MATTHEWS, N.C. — A proposed mixed-use development in Matthews is making changes after pushback from people living in the area. The developer of Santé Matthews is reducing the amount of high-density housing but some say it’s not enough.
The main issue some neighbors have had with the project is the amount of high-density housing it hopes to build on Stallings and Idlewild Roads.
The developer Pappas Properties is now reducing the number of apartments and increasing the number of houses for sale to try to meet concerned residents halfway.
The revised blueprint takes 92 units away from the original plan and puts the apartments farthest away from existing neighborhoods. It also is increasing the buffer between the property and existing neighborhoods, and adding more green space.
The new site plan also adds in a grocery store, which was previously removed.
"It’s the same high density, it's the same, you know, more rentals than there are homeowners, nothing's really changed,” Tony Williamson, who lives near the proposed site, said.
Williamson worries the area’s roads still won’t be able to handle the influx of residents.
“We don’t want to see where all our infrastructure is so stressed," he added.
The new plans also include a larger senior living neighborhood, which made neighbor Leroy Flowers happy.
"Changing the demographics of the people that live there with 55 plus -- I believe that is a tremendous thing for our community, that’s what we need,” Flowers told WCNC Charlotte.
While others have expressed concerns about having more renters than homeowners move in nearby, Flowers said he doesn’t care.
"Property ownership is good but at the same time I think building a neighborhood of community, just building a neighborhood of friendship, relationships, socializing with your neighbors – I think to me that kind of triumphs," Flowers added.
The plan also includes transportation improvements to address traffic, including adding a roundabout and widening Idlewild Road. Stallings Road would be rerouted and get sidewalks.
Pappas Properties is set to present the updated plan at the Matthews Town Council meeting on Feb. 13.
Contact Julia Kauffman at jkauffman@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.