[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6209634,"mediaKeyId","3734193-dac323b02cfaa406697bde05404019dd","parentId",3734193,"title","Matthews commissioners approve Brookchase and Buckley Terrace zoning, reject Tempus Campus Ridge expansion; several hearings continued","audioSeconds",3614,"startMs",6000000,"endMs",9614000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734193-dac323b02cfaa406697bde05404019dd&start=6000&end=9614","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734193-dac323b02cfaa406697bde05404019dd/thumbnail_6000000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6209634/Matthews/Union-County/North-Carolina/Matthews-commissioners-approve-Brookchase-and-Buckley-Terrace-zoning-reject-Tempus-Campus-Ridge-expansion-several-hearings-continued","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209634-a946c65abd44e05aef1bcc8c37fe8366/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845498&Signature=ECn0UC~TZ5ljyDhcP8A6duc7uH15FrVA0Ilq~y6Y5XO4hc5mZNwvQlEbwwoZDSgmQRzxr8mspeFjqAabuFrBw7wjTpyQDhAgeN0p8LR28qWR53bQZiBgagqGI030w2Pr2K8MTtTWP642s-IspDi4XF1Z~Nwptp6oR9UmDU-Uw6pWowuoU7qQmIsi5Fpd9Srn56HSiBbfvD3Q-Z98iuGFQzYgyS8NO1gQYH9fSNkhUvGHF5aN8O~CGcJqCErwgDm-n3fdt5BfZioEPVSMXqy1XJvLOXyzgJ5AT3bj~ff0vLzdPNi21ypKbbzOmXAnTC8nWVTNbnGMPJx12rxoqY1LQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-10T08:31:59.603Z","article","The Matthews Board of Commissioners took several land-use and development votes at its June 9 meeting.

Key decisions

- The board approved zoning application 2023781 (Brookchase, 4420 Margaret Wallace Road) to allow 129 townhomes on 11.91 acres. The motion carried 5–2 (Commissioners Tufano and Mayor Pro Tem Hoover opposed). As part of the application the developer committed to a centralized green, a reduction of seven units, dedication of six units to Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, and either construction of a side path across Idlewild Park frontage and a pedestrian crossing or a $625,000 payment to the town to fund those improvements. Staff and NCDOT coordination on traffic mitigation was required before final plat.

- The board approved zoning application 2025809 (Buckley Terrace, 409 & 421 E. John Street) to permit 32 townhomes on 1.36 acres. The vote was 6–1 (Commissioner Tufano opposed). Staff reported outstanding site-plan comments were addressed and stormwater concept approval obtained.

- The board rejected (failed) zoning application 2025813 (Tempus Campus Ridge, change-in-conditions to add about 35,000 sq. ft., moving maximum entitlement from roughly 150,000 to 185,000 sq. ft.). The motion to approve failed 4–3 (Commissioners Urban, Threatt and Tufano voted in favor; the motion did not carry). Discussion included concerns about potential truck bays and traffic; applicants described the design as multi-tenant flex/warehouse space rather than a fulfillment center.

Other votes and procedural actions

- Several items were continued: Lakes Veranda (zoning application 20258104) to July 14; Fort Lakes Builders (zoning) to August 11; the UDO text amendment on sponsorship signage (party-requested language to allow outward-facing sponsorship signs on playground fencing under specific conditions) was continued to July 14 for additional analysis of other RI parcels that might be affected; two public improvement variance items (including a swim-buffer encroachment for a medical office building) were continued to July 14 to ensure quasi-judicial procedures and additional review; KDF elevations and other items were continued as requested.

- The board approved elevations for the Matthews Gateway project and design services (agreement not to exceed $78,250) for Matthews Depot/Visitor Center exhibit renovation.

- The council authorized staff to proceed with a purchase-and-sale contract to acquire two parcels (2219 Marlin Drive and 2597 Mount Harmony Church Road) for $1,000,000 in federal community project funding; the town will not close until grant funds are drawn down.

Why it matters: The Brookchase and Buckley Terrace approvals add for-sale townhouse units in Matthews and include an explicit affordable-housing component (Habitat units). The Tempus Campus Ridge vote reflects local caution about adding industrial/logistics capacity near residential areas and about the number of truck bays and traffic impacts. Continuations signal the town will take more time to evaluate signage policy changes, buffer variances and certain elevations before final action.

Votes at a glance

- Zoning application 2023781 (Brookchase, 129 townhomes): Motion to approve — mover: Commissioner Threatt; seconder: Commissioner McCool; outcome: approved 5–2; notes: 6 units dedicated to Habitat for Humanity; option for $625,000 or sidewalk/crosswalk mitigation; reduced by seven units; stormwater approvals in place.

- Zoning application 2025809 (Buckley Terrace, 32 townhomes): Motion to approve — mover: Commissioner McCool; seconder: Commissioner Garner; outcome: approved 6–1; notes: stormwater concept approved; site comments addressed.

- Zoning application 2025813 (Tempus Campus Ridge, add ~35,000 sq. ft.): Motion to approve — mover: Commissioner Tufano; seconder: Commissioner Threatt; outcome: failed 4–3; notes: planning board recommended approval earlier but council cited truck-bay, access and tree-preservation concerns.

- Public improvement variance (Flagship medical office, swim buffer encroachment 799 sq. ft.): Planning board recommended denial (5–2); council continued the matter to July 14 to allow quasi‑judicial procedures and additional review; Mecklenburg County Stormwater supported mitigation if required.

- UDO text amendment (sponsorship signage in RI zones): Continued to July 14 for staff follow-up on other RI sites that would be affected and potential design limits.

- Purchase of two parcels for affordable housing (2219 Marlin Dr & 2597 Mount Harmony Church Rd): Motion to approve purchase-and-sale contract at $1,000,000 — outcome: approved unanimously (closing subject to receipt of awarded federal funds).

- Depot/visitor center design services (Integra/Zoma): Contract approved for design and exhibit services, not-to-exceed $78,250; budget amendment approved from tourism fund balance.

What to watch next: Continuation hearings on July 14 will revisit the sponsorship-signage amendment and the flagged variance items; staff will also return with more detailed traffic mitigation proposals for residential projects and NCDOT coordination on curb cuts and sidewalk/side-path plans.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Commissioners Meeting - June 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Matthews Board of Commissioners took several land-use and development votes at its June 9 meeting.","taxTitle","Matthews, Union County, North Carolina","taxId",56171,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6209639,"Residents and housing advocates clash over Lily townhomes at Matthews public comment",774,1664000,2438000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734193-dac323b02cfaa406697bde05404019dd&start=1664&end=2438","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734193-dac323b02cfaa406697bde05404019dd/thumbnail_1664000.jpg","/articles/6209639/Matthews/Union-County/North-Carolina/Residents-and-housing-advocates-clash-over-Lily-townhomes-at-Matthews-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209639-2981907df6d3a29f538628602c3a54f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845498&Signature=nhIb8nsZ~X1MtB~iqvl8Im~bQY2qlNuZYImmcdM7370sdC2xFiGxCJiBaFsFSs0xFZ1zaO0I6vTRctz4Thfl~i7r~HCKC5FI5lqOE63T2t1yA8NX3jBe-IPfteQyFV-8CGWl1CzrSLJQNZzuO~gvQmkCuVkH7NYnQDiVhzEIz3VXLfeP9US4DIF37ZgR9USadRqZnNryblj-enU4B2gtE296cZZqci3BCfqRm0fnsA-f9Zi7sqtJ~QKU90kBxzh9ODWAPQVl9QLGY0XkXoZs8CEcziC5mn54VBy12hUIrCFXGurfcu~ivCUcDe84GzhGtmn1ttY8ljJn47CSWlrEPw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Members of the public used the town's allotted public-comment period on June 9 to press opposing views about the proposed Lily townhomes development.

Alex Freeman, who lives near the project area, urged the board to reject the proposal on traffic and land-use grounds, saying the site \"has too much traffic\" and that the developer's traffic-impact analysis (TIA) was flawed because it used counts taken during low-traffic final-exam periods. Freeman also said the developer's TIA omitted a proposed 64-unit multifamily project that he said would share an intersection with the Lily townhomes, and he warned that anticipated cost increases could make the units unaffordable if resold.

That opposition was met by developers, researchers and nonprofit housing advocates who urged the board to approve the project. Young Quang (Yong Chan) Chu, director of UNC Charlotte's Real Estate center, said the shortage of supply pushes home prices up and argued the town needs more housing supply. \"Most of the townhomes will be sold at below $400,000,\" he said, and noted the market and tariff delays make timing important.

Natisha Rivera Patrick, president and CEO of Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity, said her organization would be able to purchase six move-in-ready townhomes from the project at or below cost and sell them to buyers at 80% of area median income (AMI) with 99-year deed restrictions to keep them affordable. \"This project represents the equivalent of six years of traditional building for us,\" she told the board.

Other speakers included Elizabeth Garcia, a Habitat homeowner who described homeownership as preventing homelessness, and Brian Hacker, who used public comment to commend the town's Juneteenth and LGBTQ+ proclamations before addressing the housing conversation.

What happens next: The board recessed into scheduled public hearings; planning staff and the planning board will continue review. Several zoning and land-use items moved through hearing and vote processes later in the meeting; the council also approved separate zoning applications (see \"Zoning and votes\" roundup). Public hearings on land-use map and UDO amendments were scheduled to continue through the evening and, if not opened, to be continued to July 14.

Why it matters: The debate captures a common local trade-off — residents and safety advocates point to traffic and infrastructure strain, while housing experts and nonprofits urge more-for-sale units at attainable prices and public–private partnerships to produce permanently affordable homes.","At a June 9 meeting, residents urged the board to reject a proposed townhome project near Queen's Grant schools citing traffic concerns while academics and nonprofits said the development would add for-sale homes at price points below $400,000 and create affordable units for Habitat for Humanity.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6209644,"Matthews honors departing Town Manager Becky Hawk with tributes, ‘forever honorary citizenship’",952,222000,1174000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3734193-dac323b02cfaa406697bde05404019dd&start=222&end=1174","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3734193-dac323b02cfaa406697bde05404019dd/thumbnail_222000.jpg","/articles/6209644/Matthews/Union-County/North-Carolina/Matthews-honors-departing-Town-Manager-Becky-Hawk-with-tributes-forever-honorary-citizenship","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6209644-229fe5fb647b74de9f1038a6ba16d754/orig.mp4?Expires=1770845498&Signature=ReC8wOQ7QjhMKuO8DYDsHPhf-9~W80yJeYsDwsEpTImljmvBm-MBz8Q~Td1xN5LDXy9FoolTBSkBcm9Tat~XqhcWSI9ngriBp2LhB22MQtaGHbHPUnPnUiAt7CezREaaWEeE4Nuni~xysDB-KaxsxMRoYlJLxotpfZtu3f8Jm~PkvJ0vz1B6qugcoRZ-pG~tPWcw6kTROA-psfTwfm2jFkur0gaLYPscnpZOG6qPX3qZaWHI4~zVRatYB2tqQ3s-azVYWgT3H2wOZagX5qu73lXAa6PVLteD3PBLnyavvBFSrfTD62dz~tcR0UUhTN31b00AwBwTqhCfFqqMrZCY9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor John Higdon and the Matthews Board of Commissioners publicly thanked Town Manager Becky Hawk on June 9 as she prepares to leave Matthews for a position in Wilmington.

\"By the powers vested in me as the mayor of Matthews I'm gonna grant you a forever honorary citizenship to the town of Matthews,\" Higdon said during remarks recognizing Hawk's departure. Commissioners, town staff and residents applauded a list of projects officials said Hawk led or helped shepherd to completion.

The board's tributes said Hawk helped professionalize the town's operations, advocated for employees and citizens, and was involved in major projects including the Hendrick Advanced Manufacturing Campus, Discovery Place for Kids and a new fire station. Commissioner remarks emphasized her accessibility and attention to detail; Commissioners Urban, Garner, McCool, Threatt, Tufano and Mayor Pro Tem Hoover each described instances of Hawk answering policy and personnel questions late at night and defending staff and town interests in regional discussions.

Hawk reflected on her time in Matthews, calling it \"an absolute privilege and an honor\" and saying she is \"hopeful for what is ahead for Matthews,\" adding that she intends to return for ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings. She also thanked the community for embracing her during her nine years in the town.

No formal board action was required for the tributes. In the mayor's regular report, Higdon thanked municipal staff and said Malia (surname not specified in the meeting) has agreed to step into an interim role alongside Interim Town Manager Kurt Walton while the town searches for a permanent replacement.

Why it matters: The town manager runs day-to-day operations and coordinates long-term projects; transitions in that post can affect timing and oversight for capital projects and intergovernmental negotiations such as school and county partnerships.

Hawk's final meeting drew extended remarks from colleagues and civic leaders thanking her for employee advocacy and community-focused leadership. Commissioners noted they will continue work on the projects she helped advance and encouraged public attendance at upcoming openings and commemorations.","Mayor John Higdon and commissioners praised outgoing Town Manager Becky Hawk for a three-year tenure that officials said professionalized town operations and shepherded large projects. Hawk will leave for a post in Wilmington; commissioners and staff presented tributes and a framed photo and pledged continued collaboration on projects she led.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Matthews commissioners approve Brookchase and Buckley Terrace zoning, reject Tempus Campus Ridge expansion; several hearings continued

Residents and housing advocates clash over Lily townhomes at Matthews public comment

Matthews honors departing Town Manager Becky Hawk with tributes, ‘forever honorary citizenship’