Navigating the Town Website: Rezoning Requests

When researching rezoning and development in Matthews, the first place to go is the Planning Department section on the town website. If you’re unfamiliar with the website, it can feel buried. This is a quick tutorial to find Rezoning and Development Cases currently under consideration.

Go to the Town of Matthews website: matthewsnc.gov

Click on “Departments” in the top, horizontal menu bar. A drop down menu will give you further options. Click “Pending Zoning & Development Cases.”

On the Pending & Zoning Developent page, notice the first two columns: “Application” and “Location.” The most recently submitted application is on the top row of the table. In the application column you’ll find the number the Town has given the case as well as the project name. Under the location column you’ll find the physical address to be rezoned/developed.

The next two columns show “Current Zoning” code and “Proposed Zoning” code. The codes specify the type of use (residential, commercial, etc.) and the allowable density. There are a lot of codes to remember, so we have an infographic here, created from the county’s Polaris chart.

Next there’s the “Status” column. This answers where the application is in the three-part process:

• Public Hearing

• Planning Board Recommendation

• Town Board Approval

Links in the far right column are important documents to better understand the pending case. You may find a few other documents, but most commonly you’ll find:

• The application originally submitted.

• Site plans that give further details about how the land will be developed. This will sometimes have “superceded” beside them, which means there’s a more current version. Find the version labeled “current.”

• Elevations are a close approximate of how the finished building will look.

• The developer must notify adjacent land owners and host a meeting open to the public in order to explain the project. The Public Input document is documentation from that meeting.

• Town Staff examines the proposal and analyzes the information to create a Staff Report. This report compiles the site plan, elevations, comments the staff has given the developer, as well as the impact on traffic, and comments from other town departments (usually Public Works, Police, and Fire). Sometimes school impact is provided as well. The Staff Report is presented to Town Council during regularly scheduled council meetings.

If you’re interested in keeping up with Board of Commissioner meetings, we’ve created a tutorial for finding those as well.

#ThrowbackThursday: June 15, 2006

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews Record (also called Matthews News and Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This story was originally published June 15, 2006 and was written by Janet Denk.

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Town leaders on Monday night overwhelmingly supported a plan to work and build a regional Sportsplex facility, in partnership with Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, on land at Independence and I-485.

The nearly 160-acre area, owned by the County, is adjacent to property in Matthews referred to as the “Small Area Plan” which has been earmarked, since 1999, for a mixed-use development that would include business, residential and recreational facilities.

Money for the project would come from the Occupancy and Prepared Food Tax.

“This is a solid source of funding,” Town Manager Hazen Blodgett said, “because the folks who use it will be the ones who pay for it.”

A $25 million bond referendum approved by voters in November 2004, and to be used by 2007, includes $8 million for partnership projects such as this one set before Matthews. Matthews proposes to commit $2 million to the project.

The project is still in conceptual phase, though submitting an application was imperative this week. Areas all over Mecklenburg County will be submitting proposals, so the The Town Manager, along with the Parks Department, the Planning Department and the Town Commissioners, were scrambling to get the process underway. A special public meeting was held before last week’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshop.

Currently both Cary and Greensboro have high quality soccer complexes but the Charlotte region is lacking. The plan, bu the County, is to design a state-of-the-art regional facility to compete for tourism dollars with associated field team sports.

“This is huge,” said Matthews Parks, Recreation and Cultural Department Director Geralynn Trellue. “We’re not thinking, ‘Just Matthews. Or just soccer.’ We’re thinking of the bigger picture. That means maximum use for this, almost 300-acre area.”

The fact that the facility will be run by the County and used more than 80% by local citizens makes the project attractive for many. The NCAA, ACC and other tournaments will make this a solid attraction. The Keith Corporation of Charlotte has committed to developing a family-entertainment complex within the proposed area, which would include hotels, restaurants and much more.

“We want to support this idea and get things underway so it can become an economic drive for the community,” said Blodgett whose Budget for fiscal year 2006-7 was adopted at last Monday’s meeting.

Brendon Pierce, of the Keith Corporation, shared information about comparable facilities and has worked several years on projects such as this. He comments Matthews’ involvement. This is the ideal land for this type of project,” he explained.

Town Commissioner Bill Dixon, who worked on the Parks and Recreation Board when this idea first came through in 2000, voted along with his colleagues in favor of the project. However, he urged caution. “Let’s avoid the slippery slope,” he said with regard to the debt service on such an ambitious project. “Are we okay in that department?” he glanced at Blodgett. The Town Manager returned a very comfortable nod in the affirmative.

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Navigating the Town Website: Looking for Council Agendas

In a fair amount of research for the Beacon we often cross-reference our own notes with Board of Commissioner meeting agendas and minutes. If you’re unfamiliar with the website, here’s a quick tutorial to find the agendas for Board of Commissioners (also called Town Council) meetings.

Go to the Town of Matthews website: matthewsnc.gov

You can either:

• Click on “Government” in the top, horizontal menu bar. A drop down menu will give you further options. Click “Agendas and Minutes.”

• Or click on the dark green circle at the bottom for “Agendas and Minutes.”

Select “Board of Commissioners.”

The most recent agenda will be on the landing page. If you’re looking for archives of past meetings, click “Show More” at the bottom of the right hand column.

Here you will find Agendas (the to-do list for the Board during the meeting), Minutes (annotated notes from the meeting), Packet (information given to the Commissioners prior to the meeting with back up material for line items on the agenda), Audio (mp3 files of the meeting), and Video (a visual and audio recording of the meeting). Video is also available on the Town’s YouTube page.

Morning Minute: Friday, January 11, 2019

News About Town: We talked a little yesterday about the agenda for Monday night’s Council meeting. At the meeting the town will receive a gift of 27.64+ acres of land from Windsor Run, LLC (at the corner of Pleasant Plains and McKee). The acreage is more than what was originally outlined in the original rezoning agreement. Of interesting note, the Elizabeth Lane Elementary PTA is donating $1,000 to the Matthews Police Department. Also, the Town Council will continue discussions on draft language for a statement outlining acceptable Public Comment.

News Around Town:  If you’ve made plans to stop by Black Chicken Wine Cellar in the next couple weeks you will need to rethink your plan. The popular wine bar near town hall is closed for expansion and renovations. The Chicken has knocked down the wall between their first space and the former Subway restaurant to increase the size and soon serve food. The space is slated to reopen late February with Black Chicken Market and Black Chicken Wine Cellar. 

One Fun Thing:  Wrap up in layers and head out to the Farmer’s Market tomorrow fro 8 - 10 AM. Cold season veggies are in abundance, so expect leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and root crops. There will also be mushrooms, baked goods, and gorgeously handcrafted wares.

Morning Minute: Thursday, January 10, 2019

News About Town: The Town has posted the agenda for Monday night’s meeting. Several items of note include official observation of the School Choice Week, which runs January 20 through 26. The Planning Conference agenda also contains an item related to school choice: Consider inviting charter schools to locate in town, town to consider an in-kind contribution.

News Around Town:  After announcing plans to consolidate headquarters in Virginia, Dollar Tree is being encouraged to sell Family Dollar. Two-percent owner Starboard Value (a hedge fund) believes the sale of Family Dollar would improve the value of Dollar Tree.

One Fun Thing:  The fifth annual ASC Connect with Culture days are Jan 25 and 26. Though there is not a culture hub in Matthews this year, the Matthews Playhouse  is participating at the Charlotte History Museum on Saturday, the 26th. Actor Lakeetha Blakeney will perform an excerpt from her one-woman show, Sweet Jenn: A Living Exhibit. Lakeetha will perform the full show on the Fullwood Stage at the Matthews Community Center in February of this year.

Morning Minute: Tuesday, January 8, 2019

News About Town: The Town’s recycling calendar should be arriving in mailboxes all over town in the next couple of days. In the meantime, the next week for recycling pick up is January 14-18. If you find yourself with an overflowing bin on the bi-weekly schedule, an additional bin is available for $40 annually. Call Republic Services Group at 704-393-6900 to request an extra bin. If you’re overflowing and want recycling relief now, the closest self-serve center is the McAlpine Creek Park Recycling Center (8711 Monroe Rd., Charlotte), where you can drop off residential recycling during park hours.

News Around Town: Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners will soon begin working on the FY2020 budget. Mecklenburg County residents are encouraged to weigh-in on budget priorities. There is a hearing for public input Tuesday, Jan 15 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Meeting Chamber, Lobby Level, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. Fourth St, Charlotte, NC 28202. You must sign-up in advance to speak.) There is also a survey available online. Property tax, sales tax, service fees for county-provided services, and other sources are pooled to for the County budget. County Commissioners then create a budget to fund educational programs (CPCC, CMS, pre-k), county parks and rec, the Sheriff’s Department, libraries, the Public Health Department, and many other county services.

One Fun Thing: Did you resolve to get around to that book you’ve been wanting to write? How about a short story for your favorite local online paper (ahem)? The Matthews Fiction Writers Group meets tonight at the Matthews Library (230 Matthews Station St.) at 6:30 p.m. Join the group for work-shopping, critique, and to find camaraderie with area fiction writers.

Morning Minute: December 28, 2018

News About Town: Republic Services will not pick up trash on New Year’s Day and pick up will operate on a one-day delay. Yard waste pick up is behind schedule as well.

News Around Town:  If you’re getting to know the Town website, but have a tough time navigating and searching, Protect Matthews has a Google search set up for the site. With options for the type of document, exact search, or keyword search it makes finding documents on MatthewsNC.gov a great deal easier.

One Good Thing: The Arts and Science Council is holding a workshop to explain the application for the McColl Award, a $25,000 grant.  This grant is open to Mecklenburg County-based nonprofits and creative individuals and ASC staff will be on hand to answer questions. This workshop is Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 5:30, until 7 p.m. in the Van Every Auditorium at the Mint Museum on Randolph (2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte).

Aging Tree Canopy

If residents think they are noticing an increase in fallen trees around town this year, they are correct.

According to Ralph Ramsaur, Town of Matthews Landscape Manager and Town Arborist, the increase is due both to the recent hurricane and excessive wind and rain – “big storm events,” he termed it. “Trees in low-lying areas can fall after a lot of rain. Many times, there is a good percentage of decay and signs of old age in the fallen trees.”

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Recently, a decayed tree took down a pole and fence near the Fire Department. Other downed trees were found within a number of subdivisions and on Weddington Road.  Areas with older trees which are most susceptible include Stumptown and Squirrel Lake Parks.

According to Ramsaur, some recommendations for safety and maintenance include: having trees inspected professionally and having homeowners walk their property to take a closer look at their surrounding trees. Among the signs to watch out for: fungus, giant mushroom type-growth around the base of a tree, and an increase in black carpenter ants or termites. Also, if you look up at a tree and don’t see any leaves at the top, this may also signal decay.

Among the tools that arborists/tree professionals may use is a “resistograph” - a fine drill that goes into the tree to test resistance, providing a percentage of tree decay. If a tree shows more than 35-40%, that tree should be removed, according to Ramsaur.

Photo by Linda Edwards/White Rock Studio

“The trees in Matthews are a part of its character. These are old Matthews trees that have been here since Matthews was founded.”

— Linda Edwards

For Judi Bex, owner of property on West McDowell Street, and Linda and Joe Edwards of White Rock Studio on South Trade Street, more than a few trees have fallen between them; all had to be professionally removed.  These are beautiful old trees,” said Bex. “(This) is the price of owning a home.”

But, the downing of such trees is bittersweet for long-time residents such as the Edwards, who have watched their (same) surrounding foliage for more than 35 years. “The trees in Matthews are a part of its character. These are old Matthews trees that have been here since Matthews was founded,” said Linda. “We’re going to miss the shade so much. It’s almost like a part of Matthews history has gone away.”

However, while something familiar is now gone, it has been replaced by a something new. “I have sun coming through where I didn’t know there was sun!” exclaimed Linda.

Hyperlocal Sneak Peek

While we’re busy whipping up the food for tomorrow’s feast we’re also doing a little prepping here at the Beacon. We’re unveiling the Hyperlocal Holiday Gift Guide this Friday. In the meantime, here’s a little taste of the small businesses and local talent that would love to have your support this holiday season.

While you’re planning ahead, don’t forget your Hand Turkey!

Crews Road: Where line dancing is alive and well

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Driving down Sam Newell Road near Crews Road, on Wednesdays, between 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., one might hear the sounds of songs like “Achy Breaky Heart,” “Electric Slide,” and “Uptown Funk” along with laughter and exclamations emanating from the Crews Recreation Center.

Here, line dancing is alive and well, thanks, in part, to a determined long-time Matthews resident, Belinda Burgess-Purcell, 68, who is the class teacher.

“It’s all about having fun and getting some exercise,” she said. “I make so many mistakes that it makes them real comfortable,” said Belinda, laughing. “I have two rules – try to go in the same direction and have fun.  Just stand there and boogey. I don’t care what you do, but keep moving.”

Five years ago, Belinda approached the town to offer her services. “I don’t get many opportunities to dance anymore,” said this lifelong dance enthusiast. “We don’t go to bars, or across town to (other) line dancing… (This type of dance) reaches out to a bigger crowd. It’s good exercise without having the (expectations) of other dance classes.”

Now, five years later, the crowd continues to grow. On a recent Wednesday, twenty people, ages 40-90, attended the class. Nearly all of the participants were women.  “There are more women who love to dance than men,” said Belinda. “Most of these ladies’ husbands don’t dance; it’s hard to get on the floor by yourself and dance. For people who are a little bit shy, it allows them (some anonymity),” she said.

Photo by Cyma Shapiro

Having struggled recently with ailments and surgeries, this is an opportunity for Belinda and the others to keep moving. “I do this because I want to do this,” she said. “The biggest thing about this class is that sometimes others get real serious about line dancing.”

“I have two rules – try to go in the same direction and have fun.  Just stand there and boogey. I don’t care what you do, but keep moving.”

— Belinda Burgess-Purcell

“At the beginning of the class, I tell them this is for fun, this is exercise….It’s more about doing an activity,” Belinda said. “Dance affords cardio, balance, rhythm - all the things we can (focus on) as we get older. Losing our balance becomes more (prevalent). I’m trying to work in stuff (routines) that’s supposed to help.”

Line Dancing with Belinda Burgess-Purcell

Crews Rec Center 1201 Crews Road, Matthews, NC 28105
Phone: 704-708-1287 Wednesdays, between 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Take Me To Your Leaders: Meet the Town Manager

This post is Part III of a series explaining the roles of our leadership within municipal government. Part I: Meet your commissioners, Part II: Meet your mayor

The town manager is the CEO of the town staff.

Matthews operates as a municipal government with council-manager leadership. This means a body of town staff work alongside the Board of Commissioners to fulfill the policy decisions made by the Commissioners. The town manager is the designated head of town staff.

As an example, when it’s time to the renew solid waste service contract the town manager familiarizes himself with the proposals for presentation to the board. The board may have questions and the town manager (or public works) would best answer those questions. The board then votes for the best fit for the town and the manager then begins the process of renewing or signing the contract with that applicant.

What is the manager's role in Matthews? The Town Manager is the Chief Executive Officer for the Town of Matthews and works at the pleasure of the Board of Commissioners. (In plain-speak, our Town Council is in charge of hiring and firing the town manager.)  He is responsible for the general administration and operation of the Town which includes the public services that make the town tick: police, fire and EMS, public works, parks and recreation, human resources, finance, and planning.

Who is the Matthews Town Manager? Our Town Manager, Hazen Blodgett, has been with the Town of Matthews for 15 years and worked in local government for over 34 years. Hazen has a B.A. from Louisiana State University and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina. Upon receiving his Masters Degree he went to work as the Assistant County Manager in Halifax County, NC.

Hazen is married with four kids. He lives in Matthews and is on the Board of the Matthews Rotary Club.  In his spare time, he enjoys mountain bike riding, yoga, beekeeping, and trips to the Matthews Farmers Market.

Matthews Morning Minute: September 26, 2018

News About Town: During their November 27, 2017 meeting the Board of Commissioners approved a preliminary design for a pedestrian crossing at North Trade Street between Matthews Station and Brakeman’s/105 Cigar. Town staff estimated hiring a consultant for the preliminary design work would come in around $10,000.

When proposals came back Alta Design, the best qualified firm estimated $81,221 for the preliminary design work. No decision was made and the Board has asked town staff for more information.

News Above Town: If humid and sticky is your thing then you’re in luck this week. The last couple times the Weather Channel has called for storms the forecast changed, but right now they say we can expect afternoon storms and a high around 87.

News Around Town: For more than three decades ArtFest, now Artwalk and MusicFest, has been bringing art to the forefront in downtown Matthews. Beyond the usual Juried Fine Art Show and High School Art Exhibit, and live music, the Matthews Chamber of Commerce has expanded the kids art area as well as  craft beer & wine. Get some extra culture this Saturday, September 29, on the green in front of Town Hall from 10 AM until 6 PM.

One Good Thing: We have a giveaway on our Facebook page! We’re so proud of our Matthews-centric postcards (plus who doesn’t love receiving mail?) that we have 2 sets to giveaway. There are three easy peasy ways to win and you can do any or all for three chances to win!
**Find your favorite post here, then tell us which is your favorite over in the comments on the giveaway post on Facebook.
**While your there, tag a friend in the comments on the giveaway post. 
**follow us on Instagram. 

September 24 Board of Commissioners Meeting

On the agenda for the September 24, 2018 Board of Commissioners Meeting promises to be shorter than most, with a few items of note on the agenda:

• Proceeds from a Budget Ordinance Amendment will be dedicated to the police force for bulletproof vests.

• The Board of Commissioners will receive an update on the 2018 Planning Conference To-Do List. The Planning Conference is a three-day public meeting where the board discusses a broad array of items relevant to Matthews (see Meeting Packet pages 22-24). This conference will be in Matthews and the public is welcome to attend and listen.

• The Board of Commissioners will consider methods for streamlining their meetings, especially during lengthier ones that include Planning and Rezoning. Notes for these considerations are in the Meeting Packet (pages 26-30) and vary from suggestions limiting the time for staff and applicant presentations to requesting speakers from the public limit their time to five minutes.

• The Board will review the emergency services’ responses to Hurricane Florence for successes and opportunities for improvement.

Throwback Thursday: A Living Legacy (circa 2009)

With permission, The Beacon is archiving past issues of Matthews News and Record (also called The Record and The Matthews Record) articles online. Throwback Thursday articles will include relevant content still facing Matthews today. This article was originally published June 11, 2009.

A Living Legacy by Janet Denk

The Town of Matthews Appearance and Tree Commission is a program to enhance and protect our town’s tree canopy, and in doing so the town is looking for detailed information about the town’s big trees.

The committee is asking citizens of Matthews to participate in nominating, inventorying, and mapping trees for the Living Legacy Tree Program. This will allow the town to identify and recognize the largest, rarest, oldest and prettiest of trees of various species in Matthews.

All you have to do to nominate a tree for the Living Legacy Tree Program is Pick up a form and fill out the information listed. You will also need to measure the circumference of the tree at 4 1/2 feet up from the ground with a flexible tape measure.

Once your nomination is received, you will be contacted by someone who will come to your location and measure the tree’s girth, height and crown spread. This information will then be recorded in an inventory with other trees nominated. This inventory will supplement the inventory the town currently has of public trees within the Town limits.

September 10 Board of Commissioners Meeting

Prior to the regularly scheduled Town Council meeting, the Board of Commissioners will meet with Town Attorney Charles Buckley and town staff to discuss conditional zoning, conflicts of interest, and methods for streamlining meetings (also discussed as Item 9B in the previous council meeting pgs 70-72).

Large hardwoods are invaluable to Matthews' identity. The Appearance and Tree Board works to maintain our tree canopy.

On the agenda for the September 10, 2018 Board of Commissioners Meeting are a few items of note:

• The Planning Board will discuss by-right zoning;

• The Matthews Appearance and Tree Board has been busy;

• The Board of Commissioners will consider appointing Scott Query, son of commissioner Kress Query, to the Planning Board;

• The Board will review the Town's response letter to NCDOT's plans for widening of Highway 51.