MATTHEWS, N.C. — Matthews leaders held a town hall Monday evening to allow residents to speak on a large proposed development that some neighbors are trying to stop before it gets started.
The project, which would be built on Idlewild Road, would include new town homes, apartments, single-family homes and commercial space off Stallings Road. Neighbors first rallied against plans for a town house and single-family community back in 2010.
Residents that are against "Sante Matthews" packed into the town hall Monday night and said they want developments in the area to be single-family houses only.
They say the development is out of place and doesn't benefit the neighborhood.
"We all moved here to be in suburbs," one neighbor told town commissioners Monday night. "We would like to keep it the suburbs."
Pappas Properties is the developer behind the proposed $160 million project. Pappas hopes to get the town council's approval to rezone and develop the land for the "Sante Matthews" project. The plan, which sprawls across 80 acres, includes 14 single-family homes, 120 town houses and 187 units for 55-plus living. It also includes 341 multi-family units for rent.
The community will also have a park, grocery store, offices and retail space.
Founder Peter Pappas was set to give a presentation on the plans at the town council meeting but delayed it partly due to new roadwork plans. However, he still attended the meeting.
"The main reason is the change by NCDOT to put the roundabout back at the relocated Stallings Road and Hooks Road," Pappas told WCNC Charlotte's Julia Kauffman. "So, that’s going to require us to relook at our plans.”
Pappas added that he is meeting with the surrounding neighborhood leaders and wanted to get their input before presenting.
Residents that are organizing against the development said their petition has more than 300 signatures. The petition calls on Matthews leaders to deny the proposal when it's time to vote.
Resident David Gaertner said he worries the development could cause even more traffic issues, citing a study that found 141 crashes on Idlewild Road near the proposed community from 2016-2020.
Pappas is set to share the updated plans for "Sante Matthews" at the Dec. 12 town council meeting. Public comment will be taken at that hearing from people that did not speak at the Nov. 14 meeting.
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