News About Town: The Council met this week to discuss the budget further. Between meetings, the Town Manager trimmed $125,000 from the original recommended budget. Present commissioners questioned the need for the parking lot on Charles Street, the need for longevity pay, and suggested the use of an infrastructure bond for improvement projects. The trick to the budget is figuring out a number that keeps resident’s tax bills as close to what they paid last year while funding all of the sidewalks, multi-use paths, among other amenities (Capital Improvement Projects or CIP).
News Around Town: 2016 census data shows 76.3% of Americans commute alone by car. According to a recent study, "15,832 work here and live outside of Matthews; 12,125 live here and work outside of Matthews; and 894 both work and live in Matthews." That means the overwhelming majority of Matthews residents who work, commute outside of town to their jobs. That also explains the traffic that’s a populart topic for Matthews. One way to pitch in? Join Sustain Charlotte for their clean commute challenge, Way2Go Charlotte. Despite all the CLT mentions, Matthews residents are allowed (nay, encouraged) to participate. A larger number of commuters carpooling, riding transit, and biking can dramatically reduce cars on the roadway and alleviate some of the congestion.
One Fun Thing: Join Matthews Park and Rec for a gallery reception this Sunday (June 9) from 2 til 4 pm at McDowell Arts Center. Meet the artists and participate in an interactive work of art entitled Friendge. Light refreshments will be provided.