Matthews Town Council discusses open house and bond sale for park improvements

The Board of Commissioners meeting held on April 14, 2025, in Matthews, Union County, focused on several key topics, including community events, public safety signage, environmental concerns, and financial updates.

The meeting commenced with an announcement regarding an open house for the new fire station scheduled for April 26, 2025. Elected officials are encouraged to attend at 10 AM, with the event open to the public throughout the afternoon.

Following this, the town manager reported on the status of missing 25-mile-per-hour signs on John Street, assuring that staff would address the issue promptly. The discussion then shifted to environmental matters, specifically concerning a Brownfield site located at 433 East John. The site has a history of solvent release, and while there was previous interest in remediation for redevelopment, progress has stalled.

A commissioner with experience in environmental remediation provided insights into the complexities and costs associated with cleaning up contaminated sites, noting that extensive soil removal is often necessary. This led to a discussion about the potential impact of contaminants on nearby properties, particularly in relation to a new housing proposal on Buckley Lane. The consensus was that environmental testing would be required to ensure safety.

The town manager also highlighted a successful bond sale that took place on April 1, which will fund the construction of Personal Posey Park and improvements to local parks and John Street. The sale attracted 14 competitive bids, resulting in a favorable interest rate of 3.714%. This financial success is expected to lead to a modest tax increase of 1.3 cents in the fiscal year 2026 budget to cover debt service.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed important community developments, including the upcoming fire station open house, public safety measures, environmental remediation challenges, and positive financial news regarding the bond sale. The board's discussions reflect ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and infrastructure while navigating environmental concerns.