INSIDE ▼ Survey to guide county health efforts PAGE 2A Friday, February 28, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 9
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Lighthouse Autism Center expanding to Monroe MONROE – Lighthouse Autism Center, a provider of applied behavior analysis therapy, announced plans to expand into North Carolina with new centers in Hickory, Statesville and Monroe.
Founded in 2012 by parents of a child with autism, the center is extending its footprint beyond its Midwest roots to respond to the growing need for autism therapy services on the East Coast. Autism spectrum disorder is one of the fastest-growing developmental disorders, with approximately 1
in 36 children in the U.S. diagnosed. The new centers are set to begin serving families in spring 2025 and will feature the natural, play-based spaces, bright colors and curated therapy materials. The centers will offer a range of services, including applied behavior analysis therapy, speech therapy, autism diagnostic testing, parent support and pre-academic learning. Traci Meador, director of special programs and expansion operations at Lighthouse Autism Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the next step in Lighthouse’s growth.
“We are thrilled to bring our services to more families, supporting and empowering them along their autism journey,” Meador said. “Our commitment to excellence and community-focused care drives us to extend our impact where it is most needed.” Lighthouse delivers applied behavior analysis therapy in a natural, play-based environment where children can explore their interests and learn through fun and engagement. On the web: www.lighthouseautismcenter.com
A child goes through diagnostic testing at Lighthouse Autism Center. Photo courtesy of LAC
Discovery Place envisions Matthews location MATTHEWS – Discovery Place plans to open a Discovery Place Kids museum in Matthews.
Under a newly established development and management agreement, the Town of Matthews will provide building space and Discovery Place will oversee the upfitting and operation of the museum. Commissioners approved the agreement Feb. 24 during their meeting. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Matthews, and we couldn’t be more excited about this partnership,” Mayor John Higdon said. “Discovery Place Kids is renowned for its engaging experiences that are both fun and educational for children and their families. While the museum opening is still a few years away, we are excited to welcome them to Matthews and look forward to the many ways they will enrich
The addition of a Matthews location of Discovery Place Kids will provide local families with greater access to high-quality educational opportunities. Photos courtesy of Discovery Place
our community.” Catherine Horne, president and CEO of Discovery Place, said the organization is thrilled to partner with the town. “This museum will be a hub of imagination, creativity and hands-on learning, designed to inspire young minds and bring families to-
gether,” Horne said. “More than just a destination, it will be a valuable community resource where children can explore science in a fun and engaging way.” The building space will be funded through the town’s tourism fund and is expected to be available within the next five years. The location
has not yet been determined. The town expects to finalize the details in the coming months. "Discovery Place KidsMatthews will be built with the community, for the community,” said Nikole Hill, chief learning officer at Discovery Place. “From interactive exhibits to dy-
Discovery Place is known for interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning. This is a photo from a Fantastic Frogs exhibit five years ago at Discovery Place Science in Uptown Charlotte.
MORE ON DISCOVERY PLACE Discovery Place’s network includes four distinct museum experiences – Discovery Place Science, Charlotte Museum of Nature (opening in 2026), Discovery Place Kids-Huntersville and Discovery Place Kids-Rockingham. On the web: discoveryplace.org
namic STEM programs, every aspect of the museum will reflect the voices and needs of Matthews families. This spring, we’re excited to
Small subdivision could fill in Waxhaw donut hole By Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
that medium maturing trees are selected as street trees from the town's tree species list, with the exclusion of Willow Oaks and Red Maples from the selection.”
WAXHAW – CH Consulting LLC wants to annex 4.5 acres from unincorporated Union County into Waxhaw so that it can build Brinley, an enclave of 13 houses.
The site, located at 4601 Waxhaw-Marvin Road, is wedged between the MillBridge and Grove Manor subdivisions. Chris Hanson, of CH Consulting, explained to Waxhaw commissioners during the Feb. 11 public hearing that he has a stake in the community. “I think anytime you have an opportunity to work in the town that you live in, that you love, you want to do everything you can to be a good partner to the town but also minimize the impact to those mostly impacted, which are the neighbors of the site,” Hanson said. Most of the land surrounding Brinley is zoned R-3 single family residential. CH Consulting is requesting R-4, which allows up to four units per acre, but also aligns better with some of the company’s desired lot size dimensions, according to Waxhaw Assistant Planning Director Mattison Miller. “We consider this kind of a mini-conservation development, where their goal is to really try to conserve 50% (precisely 1.97
Conditions of approval
This map shows how annexing the triangleshaped property outlined in red will diminish a sizable donut hole within Waxhaw. CH Consulting LLC also owns the lot across the street but that parcel’s use has not been identified yet.
Photo courtesy of Town of Waxhaw
acres or 48.4%) of the site,” Miller told commissioners. “In addition to that, all the green space, or common open space, they will be putting in a permanent conservation easement.” The Waxhaw 2040 Future Land Use Map calls for medium density residential for the site. That may include a density of three or four units per acre with houses, townhomes, cottages, duplexes, triplexes or quadruplexes. The Waxhaw Planning Board recommends approval of the annexation and zoning. The planning board added one condition: “The developer will collaborate with staff to ensure
Here are the conditions that have been agreed upon by the developer, town staff and planning board: 1. Reduction of minimum lot width to 40’. 2. Reduction of minimum lot depth to 100’. 3. Reduction of minimum side setback to 5’ and corner setback to 10’ 4. Minimum tree save buffer of 30’ on western and southern property boundary. 5. Single Family Attached dwellings are not permitted in this development. 6. Any areas in the common open space that are disturbed, shall be replanted in coordination with the Union County Urban Forester and Planning Department. 7. The developer or HOA shall be responsible for maintenance of the street trees installed by the developer in accordance with Town of Waxhaw Standards. 8. The developer will collaborate with staff to ensure that medium maturing trees are selected as street trees from the Town's Tree Species List, with the exclusion of Willow Oaks and Red Maples from the selection.
launch a series of community input sessions to hear directly from residents and shape a museum experience that truly belongs to Matthews."
Breakfast club to discuss Ballantyne Reimagined CHARLOTTE – South Charlotte Partners will explore Ballantyne Reimagined, the project that transformed a golf course into The Bowl at Ballantyne, at its next SCP Breakfast Club meeting.
The topic, "Bringing to Life the Vision of Ballantyne Reimagined," offers a behind-the-scenes look at the south Charlotte new dining, retail and entertainment district. “This event is more than just a conversation – it represents growth, innovation and a new era for our region,” said Ben Mears, board chair of South Charlotte Partners. “We’re excited to feature visionary leaders who will share the story behind this project and what it means for businesses, residents and visitors alike.” Tony Mecia, of The Charlotte Ledger, will moderate a discussion with John Barton, president of Northwood Office and Ned Curran, president of Stone Cottage Advisors and former CEO of Northwood Office. They’ll share their perspectives on how the project has and will continue to impact the area. They’ll also discuss the importance Story continues, see BREAKFAST page 3A