Good people of Cary,

The snow is melting, the birds are chirping, and it feels like spring is just around the corner (despite what Phil says).

This week, we're covering updates on the Town Manager situation, a new business you need to try in downtown, and upcoming events as the weather warms up. I'm also featuring North Cary Park - a spot perfect for getting outside now that we're done playing in the snow.

Thanks for being here and for continuing to support local.

James

The Town of Cary's annual financial audit revealed deficiencies in internal controls and workplace culture under former Town Manager Sean Stegall, though the town's overall financial position remains strong.

During Thursday's town council meeting, audit director Lee Ann Watters from Cherry Bekaert presented findings showing that Stegall "did not always consistently model or reinforce the expected ethical behavior" and "did not always adequately communicate the importance of compliance with policies and procedures, accountability, and other internal control responsibilities."

Most troubling, auditors found that "employees did perceive that there was a risk of retaliation if they raised concerns."

The audit team recommended that Cary implement:

The audit also identified a missing financial report related to $2.1 million in grant expenses eligible for reimbursement, which has since been corrected.

Despite these internal control issues, Finance Director Kimberly Branch reported the town is in a "strong financial position," having added $23.6 million to its fund balance in fiscal year 2025, increasing the total to $106 million.

Mayor Harold Weinbrecht acknowledged the findings won't all be favorable: "I have a feeling it won't be very rosy, but we will hear from them. We also have the DA and the SBI looking into things."

The annual audit is separate from three ongoing investigations into Stegall's spending: one by the State Auditor's Office, an internal investigation by law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, and a criminal investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation and Wake County District Attorney.

The final audit report is expected by February 12.

Additional reading: ABC11, The Assembly, WRAL

Kane Realty has filed site plans with the Town of Cary for "Flat Iron," a 7-story mixed-use development at the Chatham Street roundabout.

The project would be built on 2 acres at 602 W. Chatham Street and 523 Old Apex Road - currently an unpaved parking lot and small warehouse next to the traffic circle, directly across from Vicious Fishes Brewery and South Line Brewing Company.

Plans call for 213 residential units ranging from studios to two-story townhomes, plus one hotel room. The building would include 5,659 square feet of restaurant and retail space fronting Old Apex Road with outdoor patio seating, and an 8-level attached parking deck.

Proposed amenities include a swimming pool, courtyard, rooftop amenity space, community gathering areas, fitness center, club room, and coworking space.

If approved, Flat Iron would add significant density to downtown Cary's western edge, continuing the mixed-use development pattern established by nearby projects like Meridian East Chatham, which opened in 2025.

Kane Realty is currently leading the expansion of North Hills in Raleigh.

The project is in early stages and will require town council review and approval before construction can begin.

Additional reading: ABC11, Connect CRE

Having just opened a few weeks ago, Pastrami Tom's has proven why it belongs in downtown Cary.

Located at 312 W. Chatham Street in the same building as Chocolate Smiles, this tucked-away deli and grill is worth seeking out. The space is cozy, has plenty of seating inside and out, and gives you a great bang for your buck.

The menu features burgers, salads, patty melts, and Rachel sandwiches, but if you go, you'd be making a mistake not trying their pastrami Reuben. The pastrami is fantastic and alone justifies the restaurant's presence as a downtown business. Tender, well-seasoned, piled high on rye with all the traditional fixings. It’s a mighty serving that can easily be two meals if you aren’t greedy (unfortunately, I am greedy).

Beyond the food, Pastrami Tom's fills a gap in downtown Cary's dining scene. While we have plenty of upscale options and trendy spots, we've been missing a solid deli that just does sandwiches really, really well. Tom knows what he’s doing.

Hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm, closed Sunday

If you're looking for a killer sandwich in downtown Cary, Pastrami Tom's should be at the top of your list.

Location: 312 W. Chatham Street, Cary
Website: pastramitoms.com

Polar Doubles Adult Tennis Tournament
What: Competitive doubles tennis tournament for adult players at Cary Tennis Park.
Where: Cary Tennis Park
When: Thursday-Saturday, February 13-15
Event Details

Valentine's Date Night in the Park
What: Celebrate love at Downtown Cary Park's free Valentine's Date Night! Features arts and crafts activities for couples, live music, and food trucks.
Where: Downtown Cary Park (327 S. Academy St)
When: Friday, February 14 | 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Event Details

School BreakOUT
What: Day of fun with artist-led booths and family-friendly craft stations where kids explore all kinds of art.
Where: Downtown Cary Park
When: Monday, February 16 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
More Info

Each week, I highlight a spot in Cary that I think you should check out. This week: North Cary Park

North Cary Park is one of those neighborhood parks that doesn't get the attention of Bond Park or Downtown Cary Park, but absolutely deserves a visit - especially if you have kids.

Located at 1100 Norwell Boulevard in the northern part of town, the park features excellent playground equipment spread across different age groups, open fields perfect for pickup soccer or frisbee, basketball courts, volleyball courts with plenty of sand, and pavilions available for reservation if you're planning a birthday party or family gathering.

What makes North Cary Park stand out is its layout. Unlike some of Cary's larger parks that can feel sprawling and overwhelming, North Cary maintains a neighborhood feel while still offering plenty of space.

The park also connects to Cary's greenway system via Black Creek Greenway. It's perfect for an easy family bike ride or evening walk. If you follow it for about a mile, you’ll eventually reach a lake with stunning views.

Parking is ample, the restrooms are well-maintained, and there's enough shade around the pavilions to escape the summer heat (once we get there).

If you live in north Cary, you probably already know about this park. But if you're from other parts of town and looking for a new spot to explore with kids, North Cary Park is worth the drive.

Location: 1100 Norwell Boulevard, Cary
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Amenities: Playgrounds, picnic shelters, restrooms, greenway access, open fields

Thanks for reading! If you liked or disliked this issue, feel free to reply and let me know! I love hearing from you.

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