We kicked off 2023 with the Council-Staff Retreat, where we discussed Council’s priorities for the coming year and how we can continue to further the vision set out in the Imagine Cary Community Plan. 

We reached a major milestone in support of that vision when Northwoods Jordan Building LLC and First Baptist Church closed on property for the redevelopment of the southeast corner of Harrison Avenue and Chatham Street. This project, which is more than 10 years in the making, will bring a vibrant mixed-use development with office, retail, multifamily, and a parking deck with more than 200 public spaces to a corner of a key downtown intersection. 

To facilitate the reimagining of a crucial space, Cary relocated the historic Ivey-Ellington House ¼-mile from Chatham Street to its new home on South Academy Street at the old library site. Cary plans to preserve the house, which will only add to the rich history of the downtown historic district. 

And in support of another Council priority, Cary kicked off its inaugural Nonprofit Capacity Building Program a year after Council approved the Cary Housing Plan. In partnership with the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits, this program supports area nonprofits with valuable information, such as board governance, strategic communications, fundraising, and financial management. 

Finally, Cary is joined by 37 new public safety employees. This quarter,25 new firefighters graduated an eight-month fire academy, and police swore in 12 new officers — the largest number of officers sworn collectively in recent years. Welcome to the Cary team!

After such an encouraging start to 2023, we look forward to providing further updates at our next Quarterly Meeting at the Courtyard by Marriott on May 11.

Live Inspired, 

Sean R. Stegall
Town Manager