Downtown Matthews Faces Parking Dilemma Amid CSX Railway Dispute
The cozy town of Matthews is buzzing with talks and negotiations as a recent dispute between CSX Railway and the local government puts the future of hundreds of free parking spaces at risk. Residents and town officials are concerned, as these parking spots are vital for visitors and locals alike who enjoy the vibrant downtown area.
What’s Happening?
According to statements from both the Town of Matthews and CSX Railway, the rail company has received an unsolicited offer from a third party looking to lease the land where the parking spaces currently exist. This piece of real estate stretches along the roadway in downtown Matthews, and losing it could significantly impact accessibility for many.
In their statement, CSX communicated that the new offer provides “better liability and indemnity protection for CSX.” Unfortunately, when the company discussed the offer with Matthews officials, they were unable to come to an agreement that benefited both parties.
Shocking Price Increase
Town Manager Beck Hawke mentioned that CSX has requested a whopping $130,000 per year to continue using the parking spaces. To put that into perspective, the town has only been paying $800 a year for these spots until now. Manager Hawke expressed the board’s shock at this staggering increase, stating, “When the numbers were coming in from CSX that were a 16,000% increase over what we’ve been paying, they [Board of Commissioners] said that this is just not a good use of taxpayer dollars.”
Recognizing the potential burden on local taxpayers, the board swiftly voted 7-0 against the new lease agreement with CSX, expressing a strong desire to maintain free parking in downtown Matthews.
Seeking Alternatives
With the hope of ensuring free parking for the community, the board has begun exploring alternative solutions. Manager Hawke mentioned that they are in talks with nearby businesses to expand free parking options and provide alternatives that would ensure no loss in accessibility for residents and visitors.
As of now, the town has already secured approximately 40 new free parking spots, with plans for an additional 50 spots within the next week. “What we’re doing is investing our dollars and activating some 35 new spaces on North Fremont Street, which helps support that side of Trade Street,” said Hawke, highlighting their proactive approach to the issue.
Community Impact
For those who frequently visit downtown Matthews, these changes may take some time to adjust to. The new lots won’t necessarily be in the same locations as before, but they remain free, safe, and accessible. “It’s still free, and it’s still safe and it’s still accessible,” Hawke noted. The hope is that the investments being made will offset the loss of any parking spaces caused by this ongoing situation with CSX.
Call for CSX to Reconsider
As negotiations continue, the future of these parking spaces hangs in the balance. Town officials are urging CSX to rethink its position and collaborate on a solution that works for both sides. “We hope to be able to win the fight with CSX and keep the existing spaces free, which, at the end of the day, would just be good for everybody,” expressed the Town Manager.
No matter how the situation unfolds, the town is prioritizing solutions to maintain a vibrant downtown that remains accessible to everyone. The fight for downtown Matthews’ free parking is far from over, and community members are hopeful that the challenges can lead to a positive outcome.
