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It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Matthews, NC

Home Care Matthews, NC

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Matthews Heritage Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Matthews, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Matthews, NC

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care has been a lifesaver for our family. We have worked with them twice, both in emergency situations and they have treated us as if we were their only clients. Within an hour of our first call, we had paperwork completed and a caregiver on the way – and that was a holiday weekend. When the second emergency occurred, we knew exactly who to contact. We truly appreciate everything that Lisa, Melissa and the entire team have done for our family.”

Karen C.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Thank you for the care you gave to my dad. He did not have any family living close to him. My sister and I were relived to know he was well taken care of. The caregivers truly care about your loved ones.”

Gayle S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provided excellent care when I was discharged from Atrium after surgery- the office staff and caregivers were professional and caring- would definitely recommend if you need care at home-”

Richard H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Lisa and her team at Always Best Care have been a great partner and resource in providing services to our patients!”

Said Y.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Amazing staff and services. Much appreciated.”

Lacey J.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I used this nursing service for my cousin Pat who had cancer. I can not express the level of care and compassion that was shown for her. The nurses felt like family! Especially Alicia. You treated my cousin as if she was your family and I can't thank you enough for that. You not only took care of her but us also. I would recommend this service 100%! We only used them for 1 month as my cousin passed quickly. I d not have a single negative remark. Thank you Chuck! Your nurses are amazing.”

Seema T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love being able to work with this company, the owners are great people and support me daily! We have many calls to work on performance and continue to grow and learn!”

Chris B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Services were geared according to need. We were looking at rehab and they were willing to see what was needed. Very flexible and focused needs of patient All caregivers were on time We had a great experience”

Sarah H.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I love working for this company.”

Stephanie U.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Chuck and his personnel are truly the best. They helped us with mom and always focused on the care and not a much of processes and forms. I would highly recommend them to all.”

Kim P.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Matthews, NC?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Matthews, NC

Types of Elderly Care in Matthews, NC

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Matthews, NC
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Matthews, NC
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Stumptown Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Matthews, NC
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Santé or visit Carl J McEwen Historic Village, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Matthews, NC

Benefits of Home Care in Matthews, NC

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Matthews, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Matthews, NC

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your NC's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Matthews, NC

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Matthews, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Matthews, NC

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Matthews, NC

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Brookdale Weddington Park
  • Holiday Willow Grove
  • Windsor Run Senior Living Community
  • Matthews Glen
  • Meadows & Ohly LLC
  • Royal Park of Matthews Rehabilitation & Health Center
Home Care Matthews, NC

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Matthews, NC

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Matthews, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Matthews, NC

Latest News in Matthews, NC

Matthews refuses railroad company’s ‘money grab’ to charge more for free downtown parking

Matthews leaders are publicly criticizing a company that will get rid of a quarter of the town’s free parking spaces after offering a much-higher price to keep them cost-free.Transportation company CSX approached leaders at the town of Matthews earlier this year with demands the town pay $130,000 annually to continue using nearly 200 parking spaces located on CSX’s right-of-way, Mayor John Higdon said. The town previously paid only $800 a year, ...

Matthews leaders are publicly criticizing a company that will get rid of a quarter of the town’s free parking spaces after offering a much-higher price to keep them cost-free.

Transportation company CSX approached leaders at the town of Matthews earlier this year with demands the town pay $130,000 annually to continue using nearly 200 parking spaces located on CSX’s right-of-way, Mayor John Higdon said. The town previously paid only $800 a year, according to its website. But CSX’s new terms were clear: pay 162 times more for the parking spaces, or lose access to them entirely in October, Higdon said.

“They approached us with the ridiculous request to pay them 16,000% more than we do currently for some free public parking that we’ve had for decades, and Matthews also has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to maintain and beautify, ” Higdon told The Charlotte Observer. “We just feel like it was an indefensible move on their part, just a money grab.”

The parking spaces, which sit along Old Depot Lane, West Charles Street and East Charles Street, account for 28% of the town’s downtown parking spaces, said Becky Hawke, the town manager.

The proposal from CSX also included a 30-day cancellation clause and a 3% annual increase over the $130,000, according to the town’s website. Because the town refused, CSX will now turn the spaces over to a private company that will charge people to park, according to the town of Matthews and CSX.

“CSX received an unsolicited offer from a third-party to lease the subject property that included better liability and indemnity protection for CSX,” a spokesperson told The Observer. “While discussing the new offer with the Town of Matthews, CSX was unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.”

Paying CSX $130,000 and more a year would be a waste of taxpayers’ money, Higdon said.

It’s unclear what will happen with the spaces on Oct. 11, Higdon said, but the town is working to secure lease agreements with local businesses and developers that have private lots in order to offer new free parking spaces. He said the town expects to replace the same number of parking spots that are being displaced by the change overtime.

Higdon said the town is committed to offering free parking for residents and visitors downtown. Parking enforcement has become a profit-driven business in other regions, he said, and it takes away the charm of a town.

“It’s just kind of a hassle,” Higdon said. “We’ve never had it ever in Matthews since 1879 and we don’t intend to start now.”

This story was originally published October 9, 2024, 6:00 AM.

MATTHEWS: Hope shines through after NC Helene devastation

As things go with any hurricane, you pray the paths that are projected aren’t accurate, that they’ll fizzle out at sea with no harm done to life and land, and that at the end of the day, they’ll be relegated to a mere footnote in meteorological history.But more often than not, that’s not the case, and it certainly wasn’t for Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on Sept. 26 in Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 storm and left a path of destruction from there throughout many southeastern states even after bei...

As things go with any hurricane, you pray the paths that are projected aren’t accurate, that they’ll fizzle out at sea with no harm done to life and land, and that at the end of the day, they’ll be relegated to a mere footnote in meteorological history.

But more often than not, that’s not the case, and it certainly wasn’t for Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on Sept. 26 in Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 storm and left a path of destruction from there throughout many southeastern states even after being downgraded to a tropical storm.

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Western North Carolina was particularly hard hit, with more than 100 lives lost as of this writing and dozens more still unaccounted for. Entire towns were wiped out, homes, businesses and bridges were lost, and the topography was dramatically changed in some areas in what some have called a “biblical devastation” of the North Carolina mountains.

The images and videos on social media are heartbreaking, particularly the ones pleading for information on loved ones and pets that are still missing.

As the assessments of the scale of the damage continue, the picking up of the pieces and attempts to get back to as normal as one can have commenced, with the outpouring of support being a sight to behold.

Though there have been some questions about the timeline of the state and federal responses, the responses from private citizens both in the state and beyond our borders have been encouraging and uplifting at a time when so many are wondering, “What happens next?” and “Where do we go from here?”

There have been the helicopter rescues and the air drops of supplies. There have been the convoys rolling through. There has also been the coordination of relief efforts, with churches in western North Carolina playing a central role in storing the things needed and getting them to where they need to go.

There has also been the ingenuity of members of some of the harder-hit communities. In Elk Park, for instance, neighbors banded together to build a temporary bridge made out of flatbed trailers and wood in order to make supply runs to and from nearby neighborhoods after a connecting bridge was wiped out by the storm.

One neighbor told WCNC, “You can’t get a truck across the bridge we built, but you can get side by sides, so a bunch of side by sides, we’ve been getting together and running supplies back and forth.”

The Mountain Mule Packers have also gotten a lot of attention, with videos of mules transporting supplies to devastated communities going viral.

“Locals rented heavy equipment themselves, and helped Mountain Mule Packer Ranch get a path started to get the mule string through to Laurel Ridge with water and supplies for families,” they noted in one Facebook post.

The restoration and rebuilding are going to take years. But North Carolina is a tough, resilient state, and she will see this through thanks in large part to neighbors banding together to help neighbors and community members stepping up to the plate to do what is needed to make things happen and get the job done.

As the social media hashtag goes, we are #NCstrong and proud of it. And as devastating as this was for western North Carolina to go through, she will emerge even stronger once all is said and done. Count on it.

North Carolina native Stacey Matthews has also written under the pseudonym Sister Toldjah and is a media analyst and regular contributor to RedState and Legal Insurrection.

Matthews could lose nearly 200 free parking along railroad track

The town called CSX's demands "indefensible" after requesting 162 times more for a parking lease.More VideosMATTHEWS, N.C. — The Town of Matthews could see some changes to nearly 200 parking spaces currently free to the public in its downtown area.As of Friday, ...

The town called CSX's demands "indefensible" after requesting 162 times more for a parking lease.

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MATTHEWS, N.C. — The Town of Matthews could see some changes to nearly 200 parking spaces currently free to the public in its downtown area.

As of Friday, a lease agreement the town has with the CSX rail and transportation company comes to an end, and those parking spaces could be turned over to a private company.

Right now, parking in downtown Matthews is free. With the end of a contract with CSX Matthews will no longer have the rights to the parking spaces along the track. Those are spaces the town has leased for over 30 years.

Downtown Matthews is a bustling community filled with shops and restaurants.

“This is the type of downtown I bring my family to, my kids,” said Matt Ferrie, the General Manager for Carolina Beer Temple. “I live two miles from here, this is my community too and this is really frustrating.”

All of the parking staying free to visitors is a priority for town leaders.

“It just helps to create a vibrant business community that is so important to the health and wellbeing of our community,” said Becky Hawke, Matthews’ town manager.

But changes are coming. Since 1991, Hawke said they have leased 196 parking spots from CSX along the tracks.

“They contacted us without prior notice and said they had received an unsolicited offer from a paid parking company,” said Hawke. “And if we didn’t want to lose all of these parking spaces, we would have to beat their offer.”

The offer on the table is $130,000 compared to the $800 the town paid annually. That is 162 times more.

CSX railroad sent this statement to WCNC Charlotte:

We can confirm that CSX received an unsolicited offer from a third party to lease the subject property that included better liability and indemnity protection for CSX. While discussing the new offer with the town of Matthews, CSX was unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

With no resolution, the lease comes to an end effective October 11, 2024.

Hawke said the town has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in development, maintenance, and beautification of the free parking spaces.

“We provide all of the flowers, all of the landscaping, all of the maintenance,” said Hawke. “We continually repave it. We added the lighting and walkway where it’s needed.”

Hawke said the town was blindsided.

“We had originally been told that if we did not agree to their terms that we would have until the end of the calendar year for anything to turn over," said Hawke. "But they backed that date up.”

Town officials called the rail company's demands "indefensible". According to the town website, in addition to the staggering increase in cost, the proposal included a 3% annual increase and a 30-day cancellation clause, allowing CSX to demand more money from the town at any time in the future with very little notice.

Neighbors like Matt Ferrie are not thrilled about the news.

“It throttles the entire downtown,” said Ferrie. “These are prime spots for literally every business, every aspect of downtown and they are taking that away.”

“There are a lot of stores and restaurants that we frequent so are used to the parking that is unpaid,” said Marissa Vincent while out for a walk. “I think a lot of families are going to feel the impact. It’s already hard to find parking as it is.”

Town leaders said they are not going down without a fight and looking at every avenue to continue to keep all parking downtown free.

“Our goal is to keep every space in downtown Matthews free for public use,” said Hawke.

In the meantime, the town is already working to develop more lots in the area. One will open 48 free spaces and another 35 while they weigh all their options.

“In that in between, we are telling people to proceed as they always have and if the space available to continue to use them,” said Hawke.

Contact Jesse Pierre at [email protected] or follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.

For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts that impact you from WCNC Charlotte, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app and enable push notifications.

Downtown Matthews could lose nearly 200 free parking spots

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Drivers could lose access to 196 free parking spaces in downtown Matthews starting Friday.Matthews granted $1M in federal funding toward affordable housing initiativesOfficials in Matthews said railroad company CSX owns the land and wants to charge the town $130,000 annually. Matthews currently pays CSX $800 per year to use th...

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Drivers could lose access to 196 free parking spaces in downtown Matthews starting Friday.

Matthews granted $1M in federal funding toward affordable housing initiatives

Officials in Matthews said railroad company CSX owns the land and wants to charge the town $130,000 annually. Matthews currently pays CSX $800 per year to use the lot for free parking, which was part of a lease agreement three years ago.

Town officials said it’s leased land parallel to the train tracks since 1991.

CSX will lease it to a private company to create a paid parking program if Matthews does not agree to the increase, according to town leaders.

Matthews’ lease with CSX was scheduled to end later this year but since it did not comply, the lease will end Friday.

Town leaders want to discourage drivers from dishing out cash to park.

“Do not do paid parking,” Matthews Commissioner Ken McCool said. “Try and find a free alt alternative. I think we need to send a message that we do not want paid parking in Matthews. We want people to utilize the free spots. We want Matthews to be affordable for people who come to be able to get food, shop, eat, drink.”

Matthews leaders said they are trying to alleviate the parking problems by adding 35 free parking spaces on North Freemont Street near West Matthews Street and they plan to add nearly 50 parking spots behind White Duck Taco next week.

“We can spend the $130,000 for local businesses leasing parking rather than give it to a multi-billion-dollar corporation,” McCool said.

Steve Karhnak visits downtown Matthews about once a week but getting his favorite spots are not always easy.

But he says getting to his favorite spots, isn’t always easy.

“Over the years, it’s certainly gotten a lot tighter,” Karhnak said. “There is parking around, but sometimes you have to maybe circle the block once or so.”

Channel 9′s Erika Jackson asked if CSX would block off the spaces starting this weekend and when the third party plans to convert the lot to paid parking.

A spokesperson only said that it received an offer from a third party that would provide better liability for CSX.

They released the following statement: “We can confirm that CSX received an unsolicited offer from a third-party to lease the subject property that included better liability and indemnity protection for CSX. While discussing the new offer with the Town of Matthews, CSX was unable to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.”

Town officials said it is working to create more free parking opportunities.

VIDEO: Matthews votes in opposition to sales tax increase for transit plan

Matthews votes in opposition to sales tax increase for transit plan

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Hurricane Helene: Support Recovery

There are people within Mecklenburg County who have been directly impacted by Hurricane Helene.Resources are available for those who need assistance. See below for info on donations, utilities, recovery support, and more.Your generosity helps us meet the needs of our neighbors as they are receiving long-term recovery support.Mecklenburg County gets a FEMA Disaster DeclarationMecklenburg County is now eligible for Individual Assistance through FEMA: Donations...

There are people within Mecklenburg County who have been directly impacted by Hurricane Helene.

Resources are available for those who need assistance. See below for info on donations, utilities, recovery support, and more.

Your generosity helps us meet the needs of our neighbors as they are receiving long-term recovery support.

Mecklenburg County gets a FEMA Disaster Declaration

Mecklenburg County is now eligible for Individual Assistance through FEMA:

Donations

For Charlotte Neighbors:

For Western North Carolina Neighbors:

We are appreciative of the willingness to help and grateful for our community.

Support for your recovery

Below is a list of resources that are available to residents impacted by Hurricane Helene. If you have questions, see the tent on Riverside and Lake Drive.

Crisis Cleanup - 844.965.1386

Crisis Cleanup connects people who need help with cleaning up their home with volunteers willing to graduate.

American Red Cross - 800.733.2767

The Red Cross' disaster relief is to meet the immediate disaster-caused needs of individuals, families, and communities. This may include providing shelter to food to assist individuals in daily life.

Duke Energy - 800.777.9898

Duke Energy is the main electric provider for Mecklenburg County, as well as oversees the management of the Catawba River System. For more information see the Duke Energy website.

Piedmont Natural Gas - 800.752.7504

Piedmont Natural Gas is the main natural gas provider in Mecklenburg County. Contact them if you have questions about your natural gas line.

Charlotte Water - 704.336.7600

Charlotte Water is responsible for all potable water supply in the City of Charlotte and greater Mecklenburg County.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater Services - 704.432.7246

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Stormwater is the source for information regarding floodplain regulations and information on buyouts and flood mitigation. They are also responsible for the maintenance of creeks and streams in Mecklenburg County.

City of Charlotte Waste Services - 704.336.7600

Solid Waste Services is responsible for trash collection as well as bulky item pick up. See their website for information on what can be collected.

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement - 980.314.2633

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement provides services for building permits. These services include plan review, inspections and building code interpretations.

If you need help connecting to resources, call:

Disclaimer:

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