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INSIDE ▼ Art festival returning to Mint Hill park PAGE 2A Friday, April 4, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 13
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Matthews to create small area plan for Crestdale By Justin Vick Contributor
MATTHEWS – The Town of Matthews intends on creating a small area plan for the Crestdale community in the next fiscal year.
The idea for this came in December as town commissioners were discussing a change affecting the area, according to Senior Planner Nadine Bennett. “There were some concerns that maybe we hadn't reached out enough to the community and we really need to listen to what the Crestdale community has to say about these decisions that are being made about their neighborhood,” Bennett said. The American Planning Association re-
leased a plan in October 2011 called Crestdale Rising: What unites us is greater than what divides us.” The plan had recommendations to enhance the community, which led to the Crestdale Heritage Trail and increased signage throughout the area. Bennett envisions the small area plan to go deeper in scope. The town has completed similar plans for the Entertainment District, East John Street/Outer Loop and the Eastern Gateway. “Small area plans can be undertaken to supplement a town’s future land use plan when more specificity is required or when the recommendations in the land use plan become outdated,” according to the Eastern Gateway plan. “This Plan is not a regulatory document. It establishes a vision for the area
and will help to guide future land use decisions. Any proposed changes in the area will go through the Town of Matthews rezoning process.” Bennett told commissioners March 24 that staff wants to do the plan in-house. They will get inspiration from a nearby town that is working with a consultant to create a small area plan for a neighborhood similar to Crestdale. “One thing that we do feel like we need help with is community outreach because obviously that is crucial to this plan,” Bennett said. “We really want to speak to the people of Crestdale.” Staff wants to enlist in Charlotte-based Civility Localized to help with outreach. She said it would cost about $6,000.
Town Manager Becky Hawke said the intent was to include the initiative in the fiscal year 2026 budget. Mayor John Higdon supported the idea, saying they could reach out to former commissioner Larry Whitley for help. Whitley serves as pastor of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. “I commend you for attempting to do this in-house,” Commissioner Leon Threatt told Bennett. “That really puts the personal touch. So thank you for taking that approach.” Commissioner Ken McCool supported the $6,000 to bolster engagement. He said going door-to-door would help, considering the challenges some people have with the internet.
Charlotte SHOUT! features 17 days of the arts, ideas
Greater Matthews Habitat seeks applications for home repairs MATTHEWS – Greater Matthews Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for its Critical Home Repair Program, which provides no-cost repairs to qualified low-income homeowners in Matthews and Mint Hill.
Charlotte SHOUT! will bring dozens of art installations and activities to Uptown Charlotte. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Center City Partners
CHARLOTTE – Uptown Charlotte will come alive with art, music, food and ideas as Charlotte SHOUT! returns April 4 to 20.
Produced by Charlotte Center City Partners and presented by Atrium Health and Bank of America, Charlotte SHOUT! is an annual celebration of the city’s art and culture. Charlotte SHOUT! is a sensory feast for all ages, with more than 200 events and attractions taking place over 17 days in Uptown. “Charlotte SHOUT! continues to elevate the vibrancy of Uptown, drawing hundreds
of thousands of visitors and creating unforgettable moments,” said Robert Krumbine, festival producer and chief creative officer at Charlotte Center City Partners. “This festival is a celebration of Charlotte’s creative spirit and its ability to bring people together through art, music, food and ideas. We can’t wait to see how this year’s lineup inspires and engages our community.” The 2024 festival saw record engagement, with over 642,000 attendees and a $17.1 million direct spend economic impact for Uptown businesses. Artists, musicians and local entre-
preneurs all benefited, with $650,000 paid to local creatives and 28 food trucks serving festival goers. In addition, 1,200 students participated in educational and artistic activities. On the web: charlotteshout.com New attractions for 2025 include:
• CanStruction – A live competition at Bank of America's Founders Hall where engineering and design industry groups create stunning CanArt sculptures using full cans of food, later Story continues, see SHOUT! page 3A
Providence High School to leave theater fans ‘All Shook Up’ CHARLOTTE – The Providence High School cast, crew and orchestra have worked tirelessly to bring a 20th anniversary performance of “All Shook Up” to life for the community.
This 20th anniversary presentation will be one to remember as it transports audiences to a lively, Elvis Presley-inspired world. "We are so excited to bring ‘All Shook Up’ to life on our stage for its 20th anniversary," said Jacki Altmeyer, theater department director.
“This musical is a beloved favorite that blends humor, heart and rock ‘n’ roll in a way that resonates with audiences of all ages. We are proud to celebrate its legacy with our talented students and hope that both new and returning theatergoers enjoy this special production." Students will honor the legacy of the original production while adding their own personal touch to the vocal performances and choreography. The story follows Natalie, a young mechan-
ic in the 1950s, who dreams of romance and adventure. When a mysterious, guitar-playing drifter named Chad arrives in town, he shakes up the sleepy little town, turning lives upside down with a mix of comedy, love and rock & roll. The production launched March 28 and will continue at 7 p.m. April 4 and April 5 as well as 3 p.m. April 6 at the Providence High School auditorium, 1800 Pineville-Matthews Road. Get tickets at bit.ly/PHSAllShookUp.
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The program is especially focused on supporting veterans, senior citizens, individuals with disabilities as well as those living on fixed incomes. The Critical Home Repair Program addresses safety and accessibility concerns that can impact the health and well-being of residents. Common repairs include fixing unsafe roofs or flooring, mitigating electrical or plumbing hazards, exterminating insect infestations, and installing accessibility modifications such as wheelchair ramps or grab bars. “We know that many homeowners – especially our senior neighbors, veterans and people living with disabilities – face difficult choices when repair needs arise,” said Jeffrey Elam, senior manager of housing programs. “Our goal is to make sure these individuals can remain safely and comfortably in the homes they’ve worked hard to maintain.” To qualify, applicants must own and occupy their home in either Matthews or Mint Hill, meet income eligibility requirements, and be current on property taxes or in an active payment plan. All services are provided free of charge to approved applicants. Funds are limited and awarded on a firstcome, first-served basis. Interested homeowners can download an application at www.gmhfh. org/criticalhomerepair or pick one up in person Tuesday through Saturday at the Greater Matthews Habitat ReStore, 2447 East John St. Contact Jeffrey Elam at jeffrey@habitatmatthews.org or 704.847.4266 ext. 108 for questions or assistance.