Western Wake Wedding?

January 16, 2010 | Story by: Brent Miller | Categories: Government, News

By Brent Miller

Cary, N.C. –  I attended The Cary Town Council Retreat on the first day of this annual  event. It was kicked off with a discussion of the vision for Cary in 2030. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht started by noting that the Cary Town Council will be setting the direction for the future at a crucial time in the Town’s history. Town Manager Ben Shivar posed the question, “What will Cary look like in 20 years?” and noted that many pressures exist that could drive Cary in particular directions, including water supply, water quality, environmental concerns and sustainability.

Each Council member articulated his or her own vision, concerns and hopes for Cary in 2030. Most Council members expressed similar views that Cary’s “neighborhood character” should be maintained, that regional cooperation will become more important and that Cary’s Town Center can become a local destination.

Perhaps the most surprising topic of the day, though, was discussion about Cary merging with neighboring municipality Morrisville. In his opening remarks, At-Large Representative Erv Portman suggested that by 2030, Cary and Morrisville should become one. Later, during discussion of Cary’s land use plan and its future, District A Representative Jennifer Robinson suggested that the Town should invite Morrisville to explore the idea of a merger.

In addition to Council’s vision and Cary’s land use plan, other topics presented by Staff and discussed by Council included Cary’s current “profile” and future trends for population, demographics and housing types; parks, recreation and cultural resources; infrastructure (transportation,  storm water and utilities); and police and fire protection.

Another topic involved the idea that the town should create parks programs for youth aimed at gang violence prevention. District C Representative Jack Smith favored such a program, indicating that we should pursue such prevention programs aggressively, rather than simply reacting to gang violence issues. Further discussion led to the idea that such programs should include partnerships with schools also.

The retreat was open to the public at the Embassy Suites hotel on Harrison Oaks Boulevard.  It continues on Saturday with the Council focusing on the future of downtown Cary.  We’ll be sure to report back!

Editor’s note January 17:  Jackie Holcombe, Mayor of Morrisville, contacted the CaryCitizen. She told me that she and the Morriville Town Council is committed to working cooperatively with Cary elected officials on all matters, expecially those involving land use and traffic, and that Mayor Weinbrecht of Cary has echoed that commitment.