Vote on Matthews Mobile Home Park Rezoning Expected Monday

MATTHEWS, NC – People in a mobile home park in Matthews could be forced to move as developers plan to build an apartment complex.

Jessica Moreno and her neighbors say they love living in Matthews.

They say it’s quiet, they love the schools, and say there’s not much crime.

“We’re really happy here. Everyone’s family, it’s a tight knit community,” Moreno says.

She and around 25 other families live in the Oakhaven mobile home park near Matthews-Mint Hill Road and Highway 74.

Residents own their homes but rent the land.

Monday, Matthews Town Commissioners are expected to decide on a rezoning plan.

Bainbridge Communities Acquisition wants to buy the property where the mobile home park sits and replace it with up to 350 apartments.

“You can’t really stop progress no matter how hard you fight or how long you cry,” says neighbor Doris Wilson.

Wilson say they’d like to continue living somewhere in Matthews but..

“We can’t afford housing here. We can’t afford the rent on the apartments, that might be available,” she says.

Residents have been offered $8000 to help with moving expenses.

But they say they’d also like Commissioners to find a way they can continue living in the community they love.

“If the town commissioners feel that it’s appropriate for Matthews to have this, then we understand that. But I also hope they feel it’s appropriate to help us find somewhere else in Matthews to live,” Moreno says.