Thin Mints & Three-Leaf Shamrocks

👋 Good Morning, Apex! Today is Thursday, March 12, 2026 and this is the 62nd consecutive weekly issue of The Peak Weekly.

Happy Girl Scout Day! Time to get the thin mints out of the freezer and celebrate.

Truth be told, the original title of today’s newsletter was, “Thin Mints and Four Leaf Clovers”. At the last minute, I hesitated… “is it 3 leaves or 4?”

Pardon my ignorance, but I had to look it up. Apparently the Three-Leaf Shamrock symbolizes faith, hope and love.

And the Four-Leaf Clover represents faith, hope, love… and luck.

Well, Saint Patrick didn’t need any luck apparently so the correct version is the three-leaf shamrock. ☘️ 

Good to know. I learned something today.

Anyway, big week this week! We have the Downtown Apex Semi-Annual Sidewalk Sale, some fun St. Patrick’s Day activities, exciting local business updates, and the first day of Spring is right around the corner…

I feel like I am forgetting something 🤔 

Oh that’s right. And no more data center application!

Shout out to the Jordan Pointe neighbors, New Hill residents and everyone else from Apex and beyond who showed up and spoke out to push back. The battle has been won. But it’s not over. What happens next, especially the issue of revising the UDO for data centers, is extremely important. That has major implications on the future and I hope that the voices of our community will be heard during that process.

Before we jump into the good stuff, 2 quick housekeeping items.

📃 NDA Clarification
When I’ve spoken about this particular NDA that the Town Manager signed with an unknown party that certainly has the appearance of a data center related agreement, I’ve seen some comments like, “What’s the big deal? It’s normal to sign NDAs.”

I just want to be clear that I agree with that completely. From Economic Development to Town Managers and other people in between, it’s standard practice. Signing an NDA in and of itself is not a problem. If a Town wants opportunities to bring in big economic opportunities, job providers, etc. that’s standard procedure. I was never saying or trying to imply that the process or existence of NDAs in the economic development processes of our Town is a problem.

Driving a car isn’t a problem. Driving a car while intoxicated and texting is.

The problem isn’t NDAs. The problem is this particular NDA.

For one, the other party is anonymous. Why? Second, it requires the Town to notify them if someone does a public record request for their identity to allow them to seek remedies to stop it. Why?

But the most concerning part is this line: “Agency (Town of Apex / Randy Vosburg) will return or destroy all tangible materials embodying Confidential information … promptly following Company’s written request.”

That raises serious concerns about the possibility of destroying public records, confidential or not, which are subject to certain retention periods by law. So the issue isn’t Town officials or employees signing NDAs. The issue is this NDA, its requirements, its strong desire to stay anonymous, and the fact that the Apex Town Manager inked his signature on it anyway.

By the way, 22 days and counting on my public record request asking them to officially identify “The Company”.

🌐 Data Breach Clarification
Second item to clear up, on January 14th, 2026 I notified the Town Manager and Town Attorney of a data breach involving Council Member Mahaffey’s 2026 CIP Survey.

Shortly after this, Mahaffey was asked on his Facebook account if there was any update to his software and my allegation that there was a data breach. He said this:

If that’s too small to read on your screen, let me recap: Mahaffey’s response to a question about the status on my data breach notification (the exact question was, “any facts to share about survey participants info being compromised?”) was to share a letter from the Town Attorney written to me with my name on it and say, “The political actor got ahold of the raw survey results” … “the town had to spend $15,000 or so hiring an outside firm…” and “Please share to anyone else alarmed by this non-sense. It’s just a stunt by the Wake GOP.”

What followed this, and continues to this day, are attacks on me for being a liar, politically motivated hate comments, claims that I demanded an investigation, and so on.

Here’s what actually happened. I sent an email alerting the Town Attorney and Town Manager that personal information had been exposed online by a council member’s personal software project. A serious matter. I stand by that to this day. In the email, I offered to send the Town the evidence. No demand for investigation. I said I have the proof, and I’ll send it to you. Not once have they asked me for it. You can read my email here.

In the screenshot above, you can see that a letter was shared alongside those comments (which made up for just 1 of the 4 total correspondances in the chain). Here’s the letter.

That letter has been floating around as proof that I lied.

Okay let’s look at the rest then. Here is my response to Attorney Hohe’s letter.

And, finally, her 4-sentence response to my 4-page statutory interpretations and 16 questions can be seen here.

She did not answer a single question, did not identify a single error in my reporting, and did not defend her statutory interpretation.

When Terry Mahaffey made those comments about me being a political actor and being part of a Wake GOP stunt, a lot of things changed for me. That resulted in a lot of unsubscribes, hateful comments and continued, to this day, statements that share a recurring message that I made up a data breach (that I have proof of and offered to them), that I demanded an investigation (which I never did; I offered to provide the proof), and other politically motivated attacks based on claims that are simply not true.

For what it’s worth, after sending the Town a demand letter the other day, Mahaffey is attempting to backtrack and is now claiming that his comments - made on a post about my data breach notification, alongside a letter with my name on it, which have been echoed back at me across multiple social media platforms by those who read his comments - weren't about me.

Anyway. I do this for free. I do it because I love Apex. I’ve been taking a lot of hits lately because of these statements. But local independent journalism is important. Not backing down to bullies is important. So let’s keep it going. Enjoy this week’s update and I’ll see you back here next week with #63. ❤️ 

📩 By the way, if you are interested in more Apex reporting, give Holly Springs Update a follow. They report on Apex too and do a great job!

Also good follows: Raleighwood Inbox and Cary Digest

#SupportLocalJournalism

Miscellaneous Info:

🩸 Apex PD Blood Drive
The Apex Police Department is partnering with The Blood Connection to host a blood drive on Monday, March 16th, 2026 from 12pm - 5pm. Each donor will receive credit toward an e-gift card and a $10 donation will be made in their honor to the Special Olympics of North Carolina. Sign up here.

🏗️ Phase 2: Development
Peak Plan 2055 is an initiative that will result in an updated comprehensive plan for the Town. Phase 1: Discovery is now complete. Phase 2 focuses on development and how do we grow from here. Mark your calendar for the public forum on March 25, 2026 from 4-7pm at Apex Town Hall. The topics discussed will be Land Use + Conservation Scenarios, “Vision” Plan, and Subarea Concepts. Learn more here.

🚿 Dive into Water Resources
On March 26, from 6-8pm, CommUniversity will host an interactive education session at the Apex Senior Center to help you learn how your Water Resources Department provides dependable, safe, and cost-effective drinking water and wastewater services. More info here.

🧑‍💻 Resident Advisory Board Positions
Are you passionate about shaping the future of our community? Serving on a Town Advisory Board or Committee is a great way to get involved, collaborate with local leaders, and make a real impact. Applications are being accepted through this Sunday, March 15.

🌺 Drive-in Movie at the Park
On Friday, March 27, the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” movie will be playing at Pleasant Park. $10 per vehicle. They do sell out! Get tickets here. (And/or plan ahead and grab tickets no the May 22 showing of Zootopia 2 here).

Things to Do This Week in Apex:

Friday, March 13

🐶 Pints + Puppies: Adoption Option
5pm - 8pm | Southern Peak Brewery

☘️ St. Paddy’s Celebration with Joe Hero
8pm - 11pm | The Backyard Bar

Saturday, March 14

🧑‍🌾 Apex Farmers Market
9am - 12pm | The Depot

🏃‍♀️ Run Club Apex
Meet at 9am | Foxtail Coffee

🏞 Creek Week: Big Sweep Stream Cleanup
9am - 12pm | 820 E Williams

🛍️ Apex Sidewalk Sale
10am - 5pm | Downtown Apex

🌈 Apex Holi 2026
11am - 3pm | Salem Middle School

🛍️ Apex Underground Market
11am - 3pm | Sweetwater Town Center

☘️ Irish Beer Fest
Starts: 12pm | Oaklyn Springs Brewery

☘️ St. Patrick’s Outdoor Party
Starts: 2pm | Doherty’s Irish Pub

🎸 Deep 6, Pearl Jam Tribute Band
7pm | TapStation

☘️ Ultimate St. Paddy’s Party w/Crush
Starts: 8pm | The Backyard Bar

🎸 Live Music w/ Sonic Blues
8pm - 11pm | Peak of the Vine

Sunday, March 15

🧀 Mac and Cheese Cook-off
2pm | Peakway Taps

🎻 Classical Concert Series
3pm | Halle Cultural Arts Center

Tuesday, March 17

☘️ 2026 St. Patrick’s Celebration
Starts: 3pm | Doherty’s Irish Pub

Wednesday, March 18

🎬️ Wednesday Morning Movie
10am - 12pm | Halle Cultural Arts Center

🏃‍♂️ Rudy’s Run Club
6:30pm - 9:30pm | Rudy’s Pub & Grill

Local Business Update:

🧱 Yamato Steak, Seafood & Sushi Bar
Word on the street (and by street I mean the Mayor’s Facebook video) is that Yamato may be closing soon.

Sounds like more details to come, but if you’re figuring out what to do for lunch or dinner today, might be good timing to go support them!

🍛 IndiFresh Supermarket
An Indian grocery store and a 2-story office building are coming soon near Costco (behind Academy Sports) at 1215 Pine Plaza Dr. The 5.47 acre site was purchased for $1.875M. last April. The Apex IndiFresh will have a restaurant with with indoor and outdoor seating as well as a bakery, beer cave and ice cream station and will employ up to 50 people. The plan is to break ground this year and finish construction in 2027.

☀️ Summer Camp!
The last day of school is just 91 days away! That may seem like a lot, but time flies and activities fill up quick! If you are part of an organization with fun summer activities for kids, please reach out so we can share. In the meantime, here’s one - Art Explorers: Art Camps for Curious Creative Kids. This is a mixed media camp, July 27-31, perfect for rising 2-6th graders who are creative and curious about any and every kind of art. Learn more and register here.

🐻 Bear Hands Gifts is Moving
The literary & mystic boutique, currently located at 305 S Salem (next to First National Bank near Tap Station) is relocating to 209 N Salem St, Suite 103 (the former Monroe Boutique). Their last day in the current shop is March 29 and place to be in the new space on or around May 9.

🛋️ French Bleue - Last Weekend Downtown
This weekend will be the shop’s last days in downtown Apex as they are moving to a new location on a horse farm down the road. During this weekend’s Downtown Apex Sidewalk Sale, they will be offering 20% off everything in the shop.

🐠 The Local Apex
The former Vicious Fishes, now The Local, will be opening this month. They will offer coffee drinks, sodas (including dirty soads), beer, cider, seltzers and wine. Food trucks every day for lunch and dinner with some breakfast sprinkled in. Thee former Vicious Fishes in Fuquay, now called Duke’s Kitchen & Taphouse, will be re-opening at about the same time.

Civic News:

🏭️ Data Center Moratorium
Council voted unanimously to direct staff to begin the process of enacting a one-year moratorium on data center construction and related activities (including crypto mining) within Apex. A notice period and public hearing will take place, as required by law, before it will be officially adopted. Official adoption will likely take place during the April 14 council meeting.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Debate: Community Advisory Committee
During Tuesday’s council meeting, Mayor Gilbert proposed standing up a non-standing (temporary) citizen committee to research data center impacts and provide policy/transparency recommendations - essentially a residents' advisory group. This sparked the longest and most contentious debate of the night.

Gilbert pushed hard for a standalone committee, citing the need for two-way community engagement, transparency, and the precedent of the affordable housing committee from ~2021. He invited Dr. Michelle Hoffner O'Connor to speak directly on community engagement. She emphasized the one-way communication problem and said the community wants to partner with the town.

Mahaffey opposed a new committee, arguing staff is fully capable of soliciting public input. Zegarman proposed referring the matter to the Environmental Advisory Board (EAB) and letting them figure out how to organize, possibly with a subcommittee. Gray built on Zegarman's idea, suggesting a resident subcommittee housed under the EAB, with a 60-day timeline to report back. Reese supported the EAB route and agreed with the subcommittee concept, calling it a "redemption moment" for the EAB after the October meeting debacle (where their role was misrepresented in media coverage as having "approved" the data center when they only voted on recommendations). Mu raised concerns about procedural fairness, noting that pro-data-center voices were underrepresented and that clear rules are needed for future citizen committees.

The council members voted unanimous to refer the matter to the EAB, with the EAB to report back within 60 days on their findings and how they plan to organize community input. You can watch the full exchange here (about 56 minutes total). Or read some follow-up comments from the Mayor here.

🔌 Electric Meters
Over 11,000 meter upgrades are complete; on track for Fall completion.

🛣️ Salem Streetscaping Update
Storm drainage installed, underground conduit is going in, street light pole foundations are coming next, underground soil cells are being installed for tree health.

☎️ Ask Apex Day
A proclamation was made making March 11 Ask Apex Day to celebrate the town’s 311-style customer service center (919-249-3311).

♀️Women’s History
A proclamation was made making March 2026 Women’s History and Appreciation Month.

🚘️ Detached Garage Utility Rate Change
Council unanimously approved moving separately-metered detached garages from the small general service rate to the residential rate.

🗓️ Upcoming Town Meetings

Monday, March 16
Culture & Arts Advisory Board Meeting
6pm | Town Hall

Tuesday, March 17
Board of Adjustments Meeting
6pm | Town Hall

Tuesday, March 17
Town Council Work Session
3:30pm - 5pm | Town Hall

Wednesday, March 11
Multimodal Transportation Advisory Board
Work Session
4:45pm - 6:45pm | Town Hall

A Look Ahead:

Thursday, March 19
Women’s History Month: Time for Tea | Senior Center

Thursday, March 19
Learning Lunch Series: Greek American Heritage | Senior Center

Friday, March 20
Spring Concert Series | Sweetwater Lawn

Friday, March 20
Shamrock Showdown | Downtown Apex

Friday, March 20
Creek Week: Invasive Plant Removal Workday | Apex Community Park

Saturday, March 21
Spring Fling (Peak City Church) | Apex High School Parking Lot

April 10 & 11
Peak City Pig Fest | Town Hall Campus

In Case You Missed it

🚿 Water System Maintenance
Beginning Feb 27 thru April 6, the Cary/Apex Water Treatment Plant will undergo its annual maintenance. You may experience temporary low water pressure, slight chlorine taste or odor, and/or water discoloration during this time.

⛺️ Triangle Camps, Track-Out, and More
The Triangle Camps, Track-out, and More directory is a biannual publication which offers valuable information to parents about camps, track out programs, enrichment activities, and more for children in the Triangle region. View the Spring/Summer 2026 Triangle Camps Directory here.

▶️ 2026 Apex State of the Town
If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth a watch - the annual State of the Town video reflects on key accomplishments of 2025. Watch it here.

🎭 Performance and Event Stage
The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved $23.5M in hospitality tax funds for 12 projects across the county. Relevant to Apex is the $348k designated to construct a stage on the Town Campus to host concerts, performances and to support Town events. It will include roughly 600 seats and capacity for 1,100 on the lawn.

🚧 2026 Road Rehab Project
The road resurfacing and patching project has been awarded. Construction is expected to begin next month. The full packet showing what roads are a part of this project can be seen here.

👩‍🎨 Call for Artists: Murals
The Town of Apex has two mural projects planned; one on retaining walls in the Saunders Street parking lot in downtown Apex and the other on the amphitheater in the Apex Nature Park. Artists are invited to submit proposals for one or both projects. Deadline to apply is Monday, April 27.

A Final Note:

Thank you for taking time out of your day today to read this week’s edition of The Peak Weekly.

As always, if you have any ideas of how to make this newsletter better, want to nominate a local business or organization to be featured, or anything else, please respond to this email or email me directly at [email protected]

See you next Thursday... 😘