Of the last 6 police segments, 3 have been devoted to roadway safety
issues. Topics this year have included crosswalk safety, night time driving, and the Move Over Law. Additionally, the Town’s Bud Newsletter has run seven traffic related articles this year.
From an Engineering standpoint, our Town’s Transportation and Facilities Department employ a variety of degreed Professional Engineers who specialize in topics to include Parks, Sidewalks, Greenways, Buildings, Streets, and Bike Routes. Police supervisors work closely with T&F staff, taking a joint approach to problem solving. The Town’s engineers ensure the design of our roadways and infrastructure are in compliance with standards set forth by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Each of our school zones is equipped with flashing lights and signs meeting MUTCD standards, and they are inspected on an annual basis by the Police Department’s Traffic Safety Team. Police officers survey each site at the start of each school year to ensure signs and lights are present and working as prescribed. Any problems found with the flashing lights are reported immediately to our Signal and Signs Operations Coordinator within the Town’s Public Works Department.
On the Enforcement front, school zone and school crosswalk enforcement are among our highest priorities. Cary PD, with volunteer assistance from our CAP Team, participates heavily in the North Carolina Watch for Me NC program. Our agency works extensively with the Governors Highway Safety Program (GHSP), participating in statewide campaigns such as
“Booze It and Lose It”, “Click It or Ticket”, and “Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine”. Cary PD hosts a variety of local enforcement events and initiatives such as “School’s In / Speed’s Out”, driver’s
27 license compliance checkpoints, seat belt enforcement operations, and texting while driving campaigns.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with you, and with the community, to ensure roadway travel is as safe and efficient as possible in Cary. If other traffic problems or concerns arise, please do not hesitate to leave a message on our Road Watch Hotline at 919-319-4521.
28
Planning
Affordable Housing
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Citizen’s Name: Gary Pancholi, Bakula Girish Method of Contact: Email
Input: “Will you please consider allotting a reasonable amount of money to fund more affordable housing for seniors and homeless veterans.”
Staff Response: While the Town is not allocating funds for affordable housing to seniors at the level suggested, funding is not seen as the greatest obstacle to providing more affordable housing in Cary. The Town of Cary provides funding to developers, both for profit and not-for- profit, to build and develop affordable housing for seniors, veterans, and other groups in need.
Additionally, Cary has a growing senior population and its housing stock is aging, which makes the setting of a funding target for affordable housing quite pragmatic. With that being said, Council must balance affordable housing against all other needs of our community. If a landowner is interested in developing affordable housing options, they should communicate their interest with a non-profit.