News About Town: Over the past year, Matthews has seen a handful of carjackings. Another happened this past Saturday morning, when a man, stopped at the light exiting from I-485, saw a white truck pulled up behind him. The passenger of the truck got out, approached the man, pointed a gun at him, and demanded he get out of his car. Police are currently investigating. More information can be found on the Town website. Other recent carjackings occurred in the Big Lots parking lot, in the office park at the corner of Sam Newell and 51, at the Comfort Inn by Windsor Square, and in the 2000 block of Sam Newell Road.

News Around Town: As the Highway 51 widening project moves forward, NCDOT recently sent out a postcard with a description of the updates they’re making to the design. Following the link on the postcard does not take you to the project; this is the correct link.

Realigned Lois St to create a signalized intersection at John, eliminating one home, and possibly the adjacent office building on West Charles. (Lois connects John and Charles near the Shell station.)
Added a U-turn bulb on Sardis Road as an additional turn around point for those coming from the west side of Sardis Road.
Added a smaller U-turn bulb (suitable for cars) at Deveraux.
Added pedestrian crossover at Reid Hall Lane.
Fullwood Lane shifted west, eliminating the home on the corner of Fullwood and 51.

One Fun Thing: Matthews Talks, a video-based website discussing current issues in Matthews, is creating a Memorial Day video and would like to honor your loved one. To contribute or request more information, send the following to MatthewsTalks@gmail.com: a photo of the person who died in the line of duty (preferably in uniform), their branch of service, date of birth and death, and location of death if they sacrificed their life in the line of duty.

Last night The Odom Firm held an eminent domain workshop for those impacted by the NCDOT Highway 51 Widening from 4-lanes to 6. Around 50 residents attended to learn about their rights as property owners and the process of eminent domain.

David Murray presented the law firm's typical process and answered questions. Some residents were concerned about loons, a superstreet bulb-out designed to handle larger vehicle u-turns, impeding their driveways. Others were concerned whether NCDOT appraisers would take the nuances of school districts into property value consideration. Three of the residents interviewed were worried about their family homes, properties which have been in their families for decades.