Council authorizes $8,000 for CDBG environmental review to pursue two pedestrian crossing grants

Matthews Town Council voted unanimously on Feb. 24 to authorize staff to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to fund pedestrian crossing improvements at two bus stops: Park Center Drive/North Trade Street and a stop on Sam Newell Road near Matthews Commons Drive.

Planner Tujinkie (staff) said both locations are on the town’s high‑injury network identified in the Vision Zero analysis. The project proposal includes upgraded high‑visibility crosswalks, a planted median refuge and enhanced pedestrian lighting and push‑button beacons at the Samuel Road location, where staff said existing bus‑stop lighting has been unreliable.

Because CDBG requires an environmental assessment (EA) before construction funds can be awarded, council approved appropriation of $8,000 from the general fund to complete the EA now. If the town is awarded the grant, the federal program would reimburse construction costs; staff presented an estimated total project cost for both crossings of roughly $154,000, with the town’s EA expense the only non‑reimbursable item.

Why it matters: The targeted crossings are on corridors with recorded severe crashes and address gaps in pedestrian access to transit. Staff said the Park Center Drive crosswalk is heavily used and that the Sam Newell stop currently lacks curb ramps and lighting.

What’s next: Staff will complete the EA this fiscal year, submit the CDBG application and, if awarded, proceed with design and construction in FY2026. The council’s action appropriated the EA funds and authorized staff to pursue the grant application.