Matthews commissioners to consider controversial development project at public hearing

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Town leaders in Matthews will consider a project Monday night that some fear could threaten the town's charm.

The plan calls for more than a dozen new homes to be built in the historic downtown.

Commissioners will consider a development project Monday at a public hearing. Many in the community fear it will threaten the town's historic charm. Channel 9 will be there at tonight's meeting. 

We will tell you what commissioners decide Monday night at 10 and 11 p.m. on Eyewitness News and on wsoctv.com. 

Over the weekend, even more critics pledged to throw their weight against the development proposal. Dozens are expected to show up at town hall Monday night to protest the project.

Brookchase Properties wants to replace the wooded entrance to a greenway on Trade Street with 13 homes and a new road.

Neighbors worry the project will make the historic gateway into downtown look and feel like any other cramped development.

They say it will threaten the town's charm and add more congestion to a busy area bordered by a school and a church.

Channel 9 went through campaign records and discovered the mayor and three of the town's six commissioners all accepted donations from the developer during the last election.

Channel 9's Mark Barber asked the mayor if that will influence his decision.

Mayor Paul Bailey said he poured $15,000 of his own money into his campaign so he is not going to be swayed by $500.

Bailey promised this process will be fair.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday during the rezoning hearing in town hall.

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