By Kerry Lamson, Candidate for Town of Matthews Board of Commissioners
As a first time candidate for any type of government office I am learning you need to be quick of your feet especially when you get a somewhat late start in the process of “campaigning”.
Fortunately the local press is quick to help voters find the basic information they should have about their candidate choices. One request I have is from a local TV channel that is assembling their local Political Candidate Guide and I am sure more requests are coming.
The challenge they have is assembling a brief overview on every candidate and they emphasize the word brief when they ask you their set of questions. And for those who know me “brief” is NOT my middle name particularly when it comes to addressing Matthews and the issues we all face. Still a few of their questions were stimulating so I thought I would take a moment and post a few of them as blog subjects so we can all discuss them.
The first in this series is : What will you consider when deciding whether to support a rezoning petition?
Growth is coming to Matthews. That’s not just a prediction—it’s our present reality. As more families, businesses, and developers look to call our town home, we find ourselves at a critical decision point: How do we grow without losing what makes Matthews special?
One of the most powerful tools we have is rezoning. Every rezoning petition—whether for housing, commercial space, or mixed-use development—represents a chance to shape our community’s future. But with that opportunity comes responsibility.
If I’m elected to the Board of Commissioners, I will approach every rezoning petition with a commitment to transparency, community input, and long-term planning. Here’s how I plan to do that
1. Start with the Big Picture
I’ll begin by asking: Does this proposal align with the Town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)?
Good zoning decisions should reinforce the community’s vision—not contradict it. That means thinking ahead 10–20 years, not just reacting to short-term trends or developer pressure.
2. Understand Infrastructure Impact
Matthews has some of the busiest roads in the region—including NC-51, John Street, and US-74. These are already under pressure, and many are managed by the state, not the town.
So when a rezoning adds more people, more cars, or more demand for services, I’ll be asking:
- Can our roads, schools, and utilities handle it?
- Are traffic improvements part of the deal?
- Is the development helping or hurting long-standing bottlenecks?
3. Demand Housing That Meets Real Needs
We need to support housing that works for Matthews residents—not just investors. I’ll look for:
- Workforce and senior housing
- Mixed-income options
- Projects that offer real affordability—not just density
We know that over 40% of renters and 25% of homeowners in Matthews are cost-burdened. Zoning must be part of the solution.
4. Listen to the People Who Live Here
Community engagement is not a checkbox. It’s the core of good governance. I’ll give real weight to:
- Feedback from nearby residents
- Neighborhood meetings and advisory board input
- Whether the developer made meaningful outreach before filing
If a proposal surprises or alienates the community, it’s probably not the right fit.
5. Focus on Design, Green Space & Livability
Growth shouldn’t mean less beauty or less breathing room. I’ll look for:
- Quality design and materials
- Tree preservation and stormwater management
- Walkable layouts and safe pedestrian access
Matthews deserves development that enhances—not erases—our small-town character.
6. Check the Fiscal Math
Growth must be financially responsible. Some rezonings bring major tax base benefits. Others may strain police, fire, parks, or roads without covering those costs. I’ll ask:
- What’s the long-term impact on the town budget?
- Will this help diversify our economy—or just add costs?
7. Consider Timing & Cumulative Effects
It’s not just about the project—it’s about the timing. Sometimes a good idea arrives too soon for the surrounding infrastructure. Or it’s one of too many dense projects in the same area.
I’ll evaluate recent rezonings nearby, infrastructure plans already underway, and whether the proposal helps us balance housing, commerce, and community services.
Bottom Line: Thoughtful Growth, Not Reactive Decisions
Rezoning isn’t glamorous. But it’s one of the most powerful levers a Commissioner has. And it’s one I will treat with care, curiosity, and responsibility.
Because growth will come either way. What matters is how we grow—and whether that growth protects the heart and soul of Matthews.
Want to share your thoughts on a rezoning petition? I’d love to hear from you.
Email me [email protected]
Post a comment or question
Or stop me at a community event—I’m always listening.
Let’s grow smart, stay grounded, and protect the Matthews we all love.
Next up in the series: How can Matthews attract and retain more police officers?
Kerry