#ThrowbackThursday: November 23, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews News) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. These stories were originally published November 23, 2006 and was written by the Record staff.

Rezoning request challenged

Over 100 Matthews residents turned out to hear a presentation by Beazer Homes and their proposed rezoning and development of 91 townhomes off South Trade Street last Thursday.

The purchase of roughly 20 acres of undeveloped land belonging to the Hylton and Martin families by Beazer Homes, will depend on the success of the zoning request. The homes would start at $265,000. Residents from Country Place, Hampton Green, and Chesney Glen, all neighboring subdivisions, quickly turned the subject to the everpresent topic - traffic.

“It horrifies me that we are even considering another development before the traffic problem is addressed,” said Jack Clark of Hampton Green, a sentiment that was echoed through the night.

With an estimated 182 more vehicles vying for traffic commute space between Fullwood, Pleasant Plains, and Weddington roads, the potential traffic quagmire overwhelmed those in attendance at the community meeting. Many citizens expressed concern about the “chicken before the egg” concept where development takes place before the traffic issues are resolved. Adjacent property owners indicated they were always aware of residential development of that site, for single-family homes, not townhomes. A couple of Matthews town commissioners were present, along with Mayor Lee Myers who addressed the crowd, trying to assure them that the development proposal is in its infancy and that the town leaders will do the right thing for the community. Citizens are encouraged to stay on top of further developments regarding the Beazer rezoning request.

Rezoning: Bainbridge Matthews (Matthews-Mint Hill Road)

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Land clearing has begun for Bainbridge Matthews, a future development located on Matthews-Mint Hill Road near Butler High School. This land was formerly the Oakhaven Mobile Home Park, Overcash homestead, and Query Homestead.

On December 11, 2017, the Board of Commissioners approved Rezoning Request 2017-663 with Higdon, Miller, Ross, Whitley and Urban in favor and Taylor and Melton opposed. The property, totaling 30.752 acres, was rezoned from R-12, O(CD), R-MH, RU, and BH to R-12MF(CD).

(What do those zoning codes mean? There’s a chart for that.)

Now demolished, the Overcash home, built in 1921, had significant remodeling and was therefore not a good candidate for historic preservation or relocation. The barn was in fair condition, but the Town had little need for it after repurposing the Idlewild Road barn. A log cabin on the site is likely over 100 years old was offered to the town for historic preservation. The cabin will need some reconditioning.

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The multifamily Bainbridge Matthews complex consists of 350 rental units, including both apartments and townhomes. Two pocket parks will flank the entrance at Northeast Parkway and will be available for public use daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The developer will construct the portion on Northeast Parkway that will run through their property, as well as a multi-use path on one side and a sidewalk on the other. The developer has accounted for 18 bike parking spots throughout the complex.

Though not noted on the original staff report, in October 2017 the Planning Department added the following information:

• CMS indicates this project will generate 128 new students for Crown Point Elementary, Mint Hill Middle, and Butler High School. by this project.

• The trip generation report indicates a total of 2,245 cars per day.

Bainbridge will preserve at least 15% of the existing tree canopy (a minimum tree save of 4.79 acres) as directed by R12-MF zoning. The majority of tree save is along property boundaries.

In the process of approving any new development the board discusses the affect on town services, the tax base, and projected tax revenue from the project. Prior to development the tax revenue was $16,700 (total for both parcels), the anticipated tax revenue (after construction) is an estimated $128,000.

If you’re looking for the Cliff Notes version, here’s a handy dandy summary:

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week of March 11 through March 15, 2019.

News About Town {updated}: Matthews police have identified the body found on East John St. as Mr. Shawn Antonio Horton (DOB – 07/14/1972) of Charlotte, NC. His body was found in a ditch on the 1800 block of E. John Street (the outer side of John St. past I-485). A damaged silver and purple Huffy bicycle was found nearby. The victim seems to have died several weeks ago. As police piece together Mr. Horton’s last few days, they’re asking for tips and leads. If you have any, call Matthews Police Department at 704-847-5555.

News About Town: Last night’s council meeting, in the absence of Mayor Paul Bailey, was led by Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon. It was a rapidly moving meeting with lots of Town business covered, though perhaps most surprising was regarding the recent land-clearing on Monroe Road for Residences Galleria, a 250-unit apartment complex to be built across from Family Dollar. During the rezoning process, the developer and nearby residents agreed upon specific areas for tree save. This week as land clearing began, approximately 200 trees marked to be saved were cut down. Taft Development Group is facing a $50,000 zoning violation fine from the Town and will pay a self-imposed fine of $100,000 in addition. Taft will also plant trees approximately 6-inches in diameter when construction is complete to repopulate the tree save area.

News About Town: According to the Town website, the Trade Street widening at the culvert (where Trade forks off to Weddington and Pleasant Plains) is supposed to be complete this spring. At Monday night’s Council meeting, NCDOT representative Stuart Basham provided updates and a revised completion date. Currently, the contractor, Blythe Construction, has increased the size of the crew but is incurring liquidated damages of $1,000 per day. According to Stuart, the project is expected to be completed by Labor Day.

News About Town: During the NCDOT updates at the Monday Council meeting, some conversation centered on the John St. Widening. Even the Town has been formulating their own approach, NCDOT has continued moving forward with design from Matthews to Monroe. According to Mayor Bailey, NCDOT and the Town are on the same page to delay construction on the portion from I-485 to Trade. The part of John St from I-485 eastward will continue with design and ROW acquisition. Now the Town must present this preference to the CRTPO (the municipal governing body for Charlotte area transportation) to amend the official STIP (a scheduled list of funded transportation projects). It’s a bureaucratic process to change the NCDOT budget in order to delay the downtown Matthews section.

News About Town: Matthews residents have a new park option. The playground equipment at Rice Road Park, a 9.5 acre parcel at 2530 Rice Road, has been installed and is ready for play! The work recently finished, Phase I, included driveway access into the park, an on-site walking trail, one sidewalk connection from Rice Road into the park, playground facilities, parking lot, lighting, benches, and picnic tables, as well as landscaping. According to the Town’s Facebook page, Phase II of the park will include a picnic shelter, additional seating, and enhanced natural areas around the walking trail.

Rezoning: 10252 Monroe Road

Land clearing began last week for Residences Galleria (formerly called Proximity Matthews), the apartment complex going up across from Family Dollar on Monroe Road. The project is a 250-unit rental community consisting of both multifamily buildings and townhomes.

The developer, Taft Development / Income Investments, LLC, applied for rezoning in September of 2016. The 21.668-acre property at 10252 Monroe Road was zoned R-VS (residential, varied style with a higher density). The 2016 application requested rezoning to R-12 MF (CD) (residential, multi-family, conditional use).

Image from the Town Staff Report for Zoning Application 2016-652

On February 13, 2017 five members of the Board of Commissioners (Taylor, Melton, Higdon, Miller, and Whitley) voted in favor of approving rezoning application 2016-652. Commissioner Ross opposed. Commissioner Urban, also the architect on the project, was excused from voting.

In 2015 a rezoning application for a 350-unit development on the same property was unanimously denied (Taylor, Pata, Higdon, Melton, Miller, Query, and Ross).

Residences Galleria will contain garden apartments ranging in size from 750 square feet for a one-bedroom to 1350 square feet for a three-bedroom. The townhomes will be two- and three-bedroom.

In addition to the building construction, Taft will place a concrete pad Charlotte Area Transit System stop on Monroe Road. They have also committed to constructing a portion of Sardis Greenway along the rear of the property, between the new development and Sardis Forest neighborhood. Plans include moving the current street-adjacent sidewalk along Monroe Road will be moved further back onto the property. While the agreement for rezoning included saving the mature trees near Monroe Rd. many of those trees were cut down. Taft will pay a fine to the Town of Matthews in the amount of $150,000 for a violation of the rezoning agreement.

The project includes means for protecting the historic Rosedale Cemetery such as removing dead plant debris by hand, a perimeter fence, and an easement for public parking for access to the cemetery.

Though requested, Town Staff had not received a response from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in time to be included in the Staff Report presented to Town Council. According to CMS, this project will add 80 new students: 51 at Greenway Park Elementary, 12 at McClintock, and 17 at East Mecklenburg High. According to 2017 data (when the project was approved), this project will put the schools at 133%, 82%, and 112% capacity respectively.

Read also:

• In Dire Need of Protection: Regarding the historic cemetery onsite

• Past to Present: Crestdale’s Roseland Cemetery

Morning Minute: Tuesday, March 12, 2019

News About Town: Last night’s council meeting, in the absence of Mayor Paul Bailey, was led by Mayor Pro Tem John Higdon. It was a rapidly moving meeting with lots of Town business covered, though perhaps most surprising was regarding the recent land-clearing on Monroe Road for Residences Galleria, a 250-unit apartment complex to be built across from Family Dollar. During the rezoning process, the developer and nearby residents agreed upon specific areas for tree save. This week as land clearing began, approximately 200 trees marked to be saved were cut down. Taft Development Group is facing a $50,000 zoning violation fine from the Town and will pay a self-imposed fine of $100,000 in addition. Taft will also plant trees approximately 6-inches in diameter when construction is complete to repopulate the tree save area. 

News Around Town:  The Silver Brush Art Society has a show hanging at Novant Health Hospital Matthews in the lobby. The group of mostly painters (and one photographer/potter) formed in 1998 and typically curates 4 shows a year, plus a November show where sales benefit a local nonprofit. In the past, the Silver Brush has given proceeds to Matthews Help Center, Blessed Assurance Adult Day Care, and the Matthews Free Medical Clinic. The current show at Novant Health Hospital will be on display until March 30.

One Good Thing: Today (March 12) is the final day to shop the winter clothes at the Matthews HELP Center. Stop by Backporch Treasures, get a brown grocery bag from the clerk and fill it up for one flat price of $5. The shop will be closed tomorrow to change out the inventory for spring fashions but will reopen March 14.

It's also Matthews resident (and Beacon Dad) Scott Garner's birthday. If you know him, wish him a big ol' Happy Birthday!

#FiveForFriday: A Morning Minute News Round Up

This #FiveForFriday Morning Minute News Round Up is for the week of March 4 through March 8, 2019.

News Around Town: Gov Roy Cooper appointed Donald Cureton to Judicial District 26 (Mecklenburg County) on February 28. Judge Cureton, an incumbent who lost his District 26A seat to Judge Paulina Havelka in November, fills the seat vacated by Judge Louis A. Trosch, Jr. Judge Trosch now serves the Superior Court of NC.

News About Town: Child Passenger Safety Seat Technicians will perform a safety check for children’s car seats tomorrow, March 6, at the Matthews Police Station, 1201 Crews Road. From 8 a.m until 11:30 a.m. certified technicians will check seat installation for free, no appointment necessary. Bring the vehicle, seat, and child, if possible. The process will take about 20 minutes. If you can’t make it on the 6th, Safe Kids Char-Meck provides this service every other week in Matthews.

One Good Thing: One Good Thing: According to SafeHomes.org, Matthews ranks as the seventh safest city in North Carolina. Admittedly not a well-known website, the site used what appears to be a comprehensive methodology to arrive at their list. We know the Police Department is continually striving to provide a safe town for Matthews and it shows. Congratulations are in order!

News About Town: At Monday’s Town Council Meeting, the Council will have a Public Hearing regarding a change to the Unified Development Ordinance. This change is to the  Approved Tree List and Shrub List (Zoning Motion 2019-1). Changes to the list include the addition of several native species of trees, shrubs, vines, and groundcovers and the exclusion of the most invasive species, such as Chanticleer pears, a cousin to the shallow-rooted, ornamental Bradford pears commonly planted throughout subdivisions of the 70s and 80s.

News About Town: As we indicated yesterday morning, the Monday (March 11) night Board of Commissioner’s meeting agenda is available online.  Items of note include allocating funds for Conceptual Downtown Streetscape Design Work (approved at the last meeting for the amount of $41,250.00), as well as the formal initiation of Zoning Motion 2019-2 to rezone the Stronghaven warehouse property on John Street and Brigman property in the ENT District. There will also be updates on NCDOT projects, Red Brick Partnership, and Republic Services (the Town’s solid waste provider).

Morning Minute: Friday, March 8, 2019

News About Town: As we indicated yesterday morning, the Monday (March 11) night Board of Commissioner’s meeting agenda is available online.  Items of note include allocating funds for Conceptual Downtown Streetscape Design Work (approved at the last meeting for the amount of $41,250.00), as well as the formal initiation of Zoning Motion 2019-2 to rezone the Stronghaven warehouse property on John Street and Brigman property in the ENT District. There will also be updates on NCDOT projects, Red Brick Partnership, and Republic Services (the Town’s solid waste provider).

News Around Town: The North Carolina Education Lottery's NC School Heroes contest is live for voting. Celebrate our public school teachers by voting for them (once per day). The 10 educators with the most votes will win $10,000 each, as well as $10,000 for their school. The person who nominated them will win $1,000.  The contest runs through the end of March, and heroes will be announced May 6, 2019 There are plenty of Matthews schools in the running. Vote here.

One Good Thing: Head over to Jonathan’s Restaurant (10630 Independence Pointe Pkwy) tomorrow, March 9, at noon for an unexpected delight. Join the Carolinas Accordion Group at Jonathan’s for a rousing round of Irish tunes. If you don’t play the accordion you’re welcome to bring another instrument and play along or simply listen and enjoy. The group will play from noon until 4 p.m., plan accordionly.

Morning Minute: Friday, January 18, 2019

News About Town: At Monday’s Council meeting the Board approved two zoning motions: 2018-692 and 2018-693. The property for Motion 692 is at the corner of Ames St. and West John St. The application for rezoning was unanimously approved, and zoning changed from R-20 (single-family - minimum lot size 20,000 square feet ) to O (CD) (office, conditional use). The properties for Motion 693 included several properties in the Crestdale neighborhood. The rezoning was a request to change from Crestadale Conservation zoning code CrC (old) to CrC (new). The new code essentially changes the approval process for any construction other than single-family homes to undergo a site plan and elevation approval process rather than the previously required quasi-judicial system (similar to a Variance Board hearing). The Board unanimously approved this rezoning.

News Around Town:  Although we posted this a few days ago, it’s an event worth repeating and attending. This Sunday, January 20, join Pastor Larry Whitley at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church (381 Crestdale Rd.) at 2:00 p.m. for the Third Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, Peaceful March & Commemorative Worship. After a brief presentation about civil rights, attendees will gather outside to walk to Town Hall.

One Good Thing:  It’s officially Thesaurus Day, so although it’s casual Friday at work, you better fancy up your words. Grab your compendium of synonyms and orate with imperturbable verve.

Rezoning: 10816 Idlewild Road

On August 14, 2017 the Board of Commissioners (Taylor, Ross, Urban, Melton, Higdon, Miller, and Whitley) unanimously approved rezoning application 2017-661, submitted by Land Investment Resources, LLC. The property, 16 acres, at 10816 Idlewild Road (Tax Parcel 193-161-10) was rezoned from R-15 to R-15 & R-VS.

On the property at the time of sale was a single family home built in 1978, several outbuildings (a washroom which appeared to be late 19th or early 20th century) and a barn built in the early 20th century. The R-VS rezoning permits a maximum of 29 single-family detached homes, at least eight of which will have side garages.

The property is within Crown Point Elementary, Mint Hill Middle, and Butler High School zones. The staff report to the Board presented no data for impact to those schools.

The R-VS District requires a minimum of 8% tree canopy preservation. This proposed development would achieve 25% canopy preservation with a commitment to save the tree line along Idlewild Road.

The buildable area consists of 13 usable acres and three additional acres along the Irvins Creek floodplain (and the future Irvins Creek Greenway). During the rezoning process, there were several points where Commissioner John Higdon led the conversation toward saving the historic buildings.

The washroom was relocated to Purser-Hulsey Park Community Garden. With no feasible solution for saving the barn structure, Land Investment Resources, LLC offered to donate the materials to the Town for reuse elsewhere. The Town agreed. A subcontractor is currently disassembling the barn. The Town will store the wood planks until a suitable use arises, most likely at Purser-Hulsey Park.

Morning Minute: Wednesday, December 19, 2018

News About Town: This past Monday the Board of Commissioners voted to rezone a 1.57-acre property (2018-690) on Matthews-Mint Hill Road. The property, owned by Novant, will be developed into medical office space. As part of the agreement, the Carolina Thread Trail will run through a portion of the campus, a portion of the campus may be used for the CATS Silver Line, and Novant will work with the Town of Matthews to complete Andrew Caroline Drive.

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News Around Town: ​DARE Officer Robert Holmes joined Mrs. Collier’s fifth-grade class at Matthews Elementary for the class party and those reindeer games (we’re assured Rudolph was invited to join in all of those). As of today CMS students are on winter break so breathe easy, commutes will go quicker for the next couple weeks. (Big ol’ thank you to Ginnie Mattes and Sara Mayse for sharing your photos!)

One Fun Thing: Looking for a fun gift for a Matthews lover? Get a Beacon mug for all your favorite people while supporting local journalism produced by local talent. Pair it with a bag of Matthews-roasted Magnolia Coffee for a merry Matthews gift.

Jessica Moreno: Holding Communities Accountable

Photo by Renee Garner

When Jessica Moreno, 25, of Oak Haven Mobile Home Park (near Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Highway 74) saw a rezoning sign at the park entrance last year, her worst fears (amid swirling rumors) were confirmed. The previous owners were planning to sell the 30.26-acre property; the 25 other resident-families would now need to move.

I know that housing is a major issue. I know it gets harder as Mecklenburg County continues to grow in numbers, daily, and as more beautiful homes and apartment complexes get built.

However, this group of people (who would only qualify for affordable housing) had few options.

For most of the residents who owned their homes but leased the land, there were no available mobile home spaces in Mecklenburg County; many families could not secure a sale or afford to move their homes to other areas. More importantly, Matthews was a town they loved – a place which afforded, as they put it, charm, good schools, safe neighborhoods, and an affordable rent lot.

Jessica, her mother, and sister had seen their share of hard times. Prior to living in the Park, they had endured a rental foreclosed from under them, a few scams (and lost money), and missed opportunities due to external factors beyond their control.

When Jessica’s mother, Maria Dolores Gomez, found the Park, they were elated. A hard-working woman, who had endured years of night shifts in a warehouse job, Maria promptly spent $20,000 - her entire life’s savings - to secure a mobile home and a piece of the Park.  They would find stability and a place they could truly call home. Jessica called it their “diamond in the rough.” That was seven years ago.

This was now.

So, Jessica and her mother set out on a journey to find available options. Her mother began knocking on doors. She organized stay-at-home moms from the Park and went on a mission to find help and legal advice. The group ended up at the Latin American Coalition in Charlotte, which was closed that day. Standing outside the building, a man leaving on a bike noticed their distress. He approached them and asked what their situation was. That man then referred them to his roommate, community organizer and Director of Action North Carolina’s Charlotte office, Hector Vaca, who later spoke to the women and agreed to help.

Enter Jessica.

Having graduated from Independence High, with deep connections to Mint Hill, she was working a full-time job in business development at a local water damage company. As she tells it, her life included her 9-5 job, going to church and working with the Mint Hill Lions Club. Now, she was fighting for her life in a way she was unaccustomed to. This was a fight which had, as she put it, “become highly personal.”

Hector came to the neighborhood and helped the group form a campaign (initially known as #SaveOakHaven, later known as “Oak Haven Affordable Housing Initiative”). He helped guide them toward the media, speaking out at zoning meetings and setting the groundwork to gain public attention.

In the end, he helped secure $8000 from Bainbridge Communities Acquisition for each family, for relocation costs – a relocation plan, as it was called – part of the necessary steps for the town to approve the rezoning.

After winning the settlement, Jessica was transformed. “I did not realize how much power people had when they stuck together and organized,” she said. “To be clear, we did not win this fight. When we formed our campaign, our #1 goal was to keep Oak Haven open. We lost our home and community, but this small win ignited a fire in me that would continue to burn with Action NC’s help.”

The experience and knowledge that this could happen to other communities left Ms. Moreno determined to learn about all things concerning mobile home parks and cooperatives. During this time, she spent more and more time at Action NC and started attending meetings for their Immigrant Rights Chapter, Lideres en Accion.

My community has paid a price that is far greater than the value of the buildings that will be built where we once existed.

“I would…participate in workshops and started meeting with Charlotte City Council members,” she said. “I knew it was time for a change in my life. I was encouraged to apply for an open position at Action NC (at the end) of 2017.” She started working there in April of 2018.

“I do believe that everything happens for a reason. I know I have been divinely placed here and have experienced what I have experienced for good reason. I now help residents from other neighborhoods organize themselves and fight for what is right.”

This year, she has been working with other tenants around Charlotte and has formed a tenant Justice Chapter where members will focus on making sure people know their rights and have support to organize. Next year, she will be focusing on immigration reform and combating the attacks on immigrants locally.

“My experiences fuel my being with hope and love for the people around me,” said Jessica. “I know that housing is a major issue.  I know it gets harder as Mecklenburg County continues to grow in numbers, daily, and as more beautiful homes and apartment complexes get built.”

“The problem is that, like, in my case, development has come at a great price. My community has paid a price that is far greater than the value of the buildings that will be built where we once existed… The price we paid is in blood. Three hundred fifty apartments will be built on top of 26 hard-working families and seniors. Our blood is its foundation.”

Today, Jessica lives 45-minutes away, in Gastonia. “There was nowhere to move our home,” she said. “I ended up gifting my home in Matthews to a neighbor who has been able to move it and live in it.” Other residents have taken their homes to Gastonia, Monroe, Indian Trail, Wingate, Concord. The remainder – nearly all the rest - are renting in Charlotte.

“I never imagined leaving Mathews under these circumstances,” she said. “I was hurt about it.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

“The reality of not having anywhere to go was very real to me. I was not able to find anything affordable in Mecklenburg County and neither were my neighbors, except the ones who left their homes and lost their investment.”

— Jessica Moreno

However, she feels lucky to have even found an option. “Where I am, I have three sheep, two dogs, and chickens. I was able to buy land in Gastonia with a mobile home. I know I was blessed. But, the reality of not having anywhere to go was very real to me. I was not able to find anything affordable in Mecklenburg County and neither were my neighbors, except the ones who left their homes and lost their investment.”

In the end, her words are bittersweet: “I am Latinx. I am the daughter of immigrants from Mexico. I am a woman. I am affordable housing. If you don’t support any of these things, then, you don’t support who I am... and I am perfectly okay with or without it.”

And, for Jessica, the fight has just begun: “The fight to hold developers, elected officials, and each other accountable in our communities continues. The fight against the attacks on migrants continues. The fight for women’s rights continues. The fight for LGBTQ rights continues.  The fight for senior rights continues. The fight against for tenant’s rights continues. We will continue to fight for environmental justice and keep the police accountable...”  

Proffitt Dixon: Growth in the Entertainment District

If you’ve driven along Matthews-Mint Hill Road near Ridge Church and Dorian’s Deli you may have noticed the beginning stages of development on 35.5 acres of the south side of the road.

The property went before the Planning Board and then to the Board of Commissioners (the typical method) for rezoning from I-1 to ENT in 2017. The planned construction, previously named Matthews Park, is a multi-use, urban-style, pedestrian-friendly network of live/work spaces in anticipation of the build-out of the Entertainment District. For those unfamiliar with zoning, I-1 is property appropriate for light industrial and ENT is a designation by the Town in the Land Use Plan for the acreage surrounding the Sportsplex..

Successfully rezoned, site work is now underway. The ENT district requires an 8% tree save which Proffitt Dixon, the developer, has committed to meeting and exceeding. A preliminary survey showed no trees larger than 36” diameter. During Phase I of construction the site will not be clear-cut, though ultimately the majority of the existing trees that are saved will be the ones closest to Matthews-Mint Hill Road. To meet the 8% tree save, trees will be strategically replanted.

According to the Board of Commissioner’s approval, the entire complex of Matthews Park can include up to 570 apartments, 180 hotel rooms, and 151,000 square feet of commercial space, which may include retail and medical offices. Construction is planned in two phases. Phase 1, where the site work is currently underway, will be 359 apartments. The next phase may include the remaining apartments, hotel, and commercial portion, as allowed by the rezoning process.

Proffitt Dixon expects Phase 1 of this project to be completed in 2021.

Morning Minute: November 12, 2018

News About Town: The Matthews Board of Commissioners has a regularly scheduled meeting tonight at 7 PM in Town Hall. Items on the agenda include recognition of Matthews 101 participants and several rezoning issues.

Novant Hospital Matthews is requesting the rezoning of property on their campus for the construction of two new office buildings. Part of the rezoning includes cost-sharing between the Town and Novant for a connector road (Andrew Caroline Drive) from Sam Newell to Matthews Mint Hill Road. Novant will also allow the Carolina Thread Trail through their property, which will connect to the new multi-use paths constructed along Matthews Mint Hill Road. A third aspect is agreement of Novant to allow the future Lynx Silver Line through a portion of the campus.

Tonight the Board will vote on the hotly contested 269 South Trade Street property. This project proposes 12 homes on a 2.4 acre lot adjacent to the greenway entrance on South Trade. Also on the agenda is a vote on a map and text amendment for the Monroe Road Small Area Plan Overlay. The Town Planning Department recommends a deferral on this vote until December 10, 2018.

News Around Town: Yesterday the Town of Matthews and American Legion Post 235 hosted a Veteran’s Day ceremony in Stumptown Park. The program consisted of a choir from Independence High School and a several moving speeches. A graveside ceremony followed at Old Matthews Cemetary (Pleasant Hill Drive) in conjunction with Marine Corps League Charlotte 750 to honor the fallen World War I soldiers of Matthews, NC.

At 11 AM today the Matthews Rotary Club will honor area veterans with their 28th Annual Veterans Day lunch at the Levine Senior Center. Numerous restaurants are offering Veterans free meals with valid ID through today.

The Matthews Beacon would like to thank all our veterans for their bravery and service.

One Good Thing: Girl Scout Troop 1497 is hosting a blood drive today at Brakeman’s Coffee (225 N. Trade Street). Community Blood Center of the Carolinas will be at the popular coffee shop (we’re assuming in a mobile donor unit) between the hours of 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Donate blood and get a free drink!

Morning Minute: October 5, 2018

News Around Town: The agenda is online for Monday’s Board of Commissioner’s meeting. The applicant for the rezoning of 269 South Trade Street, a project which has made recent news, has asked for deferral until November 12. If the Board denies the deferral they will vote whether to rezone the property. The board will vote on whether to approve the overlay of the 3 small area plans.

News Above Town: The Weather Channel has been pretty accurate this week, at least temperature-wise. They do keep saying cloudy skies and I keep seeing gorgeous Carolina blues dotted with happy clouds. Hopefully pretty skies again tomorrow, but temps will still be in the low 90s.

News About Town: The Hundred Dresses opens at Matthews Playhouse next week. Based on the Newbery Honor-winning book of the same name, The Hundred Dresses tells a tale of Wanda Petronski, a girl who has one faded blue dress but claims to have a hundred dresses at home. Wanda is mocked by her classmates until her father pulls her from school. This story of bullying is timely for Bullying Prevention Month, and the Playhouse is sure to do an outstanding job. Tickets sell quickly for Playhouse productions and this play will be no different.

One Fun Thing: We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again: you don’t want to miss COS Kids’ Blues & BBQ tonight. Tickets are $35 per person and include food and beverages as well as live music. The best part is that the event funds a child care program for limited- income single parents. (Bonus points if you recognize Norah and introduce yourself!)