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

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/.

Customers who experience power outages should call Duke Energy's automated

outage-reporting systems for their respective utility: 

 

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: 

Thanks to everyone who attended the Town Center information sessions on Tues. and Wed.  Check www.townofmorrisville.org/towncenter for more information.  

President Biden completes one year of Presidency. https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/19/politics/joe-biden-first-year-in-office/index.html

Rock Legend Meatloaf dies.  

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.  

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.  

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.  

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. 

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:

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. 

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.

Jan. 25 - 6 p.m. Town Council Meeting (Virtual)

Jan. 26 - 6 p.m. Parks Recreation and Cultural Resources Advisory Committee (Virtual)

Jan. 27 - 6:30 p.m. Morrisville Smart City Steering Committee (Virtual)

Jan. 28 - 2 p.m. - Jan. 30 - 12 p.m. Town Council Annual Winter Meeting (Virtual)

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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 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! 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.

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.

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).

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

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!

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

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!  

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.

https://www.pbsnc.org/watch/black-issues-forum/.

January 26 Virtual Sustainability Town Hall Meeting 6:00 pm 

Jan 28th NC Tech Association Outlook for Tech.

Register at

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: Advancing Together; North Carolina’s Workforce Through Educational Attainment!  Register at https://iei.ncsu.edu/advancing-together/. 

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.

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.