Downtown Matthews could lose nearly 200 free parking spots WSOC TV [Video]

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

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 …