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Cary approves Macedonia Place annexation; project includes 23 workforce units amid calls for greater affordable‑housing commitments
Summary
The council approved annexation for Macedonia Place, a 226-unit multifamily project (10.89 acres) that includes 23 units reserved at 80% area median income. Public speakers pressed Council for stronger, sustained housing investments and a 2027 bond, and Council discussed AMI and voluntary nature of affordable‑housing conditions.
Cary, N.C. — The Cary Town Council on April 16 approved annexation petition 26 A01 for Macedonia Place, clearing the way for a 226-unit multifamily development on a 10.89-acre assemblage near Macedonia Road and Jones Franklin Road. Principal planner Rachel Smith told council that annexation is required for the project to connect to Cary utilities and that the approved zoning permits the 226 units, including 23 workforce housing units at no greater than 80% of area median income (AMI).
Rachel Smith explained the site's zoning history and review status: the rezoning occurred in 2020 and the development plan is in its seventh round of review. "Annexation is required prior to approval of the development plan and to allow connection to Cary's utilities," she said.
Public speakers used the meeting's public‑comment period to press for broader housing commitments. Nathan Bullock, a One Wake supporter, asked the town to commit "no less than one penny per $100 in property tax revenue to affordable housing initiatives" and to place a housing bond on the 2027 ballot. Leslie Dinwiddie, a longtime resident and One Wake volunteer, described neighbors who work in Cary but cannot afford to live there and urged the council not to reduce prior housing tax commitments.
Councilmembers discussed the limits of voluntary affordability conditions and the changing AMI benchmark since 2020; one councilmember noted that 80% AMI can be a high threshold in the current market. A council member also emphasized that affordable‑housing conditions are voluntary and credited the applicant for including workforce units.
A motion to approve annexation petition 26 A01 was made and seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The council did not provide a roll-call tally in the public record during the meeting.
Next steps: With annexation approved, the developer may proceed with later development-plan approvals and connection to town utilities; staff and the council will continue to discuss other affordable‑housing tools and partnerships raised during public comment.
Context: Several speakers highlighted One Wake's policy asks, including sustained tax commitments to housing and a bond measure, while council discussion focused on how AMI thresholds and voluntary conditions affect affordability outcomes.
