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Residents press Matthews leaders for action over noise, alleged misconduct at neighboring nursing facility
Summary
Residents from the Abington neighborhood urged the Matthews Board of Commissioners to intervene over persistent nighttime truck traffic, loud music, HVAC noise and alleged refuse and drug activity at the Matthews Health and Rehab facility, and the board asked staff and police to follow up.
Amanda Brown, an Abington resident, told the Board of Commissioners on March 23 that long-running noise and behavior around the Matthews Health and Rehab facility have eroded neighbors’ quality of life. "I am here this evening to talk with you about the egregious and obnoxious noise that comes from the Matthews Health and Rehab Facility," Brown said, reading a log of incidents that included trucks arriving before 6 a.m., car alarms at 3 a.m., loud music and allegedly offensive refuse on adjacent property.
Brown listed five remedies she and neighbors want: a prohibition on trucks entering the facility parking lot between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.; a ban on loud music, shouting and carousing in the parking lot at any hour; replacement of the HVAC system with a quieter 2026-model unit and installation of noise abatement measures; no drug use on facility grounds; and removal of refuse from Abington property. "With these measures, we think we can peacefully coexist with the Matthews Health and Rehab Facility," Brown said.
A second resident, identified in the public record as **** Roberts, told the board the facility has become a neighborhood blight and called for firm attention to property maintenance and employee conduct. Both speakers said neighbors have documented incidents dating back years and that some residents have called police.
Mayor John F. Higdon acknowledged the concerns and asked the town manager to follow up with the police chief to determine which allegations involve violations of town, county or state ordinances. "We'll certainly help you any way we can," Higdon said, noting the town had already received Brown’s email outlining concerns.
Town Manager Malia James confirmed staff would coordinate with the police department and return with follow-up steps. The board did not take formal action on any of the petitioner’s requested remedies during the meeting; instead, members directed staff to investigate enforcement options and to report back.
Next steps: the town manager is to consult with the police chief and report findings to the board on what is illegal, what enforcement tools exist, and which items will require civil or administrative remedies.
