MATTHEWS, N.C. — Homeowners in the Town of Matthews are trying to stop a project in its tracks.
Not only are they afraid the new development will change the town's landscape, but some are also questioning the relationship between the developer and some of the commissioners who will approve or deny his proposal.
Signs continue to line the streets of Matthews in opposition. Many homeowners say they're afraid the plan would cram a bunch of houses in a small space near the Four Mile Creek Greenway entrance.
"Every time there's a little square foot, I expect them to come in here and buy these smaller houses now and tear them down and make one lot out of two," Dan Stewart said.
Gordon Clemmons initially spoke up for the same reason, but his concerns eventually evolved.
"I want to do my part man," Clemmons said.
It started with questions about developer Garry Smith giving campaign donations to three of the town's seven elected leaders last year. His company, BrookChase Properties, is behind the project. Smith called it "a community deed and in no way would I expect any favoritism."
However, that's not the only thing that caught Clemmons' eye. Not only did Smith give Commissioner John Urban a $500 campaign check, but the two men also have a longstanding business relationship.
"It doesn't seem ethical to me," Clemmons said. "To me, that says there's a very strong financial tie."
Urban is an architect. He won't be the architect on this project, but he's worked on several of BrookChase Properties' previous projects.
"I think the board should excuse him and just say, 'This doesn't smell right,'" Clemmons said.
Urban defended his past business relationship and told us there's no reason for him to recuse himself from a vote.
"The last project my firm did with Mr. Smith was in 2014, that project is currently under construction next to town hall. Prior to that project, Matthews Gateway dates back to 2010 and Matthews Professional Center 2004," Urban said in an email.
"To take this even further, I was not on the town board in 2004, nor 2014 when two of the projects (were) designed and the 2010 project was designed for a parcel in a 'by right' zoning district having no connection to a town board action.
Bottom line, it's been four years since our last project with Mr. Smith in Matthews. My firm practices in 16 states with over 1600 projects completed. You do the math, Mr. Smith's work amounts to a fraction of a percent of our total work."
Both the mayor and town attorney agree there's no conflict of interest for anyone on this project, specifically saying Commissioner Urban does not have any interest in the property, directly or indirectly and will not benefit from the project.
"There's no basis to request (recusal)," Mayor Paul Bailey said. "I think John has a level of integrity...I believe in this particular case he will do what he thinks is best for the Town of Matthews and the people of Matthews."
Due to the lack of conflict of interest, the mayor said all seven elected leaders are required to vote.
"Even though people think a commissioner should recuse himself, he can't," the mayor said. "He can't legally recuse himself."
Mayor Bailey, like the others who received campaign contributions, told us that money will not sway his support or opposition of the project.
"I think anybody that's on this board and talking about myself, I always vote in the best interest of Matthews," Mayor Bailey said.
"...a campaign contribution will not sway my decision one way or the other, and is insulting to think otherwise," Commissioner Urban added, calling himself "the most qualified and toughest commissioner on developers and their rezoning cases."
"My support or opposition of a zoning petition isn't based on a campaign contribution but whether the petition is in the long-term best interest of the Town of Matthews, as a whole and if it is reasonable and consistent with the Town of Matthews Land Use Plan," Commissioner Chris Melton said.
At the moment, leaders remain in negotiations with BrookChase Properties ahead of a planned meeting Monday. Smith has since requested to defer a vote on his project until the November 12 meeting.
"We develop property all around the Charlotte area, and this is only our 4th rezoning in Matthews for the 28 years we have been in business," Smith said.
"The previous three rezoning attempts, only one was approved. It is our opinion after meeting with and working with the Matthews Planning Department multiple occasions, the proposed petition fits within what the Matthews Downtown Master Plan calls for.
Some of the Council Members have been on the Board for 10, 20+ years, with one almost 50 years. I think with their experience and years of dedication, they will do what is right for the Town of Matthews. If it is approved, it will be a project that Matthews will be proud of. If it is declined, it will be ok as we understand the process. "
