Development, diminishing green space have mayor of 'Tree City USA' worried

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Apartments and storefronts replacing trees and green space in Matthews have some concerned about the town's changing appearance.

The mayor of Matthews took to Facebook to express his concern about contractors eliminating trees along Monroe Road.

Stumps line the road after dozens of trees were cut down in the last week. The sight of a sign in front of the lot showcasing Matthews as “Tree City U.S.A.” adds to the irony.

[ALSO READ: Charlotte’s vital tree canopy in serious danger]

Mayor Paul Bailey posted a photograph of the new construction site to his Facebook page Monday, writing: "One of the frustrating parts of the job ... the town cannot do anything to prevent this when development occurs. I know progress will occur but do we need to kill everything to do it?"

Channel 9 reporter Kristin Leigh spoke with Bailey Tuesday morning. He said the tree canopy currently makes up 50 percent of the land in Matthews, but the town's ordinance only requires developers to preserve 15 percent of the trees for any given project.

The mayor worries that booming growth in Matthews is going to change too much of what makes the town desirable to families who move there.

Channel 9 also learned that the architect who designed the mixed-use project under construction is town Commissioner John Urban.

He told Leigh he realizes seeing trees cut down is striking at first, but said the project goes above and beyond what the city ordinance requires to preserve green space.

Bailey said he worries that's also not enough to preserve what makes the town desirable.

“It's the green space,” Bailey said. “The walkability. The small-town feel of Matthews. I think all of those have to work together to provide a community that people really want to live in and be a part of.”

The same construction site is home to Roseland Cemetery, which is recognizable only by a few grave markers.

“These were former slaves and former freed persons,” Harvey Boyd said.

Boyd heard about plans to build the apartments.

“I have a sister and a grandmother buried in the site,” Boyd said.

He took his concerns to town commissioners and said in his experience, the town preserves what’s important.

“Yes, I'm worried,” Boyd said. “But I also realize progress is progress.

The developer is going to build a memorial at the gravesite and create public access to it.

People currently have to walk through neighbors’ backyards to visit the more than 70 people buried there.

The apartments will be completed in 14 to 16 months.

Cox Media Group