Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Designated Floodplain or Wetland Stilwell Property2219 Marglyn Drive & 2597 Mount Harmony Church Road, Matthews, Mecklenburg County, NC 28105 August 6, 2025 To: All interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals This is to give notice that the Town of Matthews has determined that the following proposed action under Part 58 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Review is located in the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain and wetlands, and the Town of Matthews will be identifying and evaluating practicable alternatives to locating the action within the floodplain/wetlands and the potential impacts on the floodplain/wetland from the proposed action, as required by Executive Order 11988, as amended by Executive Order 13690 and Executive Order 11990, in accordance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 55.20 in Subpart C Procedures for Making Determinations on Floodplain Management and Protection of Wetlands. The proposed project location is approximately 13.2 acres in size and is located at 2219 Marglyn Drive & 2597 Mount Harmony Church Road in Matthews, Mecklenburg County. There are approximately 5.02 acres of Federal Flood Risk Management Standard (FFRMS) floodplain within the project area. The extent of the FFRMS floodplain was determined using 0.2 percent flood approach. Potential impacts to the floodplain within the project area are anticipated. The purpose of the project is to build a publicly accessible trail to connect to the current greenway trail system in the area and build affordable housing along the western portion of the project area. There are approximately 1.48 acres of wetland within the project area and potential impacts to wetlands are anticipated. Wetlands on site were assessed for quality using the North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method (NCWAM) and scored medium/high quality. These wetlands would provide floodwater storage, groundwater recharge, and limited habitat for plant and animal life. The wetland areas contain a mix of native and invasive herbaceous species and saplings. A forested wetland is located on site that contains mature trees. The wetlands are assessed as having minimal educational, recreational, scientific, historic, or cultural value. Mature trees on the site are suitable foraging and/or roosting habitat for the proposed endangered tricolored bat (Perimyotis subflavus). Any tree clearing required for the project will adhere to the latest guidance on tree clearing moratoriums for the tricolored bat in Mecklenburg County. There are three primary purposes for this notice. First, people who may be affected by activities in floodplain/wetland and those who have an interest in the protection of the natural environment should be given an opportunity to express their concerns and provide information about these areas. Commenters are encouraged to offer alternative sites outside of the floodplain/wetland, alternative methods to serve the same project purpose, and methods to minimize and mitigate project impacts on the floodplain/wetland. Second, an adequate public notice program can be an important public educational tool. The dissemination of information and request for public comment about floodplain/wetland can facilitate and enhance Federal efforts to reduce the risks and impacts associated with the occupancy and modification of these special areas. Third, as a matter of fairness, when the Federal government determines it will participate in actions taking place in floodplain/wetland, it must inform those who may be put at greater or continued risk. Written comments must be received by the Town of Matthews at the following address on or before August 22, 2025 : Town of Matthews, 232 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC, 28105, and 704-847-4411, Attention: Mr. Jay Camp, Planning Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at 232 Matthews Station Street, Matthews, NC, 28105. Comments may also be submitted via email to jcamp@matthewsnc.gov Date: August 6, 2025 IPL0260271 Aug 6 2025