Not unlike many small towns, Matawan Borough did not have the resources to create a bustling downtown or sense of community for its residents. Municipal neglect combined with closing businesses created an area uninviting to shoppers and businesses alike. But change has come to Matawan, and residents like it.

“It’s so nice to have a downtown that we can be proud of again. The new sidewalks and landscaping and the new businesses are great. I can invite a friend out for dinner or a cup of coffee, and enjoy our downtown,” says Matawan resident Tina LoBosco.

New businesses have taken over abandoned or run down properties. The abandoned CTown Supermarket has now been replaced with the Matawan Town Center, with retail on the street level and high-end apartments above. According to Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte, this is just the beginning.

“A vibrant downtown is the heart and soul of a small town like Matawan. Shopping, dining, community events like Matawan Day, the Memorial Day Parade, and Blues and Cruise all bring people to our downtown, and they like what they see,” commented Mayor Altomonte.

Renovations to the downtown infrastructure began in 2017. To date, Main Street has been paved and new sidewalks have been installed, paid largely by county and state funding. New street lighting, crosswalks and handicapped ramps have made the area more inviting to pedestrians. Altomonte commented, “We knew we had to make these important improvements before new businesses would start moving in.”

Recent businesses to open their doors on Main Street include the Brew Coffee Bar, the Geekery Comic Shop, A Salute Italian Restaurant and Bar, Sparkle Boutique and Main Street Donuts.