Residents of Matthews voiced concerns over ongoing issues with illegal parking and noise disturbances during a recent government meeting. One resident reported repeated incidents of vehicles blocking access to mailboxes, prompting calls to the police for assistance. The individual expressed frustration over the lack of action regarding short-term rentals in the area, questioning the legality of such businesses and advocating for a ban on all short-term rentals, including those that have been grandfathered in.

In a separate agenda item, local Girl Scouts presented findings on pedestrian safety at the intersection of Fullwood Lane and NC 51. The scouts, working towards their Silver Award, highlighted the dangers posed by high traffic volumes and a lack of pedestrian awareness among drivers. They reported a significant increase in average daily traffic from 33,000 in 2004 to 36,500 in 2022, alongside a troubling history of accidents, including two involving pedestrians.

The scouts conducted studies revealing that the busiest crossing times coincide with peak traffic hours, and they noted a strong community desire for improved safety measures. Over 80% of survey respondents recommended the installation of a pedestrian crossing signal. In a positive development, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has agreed to address pedestrian safety at the intersection, and the scouts urged town commissioners to prioritize the installation of a crossing signal to enhance safety for pedestrians.