Matthews approves MicroFlex site plan 6–1 after staff finds revisions meet UDO

The Matthews Board of Commissioners on March 9 approved the site plan and elevations for Matthews MicroFlex on Monroe Road by a 6–1 vote, with Commissioner John Urban opposing.

Staff told the board the revised submission addressed previous concerns: it added 19 large arborvitae as a landscape buffer, created a stormwater easement, removed garage bays from one elevation and added windows facing Monroe Road. Staff recommended approval, saying the plan complies with the previously approved rezoning conditions and the town’s Unified Development Ordinance.

"Staff has reviewed the proposed site plan and elevations. We found them to comply with the previously approved rezoning conditions and the requirements of the UDO," a staff presenter said.

JD Brooks, who said he owns a small landscape‑lighting company and is developing the project, described tenant use patterns and said the parking layout has not posed problems at the company’s other locations. "Our thousand square foot users are 1 to 2 employees and our 1,250s are average around 3 employees," Brooks said, and added, “This would be perfect use for us.”

Commissioners asked about permitted tenant uses and whether lease terms or property management would address potential conflicts between storage/warehouse and storefront tenants. Brooks said uses have been narrowed to parking, warehouse and storage, and office space, and that management would address operational issues.

A motion to approve the site plan and elevations was made by Commissioner Jonathan Clayton and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Susan Chambers. The motion passed 6–1 with Commissioner Urban in opposition. Technical reviews of the stormwater management plan and a transportation memorandum remain ongoing and are separate from the site plan and elevation approval.