New Garner Downtown and Small Business Development Manager Joins Staff
Shayla Douglas has been hired as the Downtown and Small Business Development Manager.
Shayla Douglas has been hired as the Downtown and Small Business Development Manager, replacing Mari Howe, who is now serving as the Special Project Manager for the Town.
A native of Hamlet, NC, Shayla is a two-time UNC Chapel Hill graduate, most recently completing her Master in Public Administration this May. Shayla will be serving as a staff liaison between the Downtown Garner Association and the Town, as well as supporting small businesses across the entire Town of Garner.
Friday Family Flicks: Spider-Man No Way Home
The Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will have a free showing of "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (weather permitting) on Friday, June 10, at 8:45 p.m. on the front lawn of Garner Recreation Center (215 W. Main St.).
The Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will have a free showing of "Spider-Man: No Way Home" (weather permitting) on Friday, June 10, at 8:45 p.m. on the front lawn of Garner Recreation Center (215 W. Main St.).
Join us outside for a free family movie on the big screen. Concessions will be available for purchase. Rain date is the same time the following day. Don’t forget your lawn chairs or blankets!
Don't miss Spiderman! He will be here taking pictures from 8:15-8:45pm.
Concessions will be provided by Funnel Cakes by Tonio!
Menu:
Fresh Popped Popcorn
Nachos and Cheese
Funnel Cake
Deep Fried Oreos
Baked Pretzel
Cotton Candy
Drinks and Refreshments
Check garnernc.gov or the Town's social media sites on the day of the event for updates on any possible rescheduling or cancellation due to inclement weather.
Launch Garner Program Accepting Applications for Fall Class
The Launch Garner program is now accepting applications for its fall 2022 course. The Launch Garner program involves a series of 10 free classes as well as mentoring and networking resources. The program is open to current small business owners or entrepreneurs with great new business ideas. The application deadline is July 8.
The Launch Garner program is now accepting applications for its fall 2022 course. The Launch Garner program involves a series of 10 free classes as well as mentoring and networking resources. The program is open to current small business owners or entrepreneurs with great new business ideas. The application deadline is July 8.
Garner is Creating Pedestrian Plan and We Want Your Feedback Via Survey
The Town of Garner is seeking community input for its new pedestrian plan. Your feedback will provide a framework for developing a safe and equitable pedestrian network for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
The Town of Garner is seeking community input for its new pedestrian plan. Your feedback will provide a framework for developing a safe and equitable pedestrian network for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities.
Garner Memorial Day Observance, May 30th, Lake Benson Park. 9:30am.
This annual observance honors those who died while serving our country in the armed forces. Guided tours of the Garner Veterans Memorial will be conducted before the event and after its conclusion.
This annual observance honors those who died while serving our country in the armed forces. Guided tours of the Garner Veterans Memorial will be conducted before the event and after its conclusion.
The event is co-sponsored by Garner Veterans Advisory Committee, American Legion Post 232 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10225. *Please note earlier start time.*
Attendees are encouraged to bring camper chairs for comfort.
License plate reader leads Garner PD to stolen vehicle; juvenile robbery suspects taken into custody
Three juvenile robbery suspects are in custody after a Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reading (ALPR) camera led Garner Police to a stolen vehicle.
Three juvenile robbery suspects are in custody after a Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reading (ALPR) camera led Garner Police to a stolen vehicle.
On Tuesday, a Flock Safety ALPR camera alerted Garner Police to a stolen vehicle on US 70. A Garner police officer followed the car from US 70 onto I-40 as he waited for additional backup officers to arrive.
When the officer attempted to make a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and led police on a chase through Johnston County.
Near the Johnston-Wayne County line, officers with the Princeton Police Department deployed stop sticks to deflate the tires on the stolen vehicle.
The three juvenile occupants jumped from the car and ran, but were eventually taken into custody by the Raleigh Police Department who connected them to multiple armed robberies.
Flock Safety ALPR cameras help law enforcement investigate crime by providing objective evidence that can be transformed into actionable leads. They capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, not people or faces.
To proactively prevent crime from occurring, the cameras will send a real-time alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or known wanted felony suspect vehicle from a state or national crime database enters the jurisdiction. They can also send real-time alerts if a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or Silver Alert is detected.
Flock Safety works with over 1,000 law enforcement agencies to solve hundreds of crimes every day.
Release courtesy Flock Safety
The Towne Players of Garner Theater Production Camp Auditions
The Towne Players of Garner are holding auditions later this month for teens wanting to participate in the community theater group's August production of "Moana Jr."
The Towne Players of Garner partner with the Town of Garner to present a summer show annually. Interested teens must audition for a role in the show.
If chosen, the teen will participate in an exciting and intensive five-week rehearsal period, culminating in a presentation of Disney’s Moana Jr. There is no fee for this camp, but teens must audition for a spot to participate. Auditions will be held May 23 and 24 from 6pm until 8pm.
Interested teens are only required to audition once on either May 23 or May 24. Be prepared to perform 16 bars of a song of your choice and do a cold read from the script.
Parent meeting: June 7, 2022 at 7:45pm at the Garner Performing Arts Center.
Final production of Disney's Moana Jr. will be held on Aug. 11, 12 & 13.
Town of Garner Wins Five Statewide Awards for Communications Work
The Town of Garner is proud to announce that staff won five Excellence in Communications Awards on April 29 from NC City and County Communicators. The awards were announced at NC3C's annual conference in Greenville.
The Town of Garner is proud to announce that staff won five Excellence in Communications Awards on April 29 from NC City and County Communicators. The awards were announced at NC3C's annual conference in Greenville.
First place : Promotional video: Garner Stormwater Bonds Video
First place: Digital external newsletter/blog: Garner Update e-Newsletter
Second place: videography: Garner Videography Entry
Second place: Public Service Announcement: Stave Six: Ghost of Dinners Past
Second place: Annual Report: 2021 Garner Economic Development Annual Report
Celebrate National Small Business Week May 1st-7th
Celebrate and Support your favorite Garner Small Businesses.
Temporary Lane Closures to Occur Along Jones Sausage Road Starting May 3
Next week, starting on Tuesday, there will be temporary lane closures (approximately one and a half hours in length) at eight different locations along Jones Sausage Road from the southern end of the Amazon facility to just south of the Garner Road intersection.
Next week, starting on Tuesday, there will be temporary lane closures (approximately one and a half hours in length) at eight different locations along Jones Sausage Road from the southern end of the Amazon facility to just south of the Garner Road intersection.
The closures will occur one at a time to enable hole-boring work to be done along the corridor between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. (off-peak drive times during the day). The work will be performed over the course of several days. We will provide any pertinent updates as we receive them.
Garner 2022-23 Recommended Budget Submitted to Town Council and Available for Review
The FY 2022-2023 recommended budget has been submitted to the Garner Town Council, and is available for public inspection in the office of the Town Clerk, in the lobby of Town Hall and at the Southeast Regional Library.
The FY 2022-2023 recommended budget has been submitted to the Garner Town Council, and is available for public inspection in the office of the Town Clerk, in the lobby of Town Hall and at the Southeast Regional Library.
The recommended budget will be discussed during the May 2, 2022, Town Council meeting, which starts at 7 p.m., and take place in the Town Hall Ronnie S. Williams Council Chambers located at 900 7th Ave. in Garner.
Willie Bradley Graces The Garner Performing Arts Center April 29th
Bold, edgy, yet simultaneously charming and beautiful, well-describe the music of artist/trumpeter Willie Bradley.
Bold, edgy, yet simultaneously charming and beautiful, well-describe the music of artist/trumpeter Willie Bradley.
Considered a go-to musician for many of soul music greats, his music has made the Smooth Jazz Billboard Charts and has been added to Smooth Jazz Radio Stations like Pandora, Spotify and iHeart Radio.
Willie has performed at numerous high profile shows around the country including multiple jazz festivals and has played in the brass section with RJ & The Original James Brown Band touring abroad in France, Osaka and Tokyo.
His newest CD project “Going With The Flow”, brings together award winning producer Preston Glass and a cast of stellar musicians with varied styles. His musical talents are guaranteed to be savored by all.
Jihan Hodges Recognized as Main Street Champion
The Downtown Garner Association was honored to nominate past DGA Chair and Board Member Jihan Hodges as Garner’s 2021 Main Street Champion. Downtown Development Manager Mari Howe shared the following in her nomination of Jihan Hodges:
Thirty-three North Carolina Main Street Champions were recognized for their commitment to downtown revitalization and strong communities in 2021 during the recent NC Main Street Conference. Including this year’s group of honorees, 837 Main Street Champions have been recognized by the N.C. Department of Commerce since 2000.
The Downtown Garner Association was honored to nominate past DGA Chair and Board Member Jihan Hodges as Garner’s 2021 Main Street Champion. Downtown Development Manager Mari Howe shared the following in her nomination of Jihan Hodges:
Since joining the Downtown Garner Association in 2017, Jihan Hodges has been an amazing asset to Garner’s Main Street program. Bringing her energy and passion to the table, she plays a big part in making Downtown Garner’s signature events successful. Jihan puts in long hours, acting as volunteer coordinator, and looking for opportunities, big and small, to make downtown events better every year. Often the first to arrive and last to leave, Jihan’s commitment is unparalleled, and her assistance is invaluable to the downtown manager. During her four years on the downtown board, Jihan served as vice chair and chair, leading the organization as an advocate for a catalytic public-private development project on Main Street and guiding annual planning efforts to build on downtown’s strategic assets.
The 2021 NC Main Street Champions were honored in a virtual recognition ceremony on March 10. Representatives from the NC Department of Commerce attended to congratulate the new Champoions. “There are three common elements that are found in successful communities. These elements are asset based economic development strategies, public and private partnerships, and local champions,” said Kenny Flowers, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development at the N.C. Department of Commerce.
“Main Street Champions are the key to success in downtown revitalization. They possess courage to move downtown forward; they fight for positive change and do that with creativity and innovation; and they actively get things done, while staying focused on the downtown’s economic development strategies,” said Liz Parham, Director of the N.C. Main Street & Rural Planning Center at Commerce.
The Downtown Garner Association would like to thank Jihan Hodges for her dedicated service and enthusiastic contributions to Garner’s Main Street program.
Nana's Lil Sweets Bakery to Open in Downtown Garner
Downtown Garner just got a little sweeter. Nana’s Lil Sweets, a new bakery concept, is slated to open their doors on Main Street some time in May. An official opening date has yet to be released.
Downtown Garner just got a little sweeter. Nana’s Lil Sweets, a new bakery concept, is slated to open their doors on Main Street some time in May. An official opening date has yet to be released.
Nana’s Lil Sweets owner, Barbara Jemison has spent years in the baking and culinary world. Her love for baking is only equaled by her love of her family. As it states on her website, “Nana's Lil Sweets was born to provide a creative outlet for me, but also to share the love and fun with baking with my grandbabies…” From cakes to cookies and everything in between, Nana’s Lil Sweets will help folks enjoy the sweet life.
More information will be coming out once an opening date has been finalized. For now, you can visit Nana’s Lil Sweets online at Nana's Lil Sweets (nanaslilsweets.com) or on facebook Nana's Lil Sweets - Home | Facebook.
Downtown & North Garner Community Update Meeting April 28 at 6pm
Wondering what’s been happening behind the scenes here in Downtown Garner? Join us on April 28th at 6pm to learn more about everything that’s been brewing during the last year and find out what’s coming soon to Downtown and North Garner!
Wondering what’s been happening behind the scenes here in Downtown Garner? Join us on April 28th at 6pm to learn more about everything that’s been brewing during the last year and find out what’s coming soon to Downtown and North Garner!
The Downtown Garner Association will host an in-person community gathering in the Multipurpose Room of the Garner Recreation Center to share our upcoming Calendar of Events and to talk about recent business developments and exciting new additions to our historic downtown district and North Garner. DGA board members will lead a walking tour of the Main Street business district, ending at Aristotle Spirits for Q&A and drinks.
This is a great opportunity to learn more about DGA’s role in downtown revitalization – especially if you’re interested in getting involved! The DGA Board of Directors is looking for volunteers who want to help with public art, downtown events, marketing, and fundraising. If that’s you, we encourage you to attend and bring your questions about how you can get involved.
To register to attend, click the link below.
Garner's Aristotle Spirits Brings Home The Gold
Garner’s Aristotle Spirits takes home two GOLD’s at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for BOTH of the Philosopher Gins.
We took home two GOLD’s at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for BOTH of the Philosopher Gins. Our New American and Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin look good in GOLD.
About Aristotle Spirits
At Aristotle Spirits, we create a drinking experience founded in precision and classical distilling processes. You deserve a craft beverage made with the highest quality North Carolina ingredients and the closest attention to detail. Whether you stick to whiskey or enjoy experimenting with mixers and seasonal infusions, every Aristotle recipe pushes the boundaries of distilling quality and creativity. We invite you to tour our facility, chat with our staff and enjoy unique cocktails with your friends.
Located in Garner, North Carolina, our spirits are distilled on-site with the finest, locally-sourced ingredients. After spending years as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry, Jake decided to step away from the corporate environment and open his own distillery to craft the spirits he enjoys. This turned into the realization of a dream to create a culture that focuses on the process and unique character of the spirits.
As far back as the fourth century B.C., the great philosopher Aristotle suggested the possibility of spirit distillation. It is an age-old operation that today combines complex mental calculations and formulas with new technologies. Using several principles of natural science and chemistry, Jake produces a portfolio of spirits, second to none, that are made the right way every time.
Join us at Aristotle Spirits and experience Excellence Crafted. Excellence Served.
Public Hearing April 19th: Town-wide rezoning related to the new Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)
The Town of Garner is undertaking a town-wide rezoning related to the proposed adoption of a new Town of Garner Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Properties affected would include both the annexed corporate limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) areas of the Town of Garner, an area of approximately 39 square miles. A Public Hearing will be held at the Ronnie S. Williams Council Chambers on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 7:00 p.m. Garner Town Hall, 900 Seventh Ave, Garner, NC 27529.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022, 7:00 p.m.
Hearing will be held at the Ronnie S. Williams Council Chambers
Garner Town Hall, 900 Seventh Ave, Garner, NC 27529
The UDO Re-Write project involves the creation of new zoning districts and corresponding changes to existing zoning designations across Garner.
You may have received the following Rezoning Notice in the mail.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a UDO, and what does a re-write project entail? Answer.
Where can I find information & materials for the project? The Steering Committee page.
What does this mean for homeowners? See our Homeowner Handout
Where can I find 160D materials? Answer: Scroll below or visit the subpage
Where can I find the proposed zoning map changes? Answer: Scroll below or visit the website
Where can I find the UDO questionnaire? Answer: visit the website
Final Draft Articles - UDO Re-Write
Article 1: Establishment and Administration
Article 2: Nonconformities
Article 3: Review Bodies
Article 4: Review Procedures
Article 5: Zoning Districts
Article 6: Use Regulations
Article 7: Enforcement
Article 9: Design and Parking
Article 10: Lighting and Landscaping
Article 11: Environmental and Floodplain
Article 12: Signage
Article 13: Definitions
You may still have questions regarding this matter. You are welcome to call the town at 919-773-4449, and a planning staff member will be happy to assist you.
Please be patient if the line is busy and try again after a few minutes. Staff will also be available at the customer service desk in the main lobby of Town Hall during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.).
Extended Town Hall customer service desk assistance will also be available April 11 through April 14 and April 18 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
The meeting will also be broadcast live that evening on Facebook and YouTube at https://www.facebook.com/TownofGarner/ and https://www.youtube.com/user/TownofGarner respectively. Handicapped persons needing assistance or aids should contact the Clerk’s office prior to the meeting at 919-772-4688.
2022 Primaries. Voting, Early Voting, and Election Day Information.
2022 Primary Elections. Early Voting: April 28th to May 14th. Election Day: May 17th.
Note: There is no Early Voting site in Garner but you can vote at any early voting location.
2022 Elections
Early Voting: April 28th to May 14th
Primary Election + Town of Cary Municipal Election
There is no Early Voting site in Garner but you can vote at any early voting location.
See specific locations and times below.
Election Day: Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Primary Election + Town of Cary Municipal Election
Vote at your election day polling place.
2022 Primary Election Information
Sample Ballot Precinct Key (large file)
View rules for candidate and campaign sign placement (NCSBOE Memo)
Behind the Badge - Garner Police Chief Lorie Smith
A docu-series spotlighting the women and men of the Garner Police Department, as they share their journey into law enforcement, allowing us to see the person behind the badge.
A docu-series spotlighting the women and men of the Garner Police Department, as they share their journey into law enforcement, allowing us to see the person behind the badge.
Chief Smith joined the Police Department in 1997 as a member of the Patrol Division and was promoted to sergeant in 2004. She became the first sworn female member of the Police Department’s command staff when she was promoted to lieutenant in 2015.
As lieutenant, Smith commanded the Criminal Investigations Division until her promotion to captain. She led the Administration Bureau through 2020, serving as the department’s backup public information officer (PIO), primary internal affairs investigator.
During her career with the Police Department, Smith has been a field training officer, general instructor, Crisis Intervention Team officer, negotiator, team leader and team commander for the department’s Crisis Negotiations Team and now serves as Garner's Chief of Police.
via Town of Garner
Wigeon Capital Brings Additional Industrial Space in Garner
Wigeon Capital is seeking to help alleviate the crunch for industrial space with the construction of their new project, Greenfield 27.
If you have tried to buy a home lately you know that the real estate market is extremely competitive. The industrial real estate market is no exception.
Wigeon Capital is seeking to help alleviate the crunch for industrial space with the construction of their new project, Greenfield 27.
Greenfield 27 is located in the Greenfield South business park. This new project will consist of three buildings and encompass a little over 27 acres. Buildings will be 160,380, 57,800, and 44,800 square feet. This variety of building sizes gives potential clients the opportunity to choose which space best fits their needs.
Over the past few years, Wigeon Capital has made signifcant investments in Garner. To-date, the company has already constructed nearly 200,000 square feet of space. The Greenfield 27 project will only add to the companies invest in Garner.
"We are fortunate to have developers like Wigeon in our community," said Joe Stallings Garner Economic Development Director. "These types of investments are critical to the community's ability to attract new jobs to our area.