Residents of Matthews are voicing strong concerns over the proliferation of short-term rentals, particularly Airbnbs, in single-family residential areas. During a recent government meeting, local resident Miss Robinson urged officials to take action against the growing number of these rentals, which she claims are disrupting the neighborhood and diminishing the quality of life for long-term residents. She highlighted that there are currently four to five known Airbnbs in the area, and expressed frustration over the lack of communication from local authorities regarding new rentals. Robinson called for a vote on September 9 to ban short-term rentals in single-family zones, emphasizing that the community is largely opposed to their presence.

In a separate discussion, Brenda Massera, a representative from Matthews United Methodist Church, brought attention to the alarming decline in bird populations due to collisions with buildings, exacerbated by urban lighting. Citing a study from the Smithsonian Migratory Birds Center, she noted that millions of birds are killed each year in the U.S. as a result of these collisions. Massera advocated for a \"lights out\" policy in Matthews, similar to measures already adopted in other North Carolina cities, to help protect migratory birds during their nighttime travels. She encouraged residents to take immediate action by turning off unnecessary lights and reducing exterior lighting to mitigate the risks to wildlife.

Both discussions reflect a growing community engagement in local governance, with residents actively seeking to influence policies that affect their neighborhoods and the environment.