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INSIDE ▼ The Station breaks ground
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Friday, May 9, 2025 • Vol. 25 • No. 19
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CATS recommends prioritizing only a segment of Silver Line by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
CHARLOTTE – Matthews Mayor John Higdon expressed frustration to other Mecklenburg County leaders April 30 that a light rail project serving his town is likely not going to make the cut for funding from a potential 1-cent sales tax.
The Charlotte Area Transit System
recommends only building out a segment of the proposed LYNX Silver Line from Charlotte Douglas International Airport to Bojangles Coliseum and Ovens Auditorium. Future extensions to the east (toward Matthews) and west (toward Gaston County) would fall outside of CATS Transit System Plan’s 30-year funding window. While the plan initially called for a complete buildout of the Silver Line from Gaston
County to Union County, pending state legislation puts a cap on how much of the proposed 1-cent sales tax revenue can be spent on transit projects. With the Red Line commuter rail project to Lake Norman and the Gold Line streetcar extension designated as priorities, CATS has been engaging the public to determine how to move forward on creating the Silver Line and extending the Blue Line. “I can't tell you how insulting and
MINT HILL HOSPITAL EXPANDS EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
disrespectful I believe that this plan contemplates building a station in another county and not in Matthews,” Higdon said, alluding to the Red Line extending into the Mount Mourne area of Iredell County. “It's unbelievable.” Higdon tried to convince colleagues to consider running the numbers to determine Story continues, see CATS page 3A
Servant’s Heart volunteer honored by Nourish Up
Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center staff celebrated May 2 the completion of an emergency department expansion that included the addition of 19 more rooms. Photos courtesy of Novant Health Retired police officer Angie Caroway continues serving the community through volunteer work at nonprofits like Servant’s Heart of Mint Hill and Nourish Up.
Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Foster By Mary Beth Foster Contributor
The $45 million expansion of Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center’s emergency department took a year and a half to complete.
MINT HILL – Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center has doubled the size of its emergency department.
The hospital has logged more than 175,000 emergency department visits in its seven years serving the community. With emergency department patient volumes increasing year over year, the $45 million expansion improves access for more people to get the emergency services when they need it. “Since opening our doors in 2018, our top
Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center was named to the 100 Top Hospitals list in the small community hospital category and was one of 17 hospitals in the country to receive the 2025 Everest Award for achieving the most significant long-term growth over five years.
priority at Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center has been ensuring our patients and their families know they can rely on our expert teams to provide safe and high-quality healthcare,” said Joy Greear, president of Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center. “This expansion allows us to serve the growing population. Our hope is the community recognizes this is much more than a facility upgrade; it is a testament to our unwavering dedication to building a remarkable future for
The NRP Group breaks ground on luxury community in Matthews CHARLOTTE – The NRP Group announced the financial close and groundbreaking of a 377-unit upscale multifamily community in Matthews.
The development, which includes 18,900 square feet of commercial retail space, will provide housing for working professionals and growing families in search of premium living accommodations with outdoor greenspace and nearby recreational opportunities. The development will reserve 7.5% of units for families earning 80% or less than the area
Novant Health Mint Hill Medical Center was named the top community hospital by Vizient Inc. in the 2024 Bernard A. Birnbaum, MD, Quality Leadership Study.
from the Matthews Sportsplex, a sports hub with 11 multipurpose athletic fields and 5,000 stadium seats. “We’re especially excited about the site’s direct connection to the Sportsplex and nearby trail system, which really speaks to the outdoor lifestyle many residents are looking for,” Mochizuki said. “With best-in-class amenities, a scenic and walkable location and easy access to both downtown Matthews and key
Named for Nourish Up’s longtime executive director, the award recognizes an individual or volunteer group who has faithfully served the community by combating hunger through dedicated volunteer service with Nourish Up. Equally important to the duration of the individual’s service is the spirit in which it is done, demonstrating Nourish Up’s core value of dignity and extending hope to people experiencing economic hardship. Like Howard, the recipient must exhibit compassion and heartfelt dedication to the vision, mission and values of Nourish Up. A retired police officer, sergeant and detective with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Caroway began volunteering at Servant’s Heart in fall 2020. At the height of the pandemic, Caroway faithfully volunteered weekly, receiving and stocking donations, packing food and nonfood pantry orders, and distributing client orders, including Nourish Up food boxes, through Curbside Pantry Pickup. Moreover, Caroway volunteers annually with Servant’s Heart’s Seasonal Assistance Programs, like Back2School, Turkey Tuesday and Christmas Assistance. An avid supporter and perpetual advocate for Servant’s Heart, Caroway distinguishes herself with the courtesy and kindness she shows every client with whom she comes in contact. Her support was critical during the pandemic when Servant’s Heart began managing distribution of Food from Loaves and Fishes, one of two long
Story continues, see THE MATTHEWS page 3A
Story continues, see SERVANTS HEART page 3A
the Mint Hill community.” The emergency department now spans 44,000 square feet. Thirteen treatment, two trauma and four behavioral health rooms have been added, as well as hybrid procedural space for new radiology and cardiology services. Mobile pad support areas have also been relocated and expanded. The waiting room and public safety area were also renovated.
The Matthews is scheduled for completion in November 2026. The upscale community will be located across from the Matthews Sportsplex.
Rendering courtesy of Studio Schafer and The NRP Group
median income. “The Matthews represents a rare opportunity to deliver high-quality housing in one of the most supply-constrained submarkets in the Charlotte region,” said Jason Mochizuki, vice president at NRP Group. “Matthews has long been known for its high barriers to entry and thoughtful approach to growth, which makes this groundbreaking all the more meaningful.” Located at 11330 Brigman Road, the 15acre site is located along Interstate 485 across
MINT HILL – Servant’s Heart volunteer Angie Caroway was honored April 26 as the sole recipient of Nourish Up’s 2024 Beverly Howard Award.