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Friday, March 14, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 10
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Mayor describes leaders’ actions as sellout of taxpayers Why Choose Us? •
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By Justin Vick Contributor
action of those called out and the March 11 version succinctly summarizes Higdon’s stance.
Matthews Mayor John Higdon was critical of three town commissioners for pulling their support of a resolution opposing Mecklenburg County’s proposed 1-cent sales tax for transit. Higdon’s remarks from the March 10 board meeting are transcribed below. We have also included a summary of reactions from the three commissioners he called out. Higdon also emailed Matthews-Mint Hill Weekly a more concise statement on March 11. We are publishing both sets of remarks because the March 10 version generated immediate re-
Since being first elected to this board a dozen years ago, I've always done my best to make the best decisions for our citizens. In particular, I have always strived to keep our taxes as low as possible while maintaining the high quality of life our citizens demand and deserve. That is why the recent actions of three of our elected officials is so troubling. Saturday, March 1, Commissioner (Leon) Threatt informed me via email that since our board's Aug. 12, 2024, resolution opposing a
1-cent transit sales tax, he had read Senate Bill 145 and received additional information that led him to no longer support our resolution opposing the pending legislation. On Sunday, March 2, after having previously informed the media of their decision in multiple interviews, Mayor Pro Tem (Gina) Hoover and Commissioner (Mark) Tofano did the same. Commissioner Tofano stated in his email, “If tax legislation were to make its way to the Mecklenburg Board of Commissioners for consideration of placing on the ballot as a referendum, I would encourage them to do so. This matter should be decided by the people of Mecklenburg County. I
would remain neutral on the referendum but would make an effort to ensure that the voters received the information necessary either for Our Promise: We are dedicated to maximizing the value of your items while m or against the referendum for them to make process as stress-free as possible. Since 2013, we have built a reputation for pro integrity, and exceptional results. an educated decision.” Contact Us: Christine BoskovichI (661) 305-5226 To this sentiment reply that Christine@QualityEstateSaleNC leadership requires making hard decisions. Remaining neutral on a decision that will be impactful “We Sell Everything, But the House! to our town for a century or more is, in my opinion, the shirking of an elected leader's responsibilities. I don't want to mince words here. Having three of our commissioners side with
Charlotte Academy of Music wraps up Beauty and the Beast JR
Anika Ryder (Cogsworth) and Sidney Miller (Lumiere) had some of the most creative costumes in the production.
Evan Ziliani (Lefou) and Dylan Ryder (Gaston) added depth to a strong show.
Ellie Grace Fichtman (Belle) and Miles Medlin (Beast) had the lead roles in Charlotte Academy of Music’s ”Beauty and the Beast JR.”
Kiersten Clay/K. Clay Photography
MATTHEWS – A story written almost 300 years ago, ”Beauty and the Beast” is a tale as old as time.
Charlotte Academy of Music’s SHINE Musical Theatre division recently presented this classic story with a cast of Charlotte area youth. This production was one of the last opportunities to see the adored Disney classic. “Beauty and the Beast JR.” will go into the Disney vault at the end of this month, which means it may be several years before it is available for licensing to studios, schools and community theatres. The reason? Disney is launching a North American tour of “Beauty and the Beast” beginning this summer with a newly reimagined 30th anniversary production. “We were honored to be one of the last
The cast of “Beauty and the Beast JR.” ranged in age from 10 to 17.
companies in the country to perform ‘Beauty and the Beast JR.’ and so happy to provide our students with such a special opportunity,” said Regina Ziliani, owner of Charlotte Academy of Music. The “Beauty and the Beast JR.” production featured all of the songs audiences have come to love by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, including “Belle,” “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” “The Mob Song” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Directed by Marissa Hertzfeld, the 40-member cast transported the audience to a French provincial town full of action, adventure, singing and dancing. Appearing in the leading roles were Ellie Grace Fichtman as Belle and Miles Medlin as the Beast. Dylan Ryder portrayed the self-absorbed
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Gaston and Evan Ziliani as Gaston’s bumbling sidekick, Lefou. Ava Pereira gave a passionate performance as Belle’s father, Maurice. An audience favorite, the stunningly costumed enchanted castle staff – Sidney Miller as the candelabra Lumiere; Anika Ryder as Cogsworth the talking clock; Grace Williams as Mrs. Potts the teapot; McKenzie Randall as Babette the feather duster; Katelyn Urbain as Madame de la Grande Bouche the wardrobe; and Abbie Faith Fichtman as teacup Chip. Charlotte Academy of Music looks forward to its next production, “Matilda JR.” This cast will even have an opportunity to perform at the Junior Theatre Festival along with over 7,000 other musical-loving kids next January. Area youth interested in being part of the cast can find information on the academy’s website, charlotteacademyofmusic.com.
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Story continues, see TRANSIT page 3A
Rail history exhibit opens at Matthews Heritage Museum MATTHEWS – The Matthews Heritage Museum has introduced a rotating exhibit, “All Aboard: Matthews' Rail History,” that celebrates the arrival of the railroad in 1874 and its impact on the town's growth and development.
This exhibit showcases historic photographs of the Matthews Depot, a 1926 timetable and memorabilia from the Seaboard Air Line Railroad spanning the 1930s to 1950s. Visitors can also view artifacts, including a trainman's hat and a collection of Lionel train cars, offering a nostalgic journey through the golden age of rail travel. “The arrival of the railroad marked a turning point for Matthews, transforming it from a small farming community into a thriving town,” said Bob Aycock, museum director. “This exhibit brings that history to life and highlights how the iron rails connected our town to other areas of North Carolina and the United States.” The exhibit will be on display through May. Whether you're a lifelong train enthusiast or a history buff, "All Aboard: Matthews' Rail History" offers an exciting look at the tracks that shaped the town. The museum operates from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday within the 1879 MasseyClark House, 232 N. Trade St. Admission is free. Call 704-708-4996 or visit matthewsheritagemuseum.org for details.
Matthews leaders deny rezoning near Windrow Estates By Justin Vick Contributor
MATTHEWS – Town commissioners denied a rezoning request March 10 that would have turned a 0.9-acre residential lot on Matthews-Mint Hill Road into an office building with 29 parking spaces.
Still reeling from the approval of the Santé Matthews development in 2023, Windrow Estates residents ramped up efforts to oppose the rezoning request by Ioan Gorgan and Ioana Gorgan. “At the public hearing, held on Jan. 13, there was significant public opposition to the Story continues, see REZONING page 3A
This map shows the orientation of a proposed office building and parking lot at Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Blacksmith Court. Matthews commissioners denied the rezoning.
Photo courtesy of Town of Matthews
The Matthews Heritage Museum provides a gateway for visitors to explore the town’s heritage through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events. A new exhibit explores rail history.
Photo courtesy of Matthews Heritage Museum