Hormone Replacement Therapy in Matthews, NC

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Growing pains have been a big part of Mecklenburg County’s story for years now, with tens of thousands of people moving to cities and towns in the Charlotte area in recent years.

But the Town of Matthews has been a rare exception to that. Statistics from the state show the town has only grown by about 4.5% since 2020.

Channel 9 Reporter Eli Brand spoke to the town’s mayor about how they’re bucking the trend, and why the town is so picky about new development.

For people like Amanda, they’ve seen plenty of development in Matthews.

“I moved to Matthews probably in my junior high year,” Amanda told Channel 9.

She actually lives in one of the newest developments in the town, a 55-plus apartment community that has been attracting people from near and far.

“A combination of both. We do have some people who saw the community progress through construction and kind of pique their interest and stop in and experience us. We also have some transplants, some people that have relocated from other states,” said Terrika Howard, the community manager at Album Matthews.

Despite the new buildings, growth like this is actually a rarity in Matthews. According to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management, Matthews is the second-slowest growing town in the county, adding only 1,300 residents between 2020 and 2024.

Matthews Mayor John Higdon says that’s because 90% of the town’s land has already been developed.

“We’re looking to get affordable housing built. We’re looking for walkable communities ... so we can lessen the impact of traffic,” Higdon told Brand. “That’s certainly important. We’re looking for convenience.”

Higdon says development requests have still been flying in, but town commissioners have had to be picky on what gets approved. He says more than 2,000 housing development requests have been withdrawn or denied in the last five years.

Despite that, Higdon says Matthews isn’t immune to growing pains, with many of those problems coming from surrounding communities.

“Traffic is the biggest concern of everybody in every community in Mecklenburg County. The top three concerns are traffic, traffic and traffic,” Higdon said.

State officials say that during the same time Matthews has seen limited growth, surrounding towns like Indian Trail, Stallings, and Monroe have added more than 20,000 residents, bringing heavy traffic in.

Higdon says to counter that, future development in Matthews will focus on walkability, single-family homes, and areas that feature both commercial and residential projects.

“We try as much as we can to extend that small-town feel in other areas of town when we can,” Higdon said.

Many neighbors agree keeping that feeling is important.

“I like the small-town community feel, so I like to live kind of away from the suburbs because it’s a little more quiet, less energetic, because a lot of people just like their quiet time when they get older,” Amanda said.

(VIDEO: Matthews street hit again as bitter cold brings water main breaks to NC)

©2026 Cox Media Group

♦ Family Info: 3 children, Abby, Chanler and Camden; 1 granddaughter Anna ♦ Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting; CPA Certificate North Carolina ♦ Career: 3 years Staff Accountant at Engineered Sintered Components; 27+ years CPA (CPA office in Downtown Statesville ) ♦ Elected Experience: GOP Statesville Area Captain, Precinct Chair Statesville 3, Republican Women of Lake Norman Treasurer ♦ Community Service: Auditor for the Miss Statesville Pageant, Treasurer Boys & Girls Club, volunteer work for Pregnancy Resource Center, Foundation of Hope, Iredell Christian Ministries, Rowan Iredell Volunteer Fire Department, Yokefellow Ministries, Restoration Road Ministries, Drug & Alcohol Coalition; Field Days at NB Mills Elementary School, Student Appreciation Days at Statesville High School, Pictures with Santa at NB Mills Elementary School and Sharon Elementary School.

Q&A

IFN: What inspired you to run for a seat on the Iredell County Board of Commissioners? What experiences have prepared you for this role?

MATTHEWS: I am an Iredell native, born and raised in Statesville. For more than 27 years, I’ve served this community as a Certified Public Accountant and small business owner. My career hasn’t just been about numbers; it’s been about helping local families and businesses navigate their most difficult financial challenges. I am running for office because the position of county commissioner involves the collecting and spending of local tax revenue. This tax revenue is mostly comprised of property taxes collected and sales tax collected in our county. I have provided accounting services for governmental agencies and understand the numbers. I know where there is available money and how Iredell can tap into that money. When we find other sources of funding, this allows us to lower property taxes.

IFN: In your opinion, what has the current board done well during the past 3-4 years and in what areas could it have done better?

MATTHEWS: Making decisions for 200,000-plus individuals within such a diverse county is a difficult undertaking. There are some decisions I have agreed with and many that I have not. In 2023, Iredell County experienced a countywide property revaluation, which led to the largest tax increase in our county’s history. Post Covid, many families were struggling to make ends meet. Inflation had also been at an all-time high. Those of us in the economic world understand that you cannot raise taxes during periods of high inflation and instability within our national and local economies. I would’ve lowered the property tax rate more to attain a more revenue-neutral approach. We have many seniors, veterans and disabled residents, and major tax increases caused enormous stress for those folks. Your home should be a place of security, not a bottomless ATM for local government. We must do better and work towards property tax reform, which is happening all across the United States.

IFN: Commissioners have received some criticism for not making a significant reduction in the tax rate after property values increased dramatically in the last property revaluation. What are your thoughts on this? If you believe the tax rate could have been reduced further, would you have balanced the budget by drawing down money from the fund balance, cut county services/staff or some other means?

MATTHEWS: I will continue my answer from question 2. In 2023, our legislators passed what I refer to as occupancy tax reform, which then allowed Iredell County to collect occupancy tax on the Airbnbs in the unincorporated areas of the county, meaning outside the city limits. Based on original projections, and this Board of Commissioners failing to implement the occupancy tax, Iredell County has lost out on at least $10,800,000, plus interest, in uncollected occupancy tax. That number is based on the original estimate of 500 Airbnbs. A recent report indicates that Iredell County could have as many as 2,000 Airbnbs, which means a potential loss of $40 million. This money could’ve been used to complete projects such as the Troutman Fairgrounds and the stadium at Weathers Creek High School, which would host travel ball tournaments and other major events targeted at bringing travelers into Iredell County. This, in turn, would also boost sales tax revenue for the county. There are alternative ways to fund our county government. We just need experienced individuals like myself, who know where to look.

IFN: Current commissioners have declined to release additional property in the county’s zoning jurisdiction to the municipalities in an effort to slow high-density residential development. Do you support this strategy or do you believe the municipalities should have more say in development outside of their current jurisdiction?

MATTHEWS: I support the county’s position on releasing ETJ and additional areas outside the ETJ. The ETJ should only be released for commercial development. High density residential development directly impacts tax rates. The more rooftops we create, the more services we must provide (for example, law enforcement, fire, EMS & schools). These services are funded directly from county funds. A 2015 study was conducted by NC State University and showed that for every $1 collected in tax revenue, it costs the county $ 1.35 to provide services, showing us operating in the red right from the start. We must focus on bringing in industrial and commercial growth to balance out the rapid residential growth. Industry brings in large tax revenues and provides good paying jobs for our residents. I want Iredell to be a county where people work, live and thrive.

IFN: As you have been speaking with voters in the past few months, what issues are they bringing to your attention? If elected, what will you do to address these issues? Will your solutions require an increase in funding?

MATTHEWS: The two biggest issues I have discussed with voters are the county tax increases and the unchecked high density residential growth. I intend to work on alternative revenue sources for our county, pushing for commercial and economic development, and continuing to speak out against unchecked high density residential development that does not fit our area and causes a strain on our infrastructure and our taxpayers. I will advocate for the people who live and work here. The decisions we make should be for the taxpayers we represent, not outside developers. I will also focus on trimming unnecessary spending and making sure the county is accounting for every dollar spent and that those expenditures are required and necessary.

IFN: Do you believe any of the services currently provided by the county should be reduced or eliminated? If so, which ones and why?

MATTHEWS: I do not believe in cutting any current services. Iredell County is a great place to live and we have wonderful people here. I do believe that as times change and the dynamics of our county change, we must constantly monitor our local departments to ensure we are adequately staffed and we are operating as efficiently as possible. Based on needs, I do believe there are times, we can combine services or positions to save taxpayers money. Depending upon levels of growth, some departments or areas of our county may need more resources, while others may need less. As a fiscal conservative, I believe that our nation was founded on less government and more individual freedoms. We were all given the ability to make our own decisions and less government means more independence.

IFN: What is your assessment of the various departments of Iredell County government? Are there departments that could do a better job?

MATTHEWS: Again, I believe that all our county departments do a great job and want to thank each of them for all their hard work and efforts. No one is perfect and to criticize any particular area would not be fair. Based on recent resident surveys, Iredell County departments generally receive high marks for public safety and essential services, even though we have faced significant pressure from rapid population growth. The Preamble to our Constitution references “Domestic Tranquility.” That terms means peace, safety, law and order. Our sheriff, law enforcement officers and first responders do an amazing job at protecting our citizens and making our county one of the safest in the state. We must continue to fully fund law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency services. Without these folks, we would have no functioning society.

IFN: Do you think the Iredell County Board of Commissioners adequately funds Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded Schools and Mitchell Community College? If you would increase funding, where would the money come from? If you would decrease funding, what cuts would you expect these entities to make?

MATTHEWS: Iredell County ranks in the top 25 counties in North Carolina for local funding efforts, while it continues to rank 98th out of 100th in terms of state funding. This scenario exists because the state has deemed Iredell a wealthy county despite its diverse landscape from the southern end to the northern end. The state believes that Iredell has a high capacity to generate local revenue, despite having a relatively low sales tax rate as compared to the state average. The state funding formula for schools penalizes Iredell County because of its high property values (mostly centered around Lake Norman ) and tax base, which causes a reduction in the amount of state aid provided. I have taken a look at the county financial statements. Before Christmas, I counted approximately 60 vacant county positions, including some vacant for six months and some for more than a year. I believe we could eliminate those positions. The total budgeted for those positions equals approximately $2 million. I would reallocate that money and reinstate the teacher supplements that were taken away about 15 years ago. Providing $1,000 for 1,278 teachers totals approximately $1.3 million, and we could still save $700,000 that could be spent towards other needs while helping those in charge of our next generation, our future, our children.

IFN: Anything else you want voters to know about you as they consider all of the candidates in this primary election?

MATTHEWS: I am your best choice for Iredell County commissioner. I am deeply ingrained in the community, with a strong understanding of local needs, challenges, and, most importantly, the people I will serve. I am actively engaged in my community. I am present at community events, volunteering, and accessible to constituents, listening even to opposing viewpoints. I have a genuine desire to serve rather than personal ambition, demonstrated through previous volunteer work, civic organization involvement, or advocacy for local causes. My decades of accounting experience give me insight into managing large budgets, reviewing complex financial documents, and making sound fiscal decisions to keep taxes lower while maintaining essential services. I am committed to open communication, ensuring that spending, zoning decisions, and government operations are transparent. I will prioritize the greater good of the county over personal agendas and politics, offering a balanced, and thoughtful perspective. I have a clear vision for the future of the county, focusing on responsible growth, infrastructure development, and quality of life improvements. And lastly, I will not vote to increase your property taxes, ever. I will be actively seeking and pursuing other revenue sources so that we can lower property taxes in Iredell County.

If you live in or visit Matthews often, you may have noticed new commercial projects popping up around downtown to provide new food and drink offerings, plus a little fun.

Jay Camp, Town of Matthews planning director, describes recent local development as a “slow and intentional” process. The emphasis has been on construction that fits with the character and charm of a traditional, small downtown, he said.

And even if the wide range of new retail and lifestyle businesses appear to be coming at a fast pace, much of the newly visible construction was envisioned decades ago.

Here’s a closer look at some of the local businesses coming soon or recently opened in Matthews.

Perhaps the biggest change to the area is the brand new building going up on Matthews Station Street. The development, helmed by Brahm Investments LLC, is due to be finished in April, with tenants opening their doors in August.

The new three-floor building known as The Station fills a land parcel that has awaited development since the Matthews branch of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Matthews Town Hall were built in 2000.

“After 25 years, we’re finally seeing Matthew Station Street come to completion,“ Camp said.

Brahm Investments is also beginning work this year on its second development project. The Veranda will be Matthews first “Missing Middle” development — a walkable, village-style community planned to be completed in early 2028. The 4+ acres of land is near Inner Peaks and the Target shopping center.

Here’s what you’ll find inside (and up on the roof) at The Station, Brahm Investments CEO and founder Mumukshu Brahmbhatt told CharlotteFive, along with a pilates studio and another wellness-based business.

Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor

The popular upscale coffee shop, Fly Kid Fly, which launched at the Bowl in Ballantyne in 2024, is set to open a second 1,700-square-foot shop in the new building. (The coffee shop is currently under litigation for an alleged breach of contract with another local developer, which we’ll get back to in a bit.)

Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor

Next door, Seemingly Overzealous, the whimsical dairy-, egg- and gluten-free ice cream concept started by Hygge coworking founder, Garrett Tichy, and his partner, Jessica Berresse, will move in. The brand currently has three Charlotte-area shops with more to come. The Matthews spot will be one of two planned stores scheduled to open in 2026.

Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor

This home-grown record shop, which specializes in selling used and rare albums, will also be on the first floor. Noble Records is also known around the world for its independent archival label dedicated to reissuing little known psychedelic and hard rock albums. Noble will be relocating from its current spot on Independence Boulevard.

Location: 126 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC 28105, ground floor

Tee’d Up, a golf simulator bar, will bring the golf experience indoors. Featuring four simulator bays and a full bar, the new business will fill 3,000 square feet of retail space.

Matthews first rooftop restaurant and bar will open at The Station. The name isn’t set, but it comes from the same team behind Graham Street Pub & Patio in uptown and The Clubhouse Bites and Booze in Ballantyne.

Down the street from The Station, directly across from the Matthews Library and Town Hall in the former space of Beantown Tavern, Enzo’s Italian Market & Osteria is in the final stages of work before a planned opening this winter. The 9,000-square-footspace will include a gourmet grocery, bakery and cafe with a temperature-controlled outdoor seating area.

Intersection of West John Street and South Trade Street

“Probably the biggest question we get asked is, ‘What is going on with that building?’” Camp said. “I would say (it’s) the No. 1 mystery in Matthews right now.”

The structure, which has been completed for several years, replaced a former Exxon gas station. Camp said a few concepts had begun work toward permitting for interior upfits, but so far no building permits have been issued.

For months, passing drivers saw a Harriet’s Hamburgers sign posted on the building. But in late December, Charlotte Business Journal reported that SNY Holdings LLC, the property’s landlord, had filed suit against Fly Kid Fly 2 and Harriet’s Hamburgers IV for alleged breach of contract. According to court documents, contracts were signed in March 2024, but the tenants defaulted on their leases. The suit alleges that as of March 2025, the amounts owed were $9,301.50 for Fly Kid Fly and $24,805.10 for Harriet’s Hamburgers.

An old warehouse and motorcycle shop have been converted into a new and bustling retail area on North Ames Street.

Planning for Ames Station began pre-Covid, said Camp, who described this area as organic growth within Matthews. “We were fortunate that the right developer had a vision, and they shared that vision with us and we really embraced it.”

The developer worked with the town to improve the streetscape, including adding on-street parking. New porches, patios and breezeways designed by the architect also help to draw visitors into the site, Camp said.

A pedestrian path along the train tracks also leads from Trade Street directly to this new business development.

“So it’s very well connected to the heart of downtown,” Camp said.

Here’s what you’ll find inside:

Locally owned and operated Carolina Beer Temple moved into its spacious, naturally light filled new digs last April. It’s the third home for the shop since it originally opened in Matthews in 2013.

It offers 29 types of craft beer on tap, plus a diverse selection of wine, hard seltzer, hard cider and non-alcoholic alternatives. The brewery’s selection always includes two beers from Belgian brewery St. Bernardus. Carolina Beer Temple is one of only 14 breweries across the U.S. with an official partnership with that renowned brewery and the only one in North Carolina.

“Business has been incredible” since making the move, said Ken Startin, Carolina Beer Temple’s wine director. The space does not currently have its own kitchen, but there’s always a food truck (rotating selection daily) parked outside.

Within the mall-style concept of Ames Street Marketplace, located inside Carolina Beer Temple, you’ll also find:

Location: 215 N Ames St. #900, Matthews, NC 28105

This new family-owned and operated bakery and coffee shop opened last August next door to Ames Street Market. Sisters and co-owners Esther Barokha and Abigail Borisik focus on elegant Eastern European inspired pastries and gourmet coffee drinks. If you stay to enjoy your treats at the cafe, expect them served in real ceramic plates and cups.

Everything at Innescas is made fresh daily with many recipes coming directly from the owners’ Ukrainian born mother. Sometimes she even comes in to help prepare cafe specialties, like her Sweet Cheese Rolls. Other local favorites include the fresh fruit mousse cakes, made with real mango, strawberry or lemon, alongside tarts and cakes. Menu items get switched up every few weeks, Borisik said.

While Barokha oversees the bakery, Borisik focuses on specialty lattes, teas and other drinks. One of the most popular is the Tiramisu Latte, with espresso and house made vanilla syrup, a layer of mascarpone-inspired sweet cream foam, a dusting of cocoa powder and a lady finger.

“It really gives you the experience of having tiramisu but in a coffee form,” Borisik said. “It’s really fun.”

Coming soon to Matthews

Salvatore’s Old Fashioned Pizzeria franchise — with a nearly 50-year history in Rochester, New York — will be opening next door to Ames Street Marketplace. The date has not been publicly announced.

Self-serve taproom Hoppin’ started in Charlotte in 2017 and now has franchise locations opening across the country. The new Matthews location will open at Ames Station, next door to Innescas. Hoppin’ founder/CEO Rich Moyer (who is also a co-owner of Two Scoops Creamery) told CharlotteFive via email that the franchise is expected to open its doors this spring, but no exact date has been announced.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — The bitter cold is breaking water pipes all across our area and shutting down roads, including one street in Matthews that has seen multiple breaks over the past few years.

As Charlotte Water crews braved the frigid temperatures Tuesday, they were working to restore water for many around Mecklenburg County. We saw main breaks on major streets like Providence Road in South Charlotte, and several in Hickory -- Channel 9’s Hunter Sáenz went to John Street in Matthews, where a portion of the road was shut down.

Neighbors like Tommy Johnson didn’t know about the closure before they started their journeys. Johnson was on his way to get a root canal at Queen City Endodontics, which is smack dab in the middle of the water main break.

“I came on up and the detour signs detoured me around where I needed to come to, and I parked right there and walked across the street,” Johnson said.

He says he tried to get there before the water shut off, but he wasn’t so lucky. Now, he has to go back Thursday for his root canal.

This isn’t the first time we’ve had a water main break on John Street -- it’s actually the fourth break within about a half-mile stretch in the last two and a half years. Charlotte Water said all the breaks have been on different pipes along the street, however.

Charlotte Water told us that bitterly cold temperatures likely shifted the soil, impacting pipes underground.

While crews worked in multiple spots to fix the pipes and restore water access, people like Johnson are just being patient and understanding.

“Winter time is winter time, stuff is going to happen,” he said.

(VIDEO: Mint Hill teen federally indicted for alleged New Year’s Eve terror plot)

©2026 Cox Media Group