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Winter Storm Update and Why Morrisville Edition
From the Council Office of Steve Rao
January 22, 2021
Estimated Read Time: 5 minutes.  

Download the Steve Rao App!

Note that I will be on Inside the Issues with Dr. Wilmer Leon on Sirius XM Urban View (Channel 126) today at 11 am ! https://player.siriusxm.com/home/foryou
Alerts: 
Winter Storm Alerts: 
Please stay at home in the am if you can as the roads are snow covered and icy roads this am. Drive with caution if you need to. 

Triangle has received up to 3-4 inches of snow. (Cumberland County 5 inches)  Please stay at home in the am if you can as the roads are snow covered and icy roads this am and are treacherous.  Temperatures will remain freezing throughout the day. A good day for sledding but not for driving!  

I will be updating on Social Media Platforms during the day on the Public Works Schedule for the streets

Please visit www.townofmorrisville.org and follow us for updates on Facebook.

Western Wake Farmers Market is closed today due to inclement weather. 

Wake County Public Health closed its COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics on Friday and Saturday. New Hours begin on Wednesday.
(See Vaccination and Testing for details) 

Testing Alert:
Visit www.COVIDTests.gov to Order at home Covid Tests.  

The House Wake! COVID-19 Financial Assistance Program will extend the application deadline until 5 p.m. on Monday. Apply at https://housewake.org/.

Morrisville Fitness and Aquatics Center Update:
In anticipation of inclement weather in our area, the MAFC was planning to operate on a limited schedule from today. Call the Facility at (919) 463-6900 or check on line to see if they will be open today.  As of yesterday, planned hours were:  

Saturday, January 22: 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. (Pool will be open at this time)  
  • No cleaning closure
  • Programs and fitness classes before 12 p.m. will be cancelled.

The pool schedule will remain in effect during the aforementioned hours. This schedule may change depending on the weather, so please continue to monitor your email for updates. Stay safe, stay warm and stay healthy!
DUKE ENERGY UPDATE
Reporting power outages 
Customers who experience power outages should call Duke Energy's automated
outage-reporting systems for their respective utility: 
  • Duke Energy Progress: 1-800-419-6356 
  • Duke Energy Carolinas: 1-800-POWERON (1-800-769-3766) 
 
Customers may also report an outage or view current outages online at www.duke-energy.com/outages or text OUT to 57801 

Duke Energy will also provide updates on its social media channels to keep customers informed if significant outages occur: 
Morrisville Updates
Town Center Information Sessions: 
Thanks to everyone who attended the Town Center information sessions on Tues. and Wed.  Check www.townofmorrisville.org/towncenter for more information.  
Breaking News: 
President Biden completes one year of Presidency.
My POD TV Message on Biden:
Rock Legend Meatloaf dies.  
Rock Legend Meatloaf dies.  
WRAL TECH WIRE OPINION WRITER!
I have joined WRAL Techwire as an Opinion Writer so from time to time, I will be sharing my Op Ed Pieces in an email.  Send me any ideas and most of my focus will be on jobs, innovation, entrepreneurship, and immigration.   

Read my Tech Wire Op Ed , Why Morrisville? in this newsletter.  
WRAL Tech Wire Blog: Why Morrisville?

In January 2021, Kane Realty announced plans for the creation of a $1 billion, pharmaceuticals and life sciences innovation district at North Hills. The 33-acre district calls for an unprecedented amount of open natural area (including outdoor working spaces), multi family residential units, and bustling, walkable ground level with experiential retail and maker’s spaces. (https://visitnorthhills.com/directory/nhid/) 

At the time of this announcement, during a Council Meeting, I declared my interest in having a similar type of investment in Morrisville.  That same month, during a Virtual Chamber Meeting, I jokingly asked one of the panelists, real estate development icon, John Kane if he could make a similar investment in our Town.  

Well, this year, my wish came true, at least the one for a life science campus in Morrisville.  

A few weeks ago, Starwood Capital Group and Trinity Capital Advisors announced plans to develop Spark LS, a $1 billion life sciences campus located within North Carolina’s Research Triangle in Morrisville. 

The 109-acre development will be located at the intersection of McCrimmon Parkway and Airport Boulevard, four miles from Raleigh-Durham Airport and five miles from Apple’s new $1 billion office campus.

The 1.5 million-square-foot project is set to include 12 to 15 buildings with lab and bio-manufacturing space, green spaces, restaurants, retail, a STEM education and amenity center, and several multi-use outdoor recreation areas.

Kudos goes to our Planning Department, engaged citizens and Council, all of whom worked so hard to approve our revised land use plan last year, which allowed for such a game changing investment in the McCrimmon Area.  

The Town is already home to 10% of the 100 Public companies in the state, including Syneos Health, Channel Advisor, and Lenovo. Before the Covid Pandemic, Credit Suisse, Cisco, Microsoft, and Oracle were bringing in over 50,000 workers into the Town on any given day.  The revised Land Use Plan allows for denser residential and mixed use development, which will transform this area of Town into a mixed use destination where residents can live, work and play.  We need more areas like this in Town as we continue to experience growth.  Such an ecosystem will establish Morrisville as a destination for market leading science and tech companies, and will fuel the growth of start up companies in the region.

While rapid growth will continue to challenge us with increased traffic congestion and overcapped schools, I am confident that we must welcome high paying jobs to Morrisville, and look at the live, work, play model as a way to significantly increase our tax base , avoid near term tax increases and force us to invest in and execute our Affordable Housing Plan to address rising home prices.   

One cannot help notice that jobs investment in Morrisville has picked up considerable pace in 2021, with two of the six Life science companies recruited to Wake County landing in our All America City.   

In April 2021, San Franciso Based Genomics company, Invitae announced that it will be calling Morrisville’s Stitch Office Park (Old Outlet Mall) home, with plans to create 374 jobs and invest $1.4 million in the Town. The Invitate announcement came only a few days after Apple announced their plans for a $1 billion campus in Research Triangle (3000 jobs)  

In December 2021, Science 37, publicly traded research and development company announced that it will be moving its headquarters to Morrisville, creating some 250 new jobs in the next several years.   

Lets not forget the 2019 Microsoft expansion , adding 500 jobs and $47 billion investment to the Morrisville coffer.  

Why Morrisville?  

Market leading companies are not just investing in Morrisville because of its ideal central location in the Triangle, but are also attracted to the highly educated workforce, an increasingly diverse community, our commitment to innovation, and world class parks and restaurants.  

Let me highlight some of the ways our Town is leading in these areas:  

The Town’s recent award of the Clean Tech Innovation Award for our Clean Tech Corridor Initiative, our Smart City and Sustainability initiatives, and On Demand, app based Transit Service, Morrisville Smart Shuttle, are a few examples of how we are leveraging innovation to enhance the quality of life for our residents.  

Church Street Park is the home of our first professional cricket team, the Morrisville Cardinals, and the International Cricket Council has hosted Team USA and other national teams this past year at the US Championships.  Plans are already underway for over $2 million investment in the expansion of Church Street Park so the Town can host World Cup Qualifiers, which will lure more tourists and sports fans from around the country.  

Wake Tech RTP’s recent announcement of an Early Career STEM High School and the addition of their new Biotech Center will continue to provide our Town a competitive advantage in having one of the most educated and trained workforces in the nation for life science and technology companies.   Our plans for a Town Center Downtown Project will begin this year, which will could be a destination for start up incubators, and growing companies.  

Finally, our designation as an All America City and recent ranking by Niche and Stacker as the number one place to live in North Carolina continue to propel the Town of Morrisville, as a global destination for economic growth and opportunity.   

During a very divisive time in our nation, I cannot think of a better place to live and work then a diverse and inclusive Town which values innovation, education and the quality of life of our residents.  I am confident that many companies around the country and world are feeling the same way.   

We must mandate developers and companies invest in our Town to pay for road construction, parks and greenways.  For example, in a conditional multi family rezoning approved by Council last year, Dominion Realty invested over $1 million in road constructions, $800,000 in parks, and $3.5 million in affordable housing.  Apple intends to establish $100 million fund to transportation and schools infrastructure.  I hope that Morrisville, and Cary are a part of these conversations to address to an already worsening traffic congestion problem.  

At the end of the day, this development is projected to bring in $800,000 revenue to Morrisville and $81 million to the County.  More money for police, fire, schools, transportation infrastructure, affordable housing, parks and services which enhance the quality of life for our residents.   
We know growth will continue.  We cannot stop it but Smart Growth means balanced growth.  

But we can be sure of one absolute truth: 

The Town of Morrisville has emerged as major engine of economic growth in North Carolina and the United States and a new home for market leading life science companies.  

In the highly competitive sport of economic development, we can compete and win against anyone.  

Let the Games Begin.  Stay tuned for an even more exciting 2022.  
VACCINATION AND TESTING
TESTING SITE UPDATES
This information is provided for COVID-19 testing sites in Wake County and please visit https://www.wakegov.com/covid-19-information/no-cost-covid-19-testing. 

New sites continue to be added in Wake County through partnerships with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and other community testing providers. 

Wake County Testing Sites and All Radeas and Mako/NCDHHS Testing is cancelled for Saturday and will resume service on Monday. 

All testing and vaccine appointment holders will receive an email to let them know they can return on Monday or Tuesday to their scheduled site where their appointment will be honored.

New Testing Hours Alert:  On Wednesday, Wake County Public Health will reduce the hours of appointments at its five testing locations from 12 hours to 8 hours a day (Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays).

This shift will still allow for more than 8,000 daily testing appointments


Baptist on Mission ( 3901 Capital Hills Drive, Raleigh )will be moving its testing site from Southbridge Fellowship Church in Raleigh, to Summit Church – Capital Hills Campus in Raleigh. It will operate Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. No appointments necessary, no out-of-pocket costs and insurance accepted but not required. 

This site joins these other NCDHHS and community testing sites: 

WakeMed Soccer Park (101 Soccer Park Drive, Cary NC 27519): Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m.

This site will be open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. until the end of January. Results in 24-28 hours. Preregistration will be required. There are no out-of-pocket costs for testing at this site. They will ask for insurance information if you have it, but insurance is not necessary.

PNC Arena (home to the Carolina Hurricanes): Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. (hours are 7 a.m.–noon on game days or event days) 

Five County Stadium (1501 NC-39, Zebulon, NC 27597) home to the Carolina Mudcats):Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4 p.m. 

Highland Baptist Church in Garner at 8524 Crowder Road. It will operate Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Results are received within 24–48 hours. Pre-registration is required. There are no out-of-pocket costs for testing at these sites. While staff will ask for insurance information if you have it, insurance is not necessary.   
Hindu Society of NC: Drive thru testing in HSNC parking lot. Do not step out of your car . You will be provided with instructions for registration. No prior appointment is required. Testing is being performed by: Ottendorf Laboratories, LLC. Monday thru Friday - 8 to 5 pm Address: 309 Aviation Parkway, Morrisville, NC 27560  

Registration can be done with the QR code:
Morrisville Pharmacy and Compounding
Note that you can get Pfizer and Moderna First, Second and Booster Shots at Morrisville Pharmacy and Compounding (3500 Davis Drive Market Place Shopping Center, Morrisville, NC 27560) (919) 463-7990. 
VACCINATION INFORMATION
North Carolinians can go to MySpot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location near them. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at (888) 675-4567 can also help residents make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on weekends.

Total Doses Administered: 11,978,018  
Boosters: 2,849,067  
Completed Tests:23,778,601
74% in NC Partially Vaccinated and 70% Fully Vaccinated. 
  1. For Covid 19 Vaccine Appointments and Free Testing, visit https://www.wakegov.com/covid-19-information
  2. Appointments must be made at for free Covid 19 Testing in Wake County.  
  3. Find your County Vaccination sites, visit https://www.wral.com/coronavirus/where-can-I-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-in-my-county/19466004/
  4. All air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States.
The Steve Rao App is Here:
Download the Steve Rao App!   

Steverao app can be downloaded at Apple App store by searching for "Steverao" app in Apple store and Google Play store.

Other Way to download the app is by below scan for Apple store scan code and Google Play store link.

Below are two links to download app from Apple App store and Google Playstore.
Apple Appstore link.
Google Play Store Scan code Link
This Week in Morrisville: Jan 24 - Jan 28
Upcoming Meetings
Morrisville Carpenter Road Project
Project update for the week of January 24:

  • Work will continue on Morrisville Carpenter Road (between Church Street and Old Savannah Drive).
  • Drivers should be prepared for flagging operations on Morrisville Carpenter Road between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • The contractor will continue working at the culvert area.
  • Northbound traffic for Town Hall Drive continues to be redirected along the southbound side of the median.

The Town of Morrisville and the Morrisville Police Department advise pedestrians not to walk on either side of Morrisville Carpenter Road between Town Hall Drive and Misty Groves Circle. This section of the road is an active construction zone area and does not have a sidewalk and is not safe for pedestrians. Please observe the posted sidewalk closed signs.
For Morrisville Carpenter Road Project updates Visit https://bit.ly/mcrcp1
COVID-19 Updates
Based upon current data and trends in COVID-19 cases in our region, the Morrisville Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resource Department has current COVID-19 safety measures and protocols in place for the Morrisville Aquatic & Fitness Center, Cedar Fork Community Center, and Morrisville Senior Center. For those facility’s COVID-19 guidelines and for updates from the Town of Morrisville on COVID-19, visit TownOfMorrisville.org/COVID19.

Town leaders are continuously monitoring the situation in coordination with Wake County Public Health Division, the lead agency for guidance as it relates to the coronavirus and its variants. If you have specific questions related to your health and COVID-19, COVID-19 testing, COVID-19 vaccinations, or other assistance, please call (919) 250-1500, email at covid19.questions@wakegov.com, or visit their webpage at Wakegov.com/covid-19.
MAFC COVID PROTOCOL UPDATE
As concerns surrounding COVID-19 and the Omicron variant continue to grow in our area, we have made some important updates to our facility's current protocols and procedures to help stop the spread and keep you safe. The changes you need to be aware of and abide by are listed below:
  • We will continue to enforce face coverings being worn by those ages three and up throughout the facility at all times. Please remember that face coverings must be worn on the pool deck and in the locker rooms. They are only to be removed for swimming and showering.
  • Social distancing will be enforced whenever possible. Please be conscious of others' space and wait six feet apart.
  • The weight room capacity will be limited to eight people. Please check the room's capacity when you arrive and be prepared to remain in the waiting area until a spot becomes available. Conversely, if you are in the weight room and notice someone waiting, please limit your exercise to one hour to be courteous to your peers.
  • The spin bike room has a capacity of three people, and we ask that you operate under the same principles outlined in the weight room statement above.
  • Every other piece of equipment on the cardio floor will be blocked off to allow for social distancing on the machines. If you prefer a particular piece of equipment, and it is blocked off, we ask that you ensure using it does not place you within six feet of another patron before starting your workout.
  • Our aquatics supervisory team will impose capacity limits during open rec swim at their discretion. On weekends, the number of people in the combined area between the program pool and the play structure will be 15 people. Please limit your time in the pool to an hour and 30 minutes to allow others the opportunity to swim.
SWIM CLASSES AT MAFC 
The Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center is offering swim classes for children and adults (with some experience in the water) who are looking to refine their abilities. 
Classes are offered throughout the month of February. 

Class times, levels, and registration information is available here: https://bit.ly/3HC2ei9

#LiveConnectedLiveWell
Town Center Survey Open Through Jan. 25
The Town of Morrisville recently conducted two virtual public information sessions to inform residents about the Morrisville Town Center project.

Through Jan. 25, residents, businesses, and visitors can complete a survey to leave feedback on what amenities they would like to have considered as part of the Town Center. To take the survey and for current details on the project, visit https://bit.ly/msvtowncenter.
Sustainability Master Plan Town Hall Jan. 26
Built from public feedback, peer analysis, and industry best practices, the Master Sustainability Plan will contain the goals, strategies, and actions the Town will take to make Morrisville even more sustainable. Join the Town of Morrisville on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. for a virtual town hall presentation on the development of the Master Sustainability Plan. For details and to join the meeting, click here.
Registration for Winter, Spring Season Programs Starting Soon
Registration will start soon for the Women on Weights, Teen Fit, and swim classes at Morrisville Aquatics & Fitness Center. To learn more about these programs, get registration information and sign up, click here.
Spring Little League Baseball Registration is Open
Spring Little League Baseball registration is open! Ages 5-12 can register for league play with practices beginning tentatively in late February.

Additionally, we will take information for participants that are interested in participating in softball from ages 9-12. We are looking to begin softball league development this spring and hope to form teams in the coming months. Volunteers for tee ball, baseball and softball can reach out to Bryan Rhea at brhea@townofmorrisville.org for more information.
Winter Basketball League Schedule Paused
The winter basketball league is currently pausing its league games until the week of Jan. 31 as a safety measure for its volunteers and participants. Practices will continue to take place as information is reviewed.
How-To Group Fitness Classes Now Offered
Nervous to jump into one of our group fitness classes? Build a strong foundation first by taking one of the “how-to” group fitness classes on Saturday mornings in January and February at the Morrisville Aquatics and Fitness Center. The 30-minute instructional sessions are followed by the full one-hour version of the class, allowing participants to sign up for both and apply their skills. Reserve your spot now via SignUp Genius (Fitness Class Sign-Up tab).
Morrisville Smart Shuttle Service is Now Operating!
The Morrisville Smart Shuttle, the Town’s newest public transit service, allows riders to request a pick-up or drop-off from one of 15 nodes, or stops, located around the Town using the Smart Shuttle application on their smartphone.

Watch this short video on how to use the Morrisville Smart Shuttle App by clicking here!

The service runs seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Additional details on the Morrisville Smart Shuttle visit TownofMorrisville.org/SmartShuttle
Shop Local at the Western Wake Farmers’ Market
Starting Dec. 4, the WWFM is shifting to winter market hours, 9:30 a.m. to noon. Visit http://wwfm.ag/ to see a complete list of local vendors and shop local!
Hometown Heroes
Hometown Heroes: Little Library at Northwest Park
Thank you to Siddharth Sivakumar of BSA – Troop 216 Cary, who set up the Little Library at Northwest Park!

Make sure to check out the Little Library at Northwest Park, and take a book or bring a book to share.

#LiveConnectedLiveWell
Around the Region
Triangle Business Journal Economic Forecast at High Point University 
I enjoyed attending the TBJ Economic Forecast at High Point University.  The highlight of the event was to hear from Dr. Nido Quebein, High Point University President.  

I was amazed at how the university has grown from 92 acres to over 595 acres, and the multi billion investments in the insitiution.  Dr. Quebein, is an inspiring speaker, and encouraged all of us to take risk, be bold, and never be afraid of failure!  
UPCOMING EVENTS
Black Issues Forum
Please watch for the Black Issues Forum on UNC-TV!  Fridays at 7 pm and Sundays at 4 pm!

Thank you for joining me for the Black Issues Forum today 4 pm to talk Voter Rights Legislation, the Filibuster and Maya Angelou on Coin.

January 26 Virtual Sustainability Town Hall Meeting
January 26 Virtual Sustainability Town Hall Meeting 6:00 pm 

Jan 28th NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech
Jan 28th NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech.

Moved to March

Register at
Feb 1 Morrisville Chamber Annual Meeting
Feb 1 Morrisville Chamber Annual Meeting at Prestonwood Country Club from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.


Award Applications are open!
Feb. 8th- Feb. 10th: Emerging Issues Forum
Feb. 8th- Feb. 10th: Emerging Issues Forum: Advancing Together; North Carolina’s Workforce Through Educational Attainment!  Register at https://iei.ncsu.edu/advancing-together/
North Carolina has been selected to be America’s host bidding for 2027 World University Games! 

Visit ncwug2027bid.com for more information or to make a secure donation through PayPal.  
Radio / TV
Join me today at 11 am on Sirius XM Urban View 126, for my appearance on Inside the Issues with Dr. Wilmer Leon!

Join us on 4 pm Sunday for our Radio Nyra Interview with TIE Carolinas President, Gautam Agarwal.  99.9FMHD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM!
  
Join us on Wed, Jan 26th at 10 am for India Republic Dy POD TV WORLD EDITION with a special guest, Live Stream at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08NbBGZYanM and at https://www.facebook.com/steve.s.rao
Radio NYRA
Join me Sunday 4 PM on Radio NYRA for another update on local issues.   

99.9FM HD4, 101.9 FM and 1490 AM! 
POD TV
Join us every Friday on World Edition at 10 am for the Great America Project Panel where we discuss how we rebuild Americas' image with leaders from around the country and world.

OFFICIAL International Broadcast Media
Public Open Dialogue TV is a worldwide multilingual, multi-demographic network focused on inspiring, educating and entertaining the global community. We provide unique programming in areas not covered by traditional media, and provide a platform for the audience to engage with those shows. Formerly IBMTV.
My Weekly Update:
NC Covid Dashboard:

North Carolinians can go to MySpot.nc.gov to find a vaccine location near them. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at (888) 675-4567 can also help residents make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekends.

Vaccinations
  • Total Doses Administered: 11,978,018  
  • Boosters: 2,849,067  
  • Completed Tests: 23,778,601

  • 74% in NC Partially Vaccinated
  • 70% Fully Vaccinated. 
  • For latest Covid 19 information, please dial 2-1-1 or 888- 892-1162.  
  • Get Updates by texting COVIDNC at 898211.    
  • For unemployment insurance, please visit NC Dept of Employment Security at https://des.nc.gov/.    
  • Apply for Wake Forward program at https://covid19.wakegov.com/wakeforward/

Find a Wake County Testing Site: https://covid19.wakegov.com/testing/

For Covid 19 Testing Sites in Wake County visit http://www.wakegov.com/covidvaxandtest/Pages/default.aspx 

NC Department of Health and Human Services reports 4,867 people are currently in hospitals being treated for the virus. That number is up from 4,741 yesterday.

The daily positivity rate also went up from 33.3% to 34.3%, with another 35,000 positive cases reported.

The state also confirmed 85 more people died from the virus, increasing the statewide death toll to 20,193.

CASES: 
Newly Reported Cases: 35,395
+ N.C. = 2,212,752 Cases (Deaths = 20,193)    
+ 34.3% Positive Rate 
+ 4,867 Hospitalized. 

+ Wake County = 179,000 Cases (Deaths = 920)

+ US = 69.5 million cases / 861,000 deaths 
+ India = 38.6 million cases / 488,000 Deaths.  
+ Worldwide = 334 million cases / 5.57 million deaths
Council Member Rao holds office hours on Friday from 12:00-1:00 PM by appointment only at 100 Town Hall Drive in Morrisville. 

For more information or to schedule a time to speak with Council Member Rao, please email SRao@TownofMorrisville.org and copy Town Clerk Eric Smith, esmith@townofmorrisville.org, 463-6150.
Council Member Steve Rao
Town of Morrisville
Dedicated to transforming Morrisville into an ideal place to work and raise a family!
Learn more at: SteveRao.com