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Marvin gets help with commercial development planning by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MARVIN – The Marvin Village Council has agreed to work with the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center on a vision and action plan for commercial development.
The effort may lead to a draft within the next six months filled with action steps the village can take to accommodate development that meets the community’s needs. Other communities have used such plans to secure state grants. The Marvin Village Council adopted a resolution in November requesting the agency target the Heritage District, a 125-acre
mixed-use area located along New Town Road. Since that resolution, the community has elected a new mayor in Joseph Barbara and three new council members in Tom Eck, Angel Martin and Fred Ilarraza. Village Manager Christina Amos invited planners from the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center to meet the newly elected council on Jan. 5 and explain the project. The agency is part of the N.C. Department of Commerce. The council liked the idea of the plan but broadened the scope of the work beyond the Heritage District to include commercial development throughout the village. Village Council Member John Baresich explained how Union County recently
underwent revaluation and noted how some residents may do more of their shopping in Mecklenburg County. “While we look at some of these areas in the natural corridors that we have, whether it be Rea Road, Providence Road or the Heritage District itself where we do already have some planned commercial, I think we want to be able to take in as much professional expertise as we can on how to attract the types of businesses that we’re looking to have,” Baresich said. Baresich mentioned that commercial businesses generate 1.6% of Marvin’s tax base. He would be interested to learn the right balance of commercial and residential tax base for the village to reduce the burden on taxpayers.
“In many other areas of the country, they may say it should be 60/40 or 70/30, and Marvin will never be at those numbers,” Baresich said. “Is the right number 5%? Is the right number 7%? I don’t know, but I know 1.6% is going to continue to place much higher burdens on us as residents in terms of those taxes that are being paid.” Ilarraza expressed concern about creating a Main Street in an area with existing traffic issues. He wondered if the NC Main Street and Rural Planning Center team could shift focus out toward Providence Road. “That would be, in my opinion, where we should focus our commercial energy rather Story continues, see DEVELOPMENT page 3A
Matthews Playhouse holding auditions for talent contest
Entertainers submit video auditions for a chance to move on to the live showcase.
The community theater organization invites performers of all ages and abilities to showcase their skills for a chance to win cash prizes. Singers, dancers, acrobats, comedians and others must submit a video audition (MP4 format, maximum 3 minutes) through Jan. 30. Content must be family-friendly. All acts must be able to set up their equipment in under 2 minutes. Auditions can be submitted by visiting matthewsplayhouse.com/matthews-got-talent. Up to 15 contestants per category will be selected to move on to the live showcase. Selected acts will be notified by Feb. 2. Matthews Got Talent will culminate in a daylong live event on Feb. 28, with four age categories of competition and a grand finale featuring the best performers from each category. The schedule is as follows: • 10 to 11:30 a.m., Category 1 (ages 7 to 12), three finalists chosen
• Noon to 1:30 p.m., Category 2 (ages 13 to 17), three finalists chosen • 2 to 3:30 p.m., Category 3 (ages 18 and older), three finalists chosen • 4 to 5:30 p.m., Category 4 (multi-age groups), three finalists chosen • 7 to 8 p.m., Grand Finale top 12 contestants (all ages) A single ticket grants access to all showcases throughout the day. Tickets will be sold at the door on Feb. 28, starting at 9:30 a.m. Tickets cost $30 for ages 14 and older or $15 for ages 13 and younger. The 2025 judging panel represents a cross-section of regional expertise and influence. “We are honored to convene such a formidable group of experts for this year’s event,” Executive Director Sarah Baumgaerdner said. “By bringing together industry and business leaders, as well as influential media voices, we’ve created a panel that truly understands the heartbeat of our community. Their diverse insights will be invaluable in identifying the very best among this year’s
by Justin Vick justin@cmgweekly.com
MARVIN – The Marvin Historical Society has approached village leaders about naming the park being developed near Marvin Village Hall after a family with strong community ties.
The Matthews Got Talent competition features four different categories: ages 7 to 12, ages 13 to 17, ages 18 and older and multi-age groups. Photos courtesy of Matthews Playhouse
MATTHEWS – Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts is organizing its first Matthews Got Talent competition.
Marvin Historical Society offers name for future park
Matthews Got Talent
nominees.” Judges include industry leaders, business executives, community leaders and broadcast professionals. The winners will receive $200 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place. The winner will also perform at the 30th Anniversary Gala.
Church gives emergency food relief to communities By Morgan Jepson Contributor
CHARLOTTE – In response to increasing demand for food assistance, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided additional emergency funding to 60 food pantries across the Southeastern United States, with the potential for assisVolunteers sort food donations at Nourish Up, a network of food pantries in Mecklenburg County, on Nov. 20. tance to additional locations. Following recent government funding cuts, a grant from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is helping
Amanda Richard, of the Marvin Historical Society, introduced herself and the organization to the newly elected members of the village council on Jan. 5. “We’re dedicated to preserving, protecting and sharing the history that defines our community, the Village of Marvin,” Richard said. “And we certainly do have a lot of history that’s located in this little spot.” Richard recommended people read Gene Stowe’s book, “Inherit the Land: Jim Crow Meets Miss Maggie's Will,” which details how a Black man, Bob Ross, and his daughter, Mittie Bell Houston, inherited property from white sisters Maggie and Sallie Ross more than 100 years ago. Stowe’s book became a documentary directed by Cylk Cozart. Richard suggested the village consider naming the park Houston Ross Park. She said it would be fitting and uniting. “I think that we have a lot of descendants and family members here that are part of this community that aren’t technically within the boundaries,” Richard said. “I think that their voice and opinion matters because this was their land, too.” Richard said more than 16 members of Marvin A.M.E. Zion Church attended the council meeting. Houston
Nourish Up strengthen its food assistance programs for families facing food insecurity in Charlotte.
Story continues, see RELIEF page 3A
Photo courtesy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Story continues, see PARK page 3A