Cary, North Carolina, a town once marked by gravel roads and sparse development, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 38 years. As the population nears 200,000, the town is now grappling with the challenges of growth, and its residents are divided on the merits of two proposed bonds that could significantly impact the community's future.

Balancing Growth and Affordability: Cary's Housing Bond Dilemma

The first bond measure, a $30 million housing bond, aims to address the town's growing affordability concerns. By expanding housing options, acquiring property, preserving affordable housing, and providing rehabilitation financing, the bond seeks to make Cary more accessible to a diverse range of residents, including firefighters, teachers, and other essential workers. Resident Mona Singh believes the bond is a "no-brainer," as it will improve the community's diversity and long-term value. However, not all residents are convinced, with some, like Sandy Joiner, expressing concerns about the potential for rapidly rising taxes and property values that could price out many locals.

Investing in Parks and Recreation: Cary's Ambitious $560 Million Bond

The second bond measure, a staggering $560 million initiative, has garnered even more attention and debate. This bond would fund a range of parks and recreation projects, including an Asian Garden Master Plan, an expansion of the Cary Tennis Park, a new Mills Park Community Center, a Nature Park Master Plan, a Sports and Recreation Community Center, and improvements to the Walnut Creek Greenway. Residents like Steve Assaid and Jeff Jefferson praise the town's parks and recreation offerings, highlighting the benefits they've provided for their children's personal development and extracurricular activities.

Taxpayer Concerns and the Burden of Debt

However, the sheer size and scope of the parks and recreation bond have led some taxpayers to voice their concerns. Residents like Sandy Joiner and Mary Collins argue that the rapid increase in taxes to fund these projects is too much to bear, especially when considering the town's past budgetary challenges, such as the $69 million cost overrun for the downtown park project. Collins, who has created a website outlining her opposition, acknowledges the value of the proposed projects but ultimately believes the town is moving too quickly and without a prudent budget to support the debt.

Cary's Vision for the Future: Balancing Priorities and Taxpayer Concerns

Danna Widmar, the town's Assistant Town Manager, defends the decision to bundle multiple projects into a single bond measure, stating that the town believes the projects are "widespread enough that they appeal to a good majority of our citizens." However, the town's approach has not convinced all residents, with some, like Mary Collins, arguing that the town should prioritize and address the projects one at a time, rather than overwhelming taxpayers with a massive bond.If both bonds are approved, Cary's property tax rate would increase by nine cents per $100 of assessed property value, with the parks and recreation bond accounting for 8.5 cents and the housing bond contributing the remaining 0.5 cents. This increase would be phased in over several years, with the first three-cent hike occurring in 2026, followed by additional three-cent increases in 2028 and 2030. The town acknowledges that the parks and recreation bond does not cover operating costs, which would likely require further property tax increases.As Cary's residents grapple with the implications of these bond measures, the town's vision for the future hangs in the balance. The delicate balance between growth, affordability, and fiscal responsibility will be a defining challenge for the community in the years to come.