Development News for Cary, North Carolina

Kerry Proposes FY2027 Budget with 12.2% Increase, Historic Public Safety Investment, and Property Tax Hike

The Town Council held the first of two public hearings on the Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Budget, totaling $573.5 million, a 12.2% increase from the current year. Key components include a $445.9 million operating budget (up 6.1%) and a $127.6 million capital budget (up 40.7%). The budget proposes a 3.75-cent property tax rate increase, equivalent to $20 per month for the median assessed home value of $650,000. Solid waste and recycling fees are recommended to rise by $2 per month to $28, and utility rates will increase by 4% overall, adding $3.08 per month for typical households. The budget emphasizes a historic investment in public safety (nearly 20% of the total budget), funding new capital projects, adding 55 new positions, and restoring merit increases to 5%. It also focuses on infrastructure maintenance, with 54% of the capital budget allocated to projects like street resurfacing and utility rehabilitation. Council members and residents raised questions about the budget's reliance on fund balance transfers, the impact of tax increases on residents, and the level of investment in proactive maintenance.

Sears Farm PDD Amendment Rezoning Sparks Opposition from Searstone Residents Over Housing Type and Environmental Concerns

The Town Council held a public hearing for a proposed amendment to the Sears Farm Planned Development District (PDD) for approximately 17.44 acres at 1601 High House Road and 12590 Winston Hill Drive. The applicant, Edinburgh Development, proposes to rezone the site from its current entitlement for continuing care retirement community (CCRC) units to allow for a maximum of 87 townhouses, with a maximum height of 42 feet. This proposal replaces the original vision for senior housing with family-oriented townhomes. Residents of the adjacent Searstone CCRC strongly opposed the rezoning, citing concerns about increased noise and air pollution, traffic, decreased property values, and the loss of green space and lake views. They argued that the change fundamentally alters the PDD's intent and violates the promise of stability and stewardship. The applicant stated the original CCRC vision was not financially viable due to market conditions and rising costs. Council members expressed concerns about the removal of senior housing entitlement, the lack of specific design details, environmental impacts, and the transition to single-family homes. The proposal was referred to the Planning and Zoning Advisory Board for further review, with council action expected at a later date.

Town Council Approves Mixed-Use Rezoning at 7001 Weston Parkway After Extensive Community Engagement

The Town Council discussed and ultimately approved the rezoning of approximately 8.7 acres at 7001 Weston Parkway for a mixed-use development, which will include up to 275 multifamily dwelling units and 1,500-5,000 square feet of non-residential space. The development will feature buildings up to 75 feet in height and will include significant buffers and multimodal facilities, with 5% of units designated as affordable housing. The approval followed extensive community engagement and revisions to the original proposal, including increased buffers, revised building placement, and expanded affordable housing commitments. Councilmember Johnson was the sole dissenting vote, citing concerns about the lack of townhomes as a transition and the absence of structured parking. The project is seen as a redevelopment opportunity addressing the need for housing and revitalizing a former office park area, with a 6-1 vote in favor.