Town of Matthews

Note Icon Town of Matthews and Mint-Hill Message Board

Table of Contents


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Introduction

The history of Matthews reveals a community in a continuous upward evolution. From a little village in a farming community half a county away from Charlotte NC, it (and Charlotte) have grown until they rub elbows. With a population of over 17,000, Matthews is part of the section in the United States known as Metrolina. Yet, Matthews has managed to retain much of the charm and style associated with small southern villages of the past. In fact, the town is working hard to maintain its own unique identity in the midst of urban development.

Matthews began as a small farming community in 1800. Cotton farmers completely cleared the land, leaving tree stumps in every direction; it was said that a wagon couldn't make a U- turn because of the many stumps. Thus, Matthews was first known as Stumptown. In 1825, the name changed to Fullwood for Mr. John M. Fullwood who operated the Stagecoach Inn and the first postal station. Nearby residents received mail at the inn, and the stagecoach made regular stops on its way from Charlotte to Monroe, a full day's journey in those times. In 1874, the Carolina Central Railway Company built a railroad through the town connecting it to Charlotte and Monroe. The name was changed to Matthews in honor of Mr. Watson Matthews, a director of the railroad. The town was incorporated in 1879 and the first census in 188O showed a population of 191.

The railroad became the lifeline of Matthews and the Depot became the center of community activity; a place where mail, news, friends, relatives, trade and commerce arrived and departed on the train's timetable. Buildings were constructed along the muddy ravine which intersected with the railroad (now known as Trade Street). By 1901 Matthews' downtown boasted two cotton gins, three general stores, a bank, two doctors and a pharmacy, a gristmill, a blacksmith shop, a livery stable, and a hotel.

The heart of Matthews' commerce was born. The red clay along the tracks in Matthews helped to mold the creative imaginations of a young girl at the turn of the century. Dr. Selma Burke, world renowned sculptress and creator of the image of President Roosevelt on the dime, has her roots in Matthews; she credits the "good Matthews mud" as the beginnings of her artistic endeavors. At the age of 93, Dr. Burke donated an outdoor sculpture entitled "Family" to the Habitat for Humanity neighborhood of Fullwood Trace in Matthews.

Fine homes were built by the downtown merchants, not the least of which is the Thomas Neely Reid Home which has been a focal point in Matthews at 134 West John Street for over 100 years. It is now owned by the Historical Society and is available for special functions throughout the year.

Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian churches all were organized in Matthews in 1877. These still flourish along with countless other area churches representing various faiths. Until 1906 the churches operated private schools. At that time one of the first public schools opened in Matthews. The first class of 10th graders graduated in 1911. The school remained a high school for some 43 years until 1950, when it became a junior high school. Its classrooms were used until 1983. The property was purchased by the Town of Matthews in 1984, and now serves as the Matthews Community Center. It is recognized as a Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Property.

After World War II, the farming community began to change. As Charlotte's booming growth spread, the Matthews community became filled with new businesses, housing developments, and thousands of people. Large corporations founded their headquarters in Matthews and annexation for further growth spread Matthews' boundaries. Its population grew tenfold in the 1980s, from fewer than 1,500 to 15,000.

In October 1991, State Road 51 was moved to bypass the old downtown district in anticipation of the new Presbyterian Hospital Matthews which opened in August 1994. The 240,000 square-foot facility which boasts 102 private patient rooms will have more economic impact on Matthews than any other development in recent years. Emergency services, intensive care beds, maternity rooms and a nursery are complimented by the hospital's design for convenience and comfort. Mayor Lee Myers says, `This is one of the most significant occasions in Matthews' history - it will change the face and character of the Town of Matthews forever."

In the near future, the limited access I-485 high speed outer beltway will connect Matthews directly with major interstate highways (1-77 and 1-85), to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, and increase its accessibility to regional and national commerce.

As Matthews moves forward into its third century, it continues to be one of the state's most affluent and desirable communities, while at the same time it retains the quaint, small- town atmosphere which has attracted thousands of visitors and families who have chosen to live, love, work and worship here.


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Government

Matthews is governed by a Mayor and a six member Board of Commissioners. A nonpartisan election for Mayor is held every two years. Commissioner elections are also nonpartisan, and all seats are at-large. Commissioners are elected for staggered four year terms so that three seats come up for election every two years.

The Town operates on a Council-Manager form of government. Policy established by Council is carried out day-to-day by the Town Manager and staff. Town departments include Police, Public Works, Planning, First Responder Service, Parks and Recreation, and Administration.

Matthews citizens have a tradition of getting involved in their local government. The town publishes a monthly newsletter which is distributed through the mail. The letter highlights decisions made by Council, upcoming meetings and pending issues. Town Council meetings are held the 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7:00pm at Town Hall, 212 N. Trade Street. The meetings are well attended and an excellent way to get to know the community. In addition, there are several Citizen Advisory Boards which welcome your participation. They include Planning and Zoning, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Transportation, Solid Waste and Recycling Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and Tourism. For information regarding these Boards and their meeting times, call Matthews Town Hall at 847-4411.


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Facts and Figures about the Town of Matthews:

The town covers an area of 13 square miles.

The population is 17,801.

Matthews has a tax base of $ 1.3 billion dollars.

The annual budget for fiscal year 1995-96 is $7,000,000.

The Matthews Police Department, headed by Chief Robin Hunter, is a fully independent department with its own investigative unit, including a K-9 unit, telecommunications department, patrol officers, DARE officer, and school resource officers. The department has moved into Community Policing with some patrol officers assigned to bicycles. The Police Department has a staff of 34 sworn officers and 10 civilian employees.

The town's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) staff offers First Responder Service within Matthews to insure rapid response to medical emergencies.

Matthews Fire Fighting Services are provided by two outstanding volunteer fire departments, Matthews-Morningstar and Idlewild. These highly trained and dedicated volunteers are equipped to handle fire containment and rescue for any structure in the town. The town contributes to both departments for the funding of equipment.


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Neighborhoods

Matthews has long held the reputation as the place to live in Mecklenburg County. With its charming olde town setting, excellent schools, low crime, recreational opportunities and low taxes, Matthews has attracted families looking for a gracious and affordable lifestyle.

A wide range of single family housing can be found in the area, ranging from starter homes to beautiful estates with acreage. Prices range from $75,000 upward. Most home buyers settle into one of the many subdivisions in Matthews, each one with its own distinct style ranging from dramatic contemporary to the stately beauty of traditional.

Many neighborhoods offer the amenities of swim club and tennis, with some even offering riding trails for horses. Most neighborhoods in Matthews have an active Homeowners Association. Residents take a keen interest and involvement in community activities and issues in local government through their Neighborhood Association.

If you prefer to rent, there are also apartment communities available. Two of the communities are near the hospital, while others are located off the major roads leading to Matthews, Hwy. 74 (Independence Boulevard) and Monroe Road.

A beautifully planned retirement community is also located in Matthews. Plantation Estates offers retirees luxurious accommodations in a safe, well-managed environment. Activities, dining, and a medical facility are all available within this facility along with other amenities such as a pool, woodworking shop and hair salon.

Living in Matthews means more than just a house. Living in Matthews is home!


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Education

Matthews is part of the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. In this community you will find a sincere and dedicated interest shared by local elected officials, families, and business' that education for our children be of the highest priority. It is this commitment to excellence that has made Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools soar in its initiative toward school reform.

Superintendent Dr. John Murphy has worked closely with the Board of Education to develop innovative ways to reach the goals of their long-range vision: "to ensure that the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System becomes the premier urban, integrated system in the nation in which all students acquire the knowledge, skills and values necessary to live rich and full lives as productive and enlightened members of society." In Matthews, that translates to active parent involvement, committed teachers and staff, and students who are encouraged and challenged to do their best.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has an enrollment of over 80,000 students, with more than 4,000 teachers and 10,000 on staff, making it the largest employer in Mecklenburg County. The System has received national recognition of achievement having been honored by the U.S. Department of Education for excellence. It has more award-winning programs in the Governor's Program of Excellence in Education than any other system in the state.

CMS offers innovative programs through the Magnet Schools, for students with special interests including math, science and technology, foreign language, visual and performing arts, communications, Montessori, open and traditional schools, and an International Baccalaureate Program. Students must apply to attend a Magnet School.

In addition to Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, there are approximately 40 private schools in the area, several in close proximity to Matthews. For those families who are looking for a church-centered education or prefer an independent school, there are many options available. Tuitions and philosophies vary.

The Matthews area is fortunate to have many excellent colleges and universities in close proximity. Not only do these institutions provide for the educational needs of the workforce, they are also involved in the economic, social and cultural development of the community. Within Mecklenburg County is the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith University, Queens College, and Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC). Wingate University, with its main campus minutes away in neighboring Union County, offers MBA courses at a satellite campus currently located at The Depot Center.

Tuitions vary from public to private colleges and universities. Whether you are a high school senior completing an undergraduate degree, or an executive desiring to earn an MBA, there is a variety and an opportunity for higher education.


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Health Care

The history of health care in Matthews, and a major chapter in the history of the town, was written in August 1994 with the opening of Presbyterian Hospital Matthews. Set within an inviting tree-lined entrance with ponds and fountain, the 240,000 square-foot facility combines innovative patient-focused care with thoughtful and creative design.

The 102 private patient room hospital offers a full range of medical services including inpatient and outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology and emergency. There are six intensive care beds, with 8O medical-surgical rooms equipped for telemetry monitoring. The maternity unit includes a 13 bassinet nursery and 16 patient rooms equipped for labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care (LDRP). All maternity rooms feature a jacuzzi, balcony, ceiling fan, mini refrigerator and other amenities.

Integrated into the design of the hospital is a four story, 100,000-square-foot medical building which connects to the hospital on every floor. The two structures share a light-filled atrium and lobby. The concept of the shared medical office and hospital is designed with patient care in mind. Easier access to diagnostic and therapeutic services, labs and outpatient surgery services makes delivery of patient care more efficient and convenient. Patients can also appreciate the covered drop-off areas and ample, free ground level parking.

The 55-acre campus is located between Matthews Township Parkway and Matthews-Mint Hill Road. Mark Tribbett, Presbyterian Medical Care Corporation Vice President, is the Chief Administrator for Presbyterian Hospital Matthews.

The commitment to provide quality health care is marked by PHM's demonstrated commitment to a partnership in the overall quality of life in Matthews. The hospital has a community resource room which is the site of numerous public and civic meetings and gatherings, Presbyterian Hospital Matthews is involved in many civic projects throughout Matthews.

Within the medical office building and surrounding the hospital campus is a large and growing community of health care professionals. Almost every specialty of medical and dental services can be met by these dedicated professionals who combine the latest in sophisticated technology with compassionate care.

For long-term health care needs requiring nursing supervision, Carrington Place on Fullwocd Lane in Matthews offers care in five specialized units- intermediate care, subacute, young adult, aged and Alzheimers. The 176 bed facility encompasses 56,000-square-feet. Residents enjoy courtyards and restricted walking areas, an ice cream parlor, gift shop, and hair salon.


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Lifestyles

When asked about "Life" in Matthews, the reply from local residents is often an expression of, "the feeling of coming home". Matthews retains an uplifting community spirit which is a rarity in today's hustle-bustle society.

A "barn-raising" atmosphere is still paramount and true friendships abound. Families can still count on their neighbors, and children can grow in an environment of contentment and security.


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Special Events

With the support of a variety of non-profit organizations, the business community and the Town of Matthews tremendous camaraderie and all-out volunteering come together in planning and executing the following special events:

MATTHEWS AUTO REUNION CAR SHOW

The Matthews Auto Reunion, held the second Saturday in June, is one of area's largest one-day car shows for auto enthusiasts of all ages. Over 180 automobiles including antiques, production cars, street rods, sports cars, trucks and special interest race cars are showcased. Food vendors and entertainment compliment the show. Free admission. Call the Matthews Chamber of Commerce for more information 847-3649.

MATTHEWS, MOONLIGHT AND MUSIC

Concerts in Stumptown Park begin in May and end in August, featuring musical groups for all types of listening pleasure. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket and a picnic, dinner to enjoy these special evenings in a relaxed environment under the stars. Food and drink concessions are available. Free admission.

MATTHEWS ALIVE!

A family tradition in Matthews is Matthews Alive!, the annual Labor Day weekend festival. Local non-profit organizations come together to offer everything from rides and games, video arcades and 3 on 3 basketball to arts and crafts, great food, live entertainment., a 5K footrace, and one of the largest parades in North Carolina. Free admission.

ART'FEST OF MATTHEWS. NC

The open air two day celebration of the fine arts showcases over 90 juried artists lining South Trade Street in historic downtown Matthews. The festival supports a scholarship program for area high school 12th grade art students, provides hands-on art- related activities for those "Young at Art", and offers continuous free concerts featuring various musical styles by regionally and nationally renowned groups. A diverse group of eateries provide festival fare in a "Taste of Matthews." Free admission.

MATTHEWS COMMUNITY THEATRE

A dedicated group of local Thespians bring the performing arts to Matthews with a 4 play season line-up beginning in October and ending in April. All performances are held in the Matthews Community Center auditorium. Season or individual tickets are available through the Matthews Chamber of Commerce or by calling the Theatre office at (704)845-ACTS.

MATTHEWS PAYHOUSE

For information call 849-4868.


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Food And Lodging

With over forty restaurants, the Matthews area offers something for everyone's taste. From fast food and family restaurants to fine dining and gourmet specialties, Matthews is the ideal place to enjoy small town ambiance.

Four major hotels (with one additional hotel proposed) provide comfort and convenience to the traveler. Matthews is just minutes from Charlotte, and is served by Douglas International Airport, I-77 and I-85.


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Shopping

Matthews has attracted a blend of exclusive goods and services within its own borders, and is convenient to all shopping in Charlotte. Commercial, retail and industrial expansion continues to enhance the following major shopping districts:

1. Downtown Matthews - Trade and John Streets

2. CrownPoint - Sardis Road North and Hwy 74.

3. Fullwood Plaza - Hwy.74 and Matthews-Mint Hill Road

4. Matthews Festival -Hwy. 74 at SR 51

5. Sardis Crossing - Monroe Road at Sardis Road North

6. Windsor Square - Hwy. 74 and Sam Newell Road

7. Hoods Crossroads - Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Idlewild

8. Matthews Plantation - Weddington Road and McKee Road.

9. Matthews Corners - coming in 1996 - Hwy 51 and Hwy 74.


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Sports And Recreation

The Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association (MARA) has long developed young athletes in soccer, baseball, basketball and softball. With a major facility (Arthur Goodman Park) just a mile from the center of town, MARA currently provides instruction and coaching to over 3000 children, ages 4-17. Because of the prime condition of its playing fields, Arthur Goodman Park is host to many state and regional tournaments.

Horseback riding is widespread in Matthews with many private and public riding facilities. A new tennis facility opened in 1994 to provide lessons for people of all ages and semi-professional tournament play. Both private and public swim clubs abound.

Plans are under way for the Siskey Family YMCA's $4.5 million full service facility. This state-of-the-art center will be built on 25+ acres at Weddington and McKee Roads and will feature an indoor pool, jogging track, wellness center, family locker rooms, aerobics center and complete fitness center. Currently the "Y" offers varied programming for ages three to adult including soccer, basketball and T-ball, gymnastics and seasonal swimming. The "Y" operates afterschool care at three different locations in the Matthews area and five summer day camps.

Runners will feel right at home as Matthews is quickly becoming known for the many competitive footraces it hosts throughout the year. Three annual 5K footraces take place in downtown Matthews where the gently rolling course is ideal for setting personal records.

Name your favorite pastime sport and you'll find it within the Metrolina area. Matthews is just minutes away from an abundant array of collegiate and professional spectator sports.

Starting with "Roundball" (as we call it here in North Carolina), the Charlotte Hornets were founded in 1987. This highly successful NBA team regularly plays to `sell out' crowds of enthusiastic fans. College basketball is played by Davidson College, Johnson C. Smith University, and the ever popular Forty-Niners from UNCC.

If baseball is your niche, the Charlotte Knights (the local AAA affiliated team with the Florida Marlins), play just down the road at Knights Park off I-77.

Charlotte received a National Football League franchise, the Carolina Panthers , in 1994, and began play in the 1995 season. The new stadium will open in Uptown Charlotte in time for the `96 season.

Charlotte Motor Speedway annually draws in excess of 160,000 NASCAR Racing enthusiasts with three Winston Cup and Busch Grand National races. With the development of the Legends sports car and Go-Cart races, even the amateur racer can get his feet wet.

While your feet are still wet, numerous lakes offer boating, swimming and all types of water sports. Golfers can take their pick of the many challenging public and private courses.

Matthews is conveniently located to the North Carolina beaches as well as some of the best snow skiing slopes in the Southeast. To view fall foliage, the Blue Ridge Parkway is within a few hours drive.

Whether you seek a day at Arthur Goodman Park watching your child play ball in friendly, small town surroundings or a night watching the Charlotte Hornets play ball in cosmopolitan, big city surroundings . Matthews offers the best of both worlds.


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Area Parks

Name / Location Facilities

Baucom Park Basketball, tot lot, picnic shelter

Sadie Drive with grills / tables, playground

Downtown Matthews

Stumptown Park Playground, Veteran's Memorial,

South Trade Street Performance Stage

Downtown Matthews

Windsor Square Park Serene natural surroundings

behind Windsor Square walking trail, picnic area

Shopping Center

Sardis-Matthews Park Playground, walking trails,

off Sardis Road open playing fields, picnic area

Squirrel Lake Park Currently under development in

Pleasant Plains Road cooperation with Mecklenburg

County

McAlpine Creek Park - Bike paths, cross-country trails,

Greenway and soccer fields, picnic areas

8711 Monroe Road

Arthur Goodman Park Lighted baseball, soccer

South Trade Street and softball, picnic area, refreshments

Idlewild Rd. Park

With the exception of McAlpine Creek Park and Arthur Goodman Park, the above parks are owned and operated by the Town of Matthews. There are many more Charlotte City and Mecklenburg County park facilities within easy access to Matthews. For more information, please call Matthews Town Hall at (704) 847-4411 or Mecklenburg County Parks at (704) 336-3854.


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Making Matthews Your Home

People move to Matthews for many reasons, but one that is often heard is the sense of small town lifestyle, and the opportunity to be part of a community. Matthews families get "involved", whether through their church, youth activities, school, neighborhood associations, or the dozens of service organizations in Matthews.

Becoming active in Matthews is the best way to make Matthews your new home. Because of the rapid growth Matthews has experienced, you'll find newcomers are readily accepted and welcomed into neighborhood, organizations and the community at large. Whatever your interest you'll find a place in Matthews to put your skills and talents to good use.

Many national service organizations have chapters in Matthews including the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, Human Services Council, Optimist Club, Woman's Club, Woman's Club Service League, AARP, and Lions Club. The Toastmasters also meet in the area, and there is an American Legion Post and Masonic Lodge.

Matthews also has its own local organizations including the Happy Times Club. providing fellowship for people "55 years young"; the Matthews Historical Foundation; the Matthews Help Center. providing crisis assistance, a food cupboard and thrift shop; and the Matthews Athletic and Recreation Association, an organization with hundreds of volunteers I dedicated to providing wholesome recreational opportunities to Matthews' youth.

The Matthews Chamber of Commerce represents the business community through the promotion of business and planned economic development, and looks to work in partnership with civic, religious, governmental and business organizations to improve the quality of life in Matthews.

For the business person, parent, student, retiree, there's a place for you in Matthews. MAKE A difference. GET INVOLVED!


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Churches

It would be hard to overstate the importance of churches in the Matthews community. More than a place to worship, Matthews churches are a strong and vital thread in the fabric of Matthews. Services and activities include Mom's Day Out and preschool education, youth groups, scouts, youth and adult recreational teams, senior activities and many more. Friendships are forged and families are strengthened in the fellowship provided by these religious institutions.

Denominations represented in the Matthews area include African Methodist Episcopal, AME Zion, Apostolic, Associate Reformed Presbyterian, Baptist, Baptist-Free Will, Baptist- Independent, Southern Baptist, Roman Catholic, Church of Christ, Church of God, Episcopal, Foursquare Gospel, Full Gospel, Interdenominational, Lutheran, Methodist, United Methodist, Nazarene, Non-Denominational, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Presbyterian Orthodox, Presbyterian USA, Seventh Day Adventist. Jehovah Witnesses also meet in the area. A complete and updated list of churches in the Matthews area is available at the Chamber office.

Jewish families will find a very special place to worship at Shalom Park, located on Providence Road approximately 7 miles from Matthews. Two congregations, Temple Beth El and Temple Israel, have synagogues there. The Jewish Community Center is located on their beautiful campus, offering a full range of programming for families of all denominations in the area.

Other denominations including Anglican Catholic and Greek Orthodox, are just minutes away in Charlotte.


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Services

For all of life's day-to-day necessities, Matthews professional and business community offers a full range of services. A number of attorneys, CPAs, accountants, and tax -advisors have offices in the Matthews area. Most of the major banks have branches in Matthews, and you'll find financial planners, stock brokers and insurance agents with offices in Matthews to advise and assist you with your investments and financial planning.

For your personal needs, you will find a selection of hair salons and barbers, fitness and exercise centers, day care centers, dry cleaners, car rental, grocery stores, gourmet bakery, and car care. Gift stores, card shops, and florists can handle all of your gift giving needs.

Matthews abounds with resources and services for home furnishings. Whether you are shopping for furniture, antiques, rugs or floor coverings, window treatments or accessories, there are a wide variety of styles, selections and price ranges from which to choose.

Don't forget the yard! Professional landscape services are available for those with little time, or a less-than-green thumb. Nurseries offer a great selection of plants, trees and advice for the do-it-yourselfer. To make your shopping convenient, all of the major national hardware superstores are located in Matthews.

We can't forget the family pets! Matthews hosts a strong professional community of veterinarians dedicated to providing quality health care for your pet, grooming services, and superstores which invite you to bring your pet with you when you shop!

It is not an overstatement to say that most everything you're looking for, you'll find in Matthews!

Getting Connected in Matthews

ELECTRIC

Duke Power Co. (704)594-9400

Deposit waived with good credit; no connection fee. Allow one business day for service.

NATURAL GAS

Piedmont Natural Gas (704)365-2660

No deposit for homeowners; varies for renters. No connection fee. Allow two business days for service.

TELEPHONE

ALLTEL Carolina (704)847-4828

Deposit waived with good credit; $41 connection fee. Allow two days for service.

MOBILE PHONE

ALLTEL Mobile (704) 847-3550

Basic service is $25.95.

Bell Atlantic (704) 841-4010

WATER AND SEWER

Charlotte Mecklenburg Water Maintenance (704)336-2211

No deposit; $30 connection fee. Next day service if request received by noon.

CABLE TELEVISION

Time Warner Cable (704) 545-0136

No deposit; $28.47 installation, $21.87 basic service. Allow 2 business days for service.

TRASH COLLECTION

Town of Matthews (704) 847-4411

No deposit. Pickup and recycling is weekly. Call Town Hall to determine your pickup day.


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Drivers License

You have 30 days after establishing residency in North Carolina to obtain a Drivers License. Applicants must pass a written test, vision test and sign recognition test. Licenses are renewed every four years on your birthday. Licensed drivers must be at least 16 years old. The fee to obtain a license is $10.0 and must be paid in cash. You should also be prepared to show proof of automobile insurance when you apply for your license. If your license is expired, be prepared to show two forms of identification, such as a birth certificate or passport.

License may be obtained at:

3122 Hwy. 74 West, Monroe (704) 283-4264

6106 Brookshire Boulevard (704) 392-3266

Highway 29 North (704) 547-5787

201 W. Arrowood Road (704) 527-2562

LICENSE PLATES

All vehicles in North Carolina must be inspected annually by a state certified inspection station. You will find several of these stations in the Matthews area. The inspection costs $7.25. If your vehicle is less than 13 years of age, an emissions inspection is also required and will be done at the same time as the safety inspection. The cost for an emissions inspection is $13.00. You may obtain a license plate at the following locations. You will be required to pay a title fee of $35.00, and a registration fee of $20.00.

6058 E. Independence Blvd. (704) 535-2525

4200 South Boulevard (704) 525-3832

6106 Brookshire Boulevard (704) 399-8306


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Voter Registration

You must reside in North Carolina for 30 days prior to an election, and be 18 years of age to register to vote. A Voter Registration form may be obtained at Town Hall or the library, completed and dropped in the mail. You will receive a voter registration card that will identify your district and polling place.


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School Registration

To determine the school your child will attend, call the Pupil Assignment Office at the Education Center at (704) 379l-7044. Registration is handled at each school, but the following requirements apply to every student entering the Charlotte Mecklenburg School System. To entering kindergarten a child must be 5 years old on or before October 16. To

enter first grade, the child must be 6 years old by that same date. Be prepared to show your child's birth certificate, a certificate of , and for kindergarten age, a health assessment. Transfer students should also have their most recent report card.

The following immunization's are required:

5 DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)

4 oral polio vaccines

1 red measles vaccine

1 Rubella shot

1 mumps vaccine


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Pets

All cats and dogs must be licensed in Matthews. The cost for an animal that is spayed or neutered is $5.00; the fee for an unneutered animal is $20.00. Seniors pay a special rate of $5.00 regardless of the animal's condition. The license may be obtained at Town Hall.


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Business License and Other Services

Anyone operating a business in Matthews must obtain a Privilege License, available at Town Hall. The cost of the Privilege License is based on the type of business, with a general rule of .20 per $1000 of gross sales receipts, with a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $2000.

Matthews Town Hall...............847-4411

Matthews Police Emergency.............847-.5555

Matthews Police Non-Emergency.....847-4069

Matthews Volunteer Fire Dept.....911

Emergency

Town of Matthews EMS.........847-4468

Idlewild Volunteer Fire Dept......911

Matthews Chamber of Commerce......847-3649


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Maintaind by Scott Brumley - Last updated 4-20-96