Matthews mayor concerned widening project will 'lose town's charm'

MATTHEWS, N.C. — People in Matthews will get their first look Thursday night at an alternative plan to ease traffic congestion in town.

However, Mayor Jim Taylor is concerned a massive widening project will lose the town's charm.

The corner of East John Street and Trade Street, in downtown Matthews where the project will start, is packed with businesses and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s plan would widen more than a 6-mile stretch on East John Street -- past I-485 and down old Monroe Road.

The stretch would go from two to four lanes and the project will cost $90 million.

Crews would have to tear down approximately 45 homes, and some businesses, to make this project happen. So far, 344 people have signed a petition to delay the widening project.

Taylor said town council opposes the project and will continue to push back on NCDOT. They've hired consultants to come up with an alternative plan that will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday at Matthews Town Hall.

“We have to persuade them that this is not what the community wants or is in the best interest of our community,” Taylor said

The project will impact Matthews, Stallings and Indian Trail.

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