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Board to consider, then defer, memo of understanding for CMS colocation of Discovery Place Kids and new Matthews Elementary in downtown park
Summary
The board reviewed a draft memorandum of understanding with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools for colocation of a Discovery Place Kids exhibit with a new Matthews Elementary and a larger signature park, then deferred action to June 9 for additional review and survey/appraisal work.
Town staff presented a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) and a master joint-use agreement May 27 describing a potential land swap with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education (CMS) that would colocate Discovery Place Kids and a rebuilt Matthews Elementary near downtown trade street and create an enlarged park on the old elementary site.
Town Manager Becky Hawk told the board the concept would create a duplex-style building with separate, secure entrances for the elementary school and the children's museum, and the town'owned park parcel at the former school would be redesigned as a signature park. The recommendation included that CMS accept responsibility for maintaining the building systems (roof, HVAC) while the town would maintain grounds and stormwater responsibilities.
Staff emphasized that the land-swap details require a survey and appraisal before the swap can be finalized and that notification and statutory requirements for property transfers and school relocations remain. The board also discussed access and traffic questions, particularly effects on Sadie Drive and East McDowell, and staff said a transportation impact analysis would be required and would inform access design, stacking and queuing on-site, and potential traffic-control measures.
Commissioner John Urban moved to defer action and asked commissioners to send any substantive edits to staff by the end of the business day Friday so staff and CMS could review changes before the June 9 meeting. The board voted to defer consideration to June 9.
Ending: Staff will continue to coordinate with CMS on the MOU and joint-use agreement, finalize the survey and appraisal, and present a revised draft to the board at the June 9 meeting; no land transfer or construction approvals were completed May 27.
