Matthews leaders approve controversial downtown housing development

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Matthews leaders approved the construction of more than a dozen homes near a popular greenway on South Trade Street near downtown.

The proposal passed 4-3 Monday night.

NOW: @townofmatthews commissioners vote 4-3 to approve controversial housing development to allow 12 homes on S. Trade Street near downtown Matthews. Many in audience are upset. pic.twitter.com/CqrpQBLUZm
— Liz Foster (@lizfosterWSOC9) November 13, 2018

The town hall was packed and many residents left disappointed because the 2.3-acre property is considered a cornerstone to the historic district.

"The density in that one little spot is five times what it is in the surrounding community and it’s going to set a precedent,” resident Mark Tofano said.

To the residents who showed up, it wasn’t just about a dozen homes – it was about a piece of property they consider a cornerstone to the historic district here.

Channel 9 previously uncovered that the mayor and three of the city’s six commissioners accepted campaign donations from the developer behind the project.

Residents said that’s a problem and they believe it swayed votes.

Only one of the four who accepted the donation, Commissioner Chris Melton, voted “no” on the proposal.

"It shows in the town of Matthews if a developer contributes money towards a re-election campaign of certain commissioners, he’s going to get whatever he wants," resident Jim Dedmon said.

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