Cary council approves up to $125,000 to improve Walnut Street gravel lot

The Cary Town Council voted unanimously on Jan. 8 to approve staff’s recommendation to use up to $125,000 from an existing general‑fund midyear appropriation to improve a temporary gravel parking lot near the Walnut Street parking deck.

Interim Public Works Director Jimmy Simpson presented two options for the lot created during earlier deck maintenance: return the site to pre‑construction grass at an estimated cost of about $70,000, or complete the improvements specified in the amended downtown development agreement (ADA parking pad, a roughly 4‑foot wrought‑iron fence, short retaining walls for grading, two pedestrian gates and landscaping) at an estimated $125,000. Staff recommended the latter and asked the council to utilize up to $125,000 budgeted within the general fund for a midyear appropriation.

Simpson said the improvements would provide approximately 40 public parking spaces and that the town does not own the land; the developer agreement grants town use of the spaces until the developer begins construction on a second building, which could be as long as seven years but may occur sooner. Simpson noted the work must be completed by Sept. 11, 2026 to meet agreement terms.

Council members pressed staff on ownership and the funding source. The mayor explained the $1,000,000 midyear appropriation pot was budgeted previously to allow quarterly flexibility; staff said unused funds return to the general fund.

Councilmember (caller) moved to approve the full $125,000 recommendation; the motion was seconded by Jennifer Robinson and carried unanimously after a voice vote.

The approved improvements are intended to maintain public parking access near downtown Cary while the developer project proceeds; staff will return with implementation details and timelines for completion.