Matthews Messenger | November 2021

NOVEMBER — 2021

Volume 3 — Issue 10

Matthews honors veterans with new banners displayed in downtown. Read more on page 4.

In this issue...

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Read the latest on the I-485 project on page 2

Keep These Messages On Your Mind Engage and Connect: Follow the Town of Matthews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, NextDoor and sign up to receive notifications.

Visit www.matthewsnc.gov for more info.

Town begins parklet program. See page 3 for details.

MATTHEWSNC.GOV

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

‘Tis the season to have fun! Check out our event lineup on page 5

@MATTHEWSNC

TOWN OF MATTHEWS

@TOWNOFMATTHEWS

www.matthewsnc.gov

Matthews Messenger | November 2021

MANAGER’S MESSAGE Mayor Higdon helped honor Veterans Day yesterday with a ceremony in Stumptown Park hosted by the Hooks-Orr American Legion Post 235. Honoring our veterans is important today and every day.

One way the Town is honoring veterans and military servicemembers is through a new banner program. Many of you have likely noticed these new banners displayed in downtown Matthews. Read more about the Hometown Hero Banner Program on page 4.

We have some exciting events lined up for you and your friends and family to enjoy this holiday season. This year we are planning a spectacular tree lighting in Stumptown Park that you won’t want to miss.

The Park will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland.

Read more about this and all of our holiday events on page 5.

Work continues on the NCDOT’s I-485 Express Lanes Project. You can read more about the latest with this project on page 2.

Check out the calendar on page 6 for Matthews’ events and Board of Commissioners meetings so you can stay involved and engaged in all that Matthews has to offer. We hope you have a great month of November, and a happy and safe Thanksgiving.

Hazen Blodgett HAZEN BLODGETT MATTHEWS TOWN MANAGER HBLODGETT@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

BECKY HAWKE ASSISTANT TOWN MANAGER BHAWKE@MATTHEWSNC.GOV

I-485 Express Lanes Project Continues Construction continues of the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) project to add express lanes to I-485, and build a new interchange at Weddington Road and a reconfiguration of the E. John Street interchange.

Work in Matthews currently includes utility relocations, noise wall installation, and storm drainage/grading in the ramps at the new Weddington Road interchange and at the E. John Street interchange.

As the work moves through the phases of the project, there may be a lot of construction activity over a few months then seemingly none as that contractor moves to other locations along the 16-mile corridor. Construction phases will begin and end as programmed by the design-build team. Drivers should be diligent and use caution when traveling on I-485, E. John Street and Weddington Rd.

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Matthews Messenger | November 2021

Town Board Approves Pilot Parklet Program In response to the Covid-19 pandemic,

In downtown areas like Matthews, the

the Town of Matthews created a

primary challenge is how to retrofit existing

temporary in-street dining program in

infrastructure to provide more urban open

2020 that allowed businesses to create

space. A parklet is a small, temporary or

seating areas within the public right

semi-permanent structure that forms an

of way. Three locations were set up

extension of the public sidewalk. Parklets

for several months in late 2020 and in

are typically constructed over one or

early 2021. The easing of indoor dining

two public parking spaces and may be

restrictions and the cost of the portable

publicly or privately maintained. While

barriers ultimately led to the permanent

utilitarian in nature, parklets often feature

removal of these temporary dining

unique designs that add to the overall

areas.

street experience. The primary purpose of a parklet is to provide “people space”

Emerging trends show there is a

in downtown in the form or seating or

greater desire for outdoor amenity and

amenity space. They are places to sit for

recreation space in communities across

moment, have lunch or just people watch.

the country. In major cities, entire travel

When privately used or maintained, a

lanes or streets are being converted to

parklet may also function as additional

pedestrian only plazas with seating and

outdoor dining space.

amenities.

Last month, the Board of Commissioners approved a pilot program to allow for parklets to be considered in downtown.

Each parklet permit application would be closely reviewed by Town staff, be required to meet the requirements of the program, and ultimately would have to be approved by the Board of Commissioners.

Temporary In-street dining along North Trade Street

Modular Parklet System by Archatrak

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Matthews Messenger | November 2021

Matthews Honors Military Hometown Heroes While Mayor John Higdon was visiting Chester, South Carolina in the spring of 2020, banners displayed on light poles throughout town caught his eye. The banners featured photos, names and branch of service for local veterans.

“Immediately I was struck by how special this was,” said Mayor Higdon.

“You walk down the street and look at the photos of these brave men and women who served our country – and it’s apparent that these veterans are revered and honored in the community.”

Mayor Higdon decided to start something similar in Matthews. The Matthews Veterans Advisory Committee (MVAC) took on the task. Working together with officials in Chester, a program in Matthews began to take shape.

The Military Hometown Heroes Banner Program was launched in July of this year when the Town put out the call for applications. To qualify, honorees must be a former or current resident of the Town of Matthews, have an honorable discharge and must be serving or have served in the United States Armed Forces.

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Just this week, 16 banners honoring service members and veterans are on display in downtown Matthews. The following branches of the military are represented: Army, Navy, Marines, and the Air Force. Service in the following conflicts are represented: World War II, Vietnam, the War on Terrorism, and the Korean War. “I am really pleased with our banner program,” said Mayor Higdon. “I’ve already heard from a lot of citizens that they really enjoy seeing the banners. We hope to add even more in the future.”

The banners will be displayed in downtown Matthews along E. John Street and Trade Street during two periods each year (Memorial Day and Veterans Day).

Matthews Messenger | November 2021

‘Tis the Season for Holiday Fun!

The Town of Matthews has some great events lined up for this holiday season: The Nutcracker Ballet performed by the Matthews Ballet (tickets required) The beloved Nutcracker ballet comes to life on stage with a performance choreographed by Matthews Ballet. This version of the Nutcracker is brought to you by children and teens from the Matthews community. Tickets may be purchased at www.matthewsfun.com.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony Tuesday, November 30 at 5:30 pm on the Town Green Jingle Jam Concert Friday December 3 at 7:00 pm located on the lawn at 224 Matthews Station Street Live music from U-Phonik, rock from the 90s and 2000s, plus a U2 tribute - with their new band Rattle And Hum Tree Lighting Celebration Saturday, December 4 at 5:00 pm at Stumptown Park Noon Year’s Eve Party Friday, December 31 beginning at 10:00 am at the Fullwood Theater Ring in the New Year -- family-style!! Families are invited to attend our NEWEST event in the Fullwood Theater at the Matthews Community Center! We will have a kid-friendly DJ, entertainment acts, and a countdown at 12 NOON followed by a balloon drop! Whether this is a pre-party for a fun day of activities, or your only celebration for the day, we’re excited to celebrate New Year’s Eve (daytime) with all of you!

For more information about all of these events, please visit www.matthewsfun.com.

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Matthews Messenger | November 2021

November 2021 Events Calendar Any questions?

Contact us! veterans advisory committee meeting

at 7:00 pm

Board of Commissioners Meeting at 7:00 pm

matthews commitee on education remote meeting at 6:45 pm

at 7:00 pm

parks, recreation & cultural resource ac remote meeting

at 6:30 pm

Appearance/tree committee meeting

matthews ballet performance of the nutcracker

holiday tickets go on sale at 9:00 am

pawsitively matthews at 10:00 am

crews family fun night at 6:00 pm

veterans day ceremony

at 11:00 am

Transportation advisory committee meeting

at 7:00 pm

Board of Commissioners Meeting at 7:00 pm

canceled - board of adjustment meeting

at 7:00 pm

Joint board of commissioners/ cultural diversity committee meeting

matthews ballet performance of the nutcracker

at 2 & 7:00 pm

at 7:00 pm

menorah lighting

at 5:30 pm

at 3:00 pm

For additional details, please visit: www.matthewsnc.gov/calendar.aspx Have any questions about the community? Contact us!

TOWN HALL

232 Matthews Station St. | Matthews, NC 28105 PHONE

(704) 847- 4411 E-MAIL

matthews@matthewsnc.gov WEB

www.matthewsnc.gov

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