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Cary staff proposes limited reservation policy for new Depot Plaza, favoring public and nonprofit uses
Summary
Staff recommended the Depot Plaza be reserved only for village‑approved special events by local nonprofits and public agencies (not private rentals), with reservations managed through the temporary event permit process; trustees supported the recommendation and asked staff to return with formal language.
Staff introduced a proposed use policy for the new Depot (Community) Plaza, which is under construction and scheduled for completion next spring. The recommendation is to allow only village‑approved special events and reservations by local not‑for‑profits and public agencies (for example, the Chamber of Commerce, park district, library, school districts and fire district) and not to permit private, for‑profit exclusive rentals.
Staff emphasized differences between the plaza and the Rotary Park pavilion — the downtown location creates different considerations for amplified music, commercial solicitation and proximity to restaurants and Metro transit. Reservation and approval would go through the village’s temporary event permit process; fees, capacity limits, rules for alcohol and requirements for amplified music would be evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.
Trustees supported starting with this approach. Several trustees asked staff to ensure coordination with the park district and school district so the plaza is available for community music, youth performances and other low‑cost cultural uses. Trustees also asked staff to return with written policy language and practical enforcement measures.
