Development News for Matawan, New Jersey

Madawan Economic Development Highlights Shark 5K, Car Show; Police Report Overtime and Calls

Council Person Dina Gun provided updates on economic business development and police matters. Keyfoods' grand opening was celebrated, and the Shark 5K race, sponsored by Main Street Donuts and the Economic Business Development Commission, has over 400 runners registered, with proceeds benefiting the theater group and downtown. The annual Blues and Cruise car show is scheduled for May 27th, with proceeds going to local nonprofits. For the police department, as of April 30, 2026, approximately 41% of the budgeted overtime had been expended, with 112 hours used in the previous month. The patrol division handled 923 calls during the reporting period and 3,823 year-to-date. Traffic safety units issued 54 citations.

Madawan Addresses Infrastructure Projects, Environmental Cleanups, and Park Upgrades

Several updates were provided regarding park improvements and environmental initiatives. The 2022 sewer rehabilitation program is complete and will be closed out. The Clinton Street Park project resolutions are on the agenda for closing out. The 2024 road program, including paving and striping on High Street, is complete. Paving on Oak Street is complete, and the Oaknull water main is complete. Lead service line investigations for Lakeside, Washington, and Welden Roads are complete, with no findings of lead lines. Backup well installation construction is ongoing and expected through the end of summer. The water allocation permit modification application is expected to be submitted by the end of May. Design work for Ravine Drive water and sewer is ongoing, with updated plans to be forwarded. Borings have been taken for Madawan Avenue and Crossroad pump station improvements, awaiting geotechnical reports. Teen Park improvement design is ongoing, anticipated to finish by the end of May. The environmental committee held a Lakeside cleanup on May 16, 2026, from Ravine up to Main Street, involving residents and volunteers. A red maple tree was planted at the lake in memory of David C. Pike during Arb Day. Shade tree is preparing for its planting program and organizing replacement trees with residents. Hydrant flushing is targeting May completion. Final surface course and traffic lines on High Street have been completed. Park maintenance work is ongoing. Light pollution from new lights at Clinton Street Park was raised as a concern, and the lighting schedule is being reviewed against the 10-11 PM ordinance. Public participation for the Teen Park redesign was questioned, with clarification that input was sought at public recreation meetings and council sessions during grant applications and contract awards.

Madawan Completes Lakeside Cleanup, Advances Park Projects, and Reviews Lighting Issues

The Environmental Committee conducted a successful Lakeside cleanup on May 16, 2026, from Ravine up to Main Street, with significant resident and volunteer participation. The Shade Tree committee is preparing for its planting program and organizing replacement trees with residents. Hydrant flushing is on track for May completion. The Clinton Street Park Improvement Project completion closing statement was approved. The Teen Park improvement design is ongoing, with completion anticipated by the end of May. A red maple tree was planted at the lake in memory of David C. Pike during Arb Day, which was noted as a success. Additionally, concerns were raised about light pollution from new lighting at Clinton Street Park, and it was confirmed that the lighting schedule would be reviewed against the borough's ordinance.

Madawan Council Meeting Covers Elections, Public Comment, Resolutions, and Community Recognition

The meeting included a moment of silence and a salute to the flag. Public comment periods were managed with a five-minute limit per speaker, and the governing body was instructed not to engage in dialogue or interrupt. Clerk's office reported issuing business licenses, including one for Gems Bagels. Election information for the June 2, 2026, primary election was provided, including polling hours and ballot dropbox locations. The next council meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2026. A notice regarding the Open Public Meetings Act publishing was read, directing the public to the borough website and the NJ Secretary of State legal notice web page. A fundraising basketball game between mayors and council members is scheduled for May 26, 2026. The council considered and approved various resolutions, including licensing, operational items, project closings, seasonal hiring, historical preservation access, salary adjustments, and payment of bills. A student who participated in a national competition and reached the top 120 in the country will be recognized with a proclamation at a future meeting. Discussions also touched upon political conflicts, campaign strategies, and legal disputes during public comment.