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

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.