Land in Matthews could turn into event, entertainment spot

MATTHEWS, N.C. — A developer wants to turn a plot of land in Matthews into a new community with space for events and entertainment.

The developer has asked the town to rezone 72 acres of land just north of the Sportsplex at Matthews, near Brigman and Matthews-Mint Hill roads.

The developer, which already owns the Briley Apartments, plans to expand into the woods, creating even more development and a large public space that would eventually connect with the Sportsplex. The plot of land could someday become Midfield Station.

Ashley Peterson is a developer on the project.

“Our goal is to make everyone feel welcome here,” she told Channel 9′s Dan Matics.

Her firm, Proffitt Dixon Partners, is trying to get the Town of Matthews on board. The project calls for apartments, restaurants, retail and a hotel, along with a town square. That means morning yoga, food trucks and live music.

“We want you to spend all of your Saturday here -- from greenway trails and public art to retail moments,” Peterson said.

As the area explodes with growth, the developers have to sway some who think the town is growing too fast.

“I’s a mixed blessing, like anything else,” said Don Wyks, a commercial real estate agent in Matthews.

Wyks has spent decades in the town working in commercial real estate. He said it’s a great location but there could be growing pains.

“This is about as close to ground zero Mecklenburg County as you’re going to get. You’re at Independence Boulevard and I-485,” he said. “With that said, development always leads infrastructure.”

But the developer said they’re committed to growing smart, adding plenty of green space.

“We love the idea of having an open space and in the public realm,” Peterson said.

The next public hearing should be around the middle of August. The developer hopes to have a final vote from the town before the end of the year.

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