Matuchen has always been a place shaped by the care of those who call it home. Over time, that care has taken many forms, but the responsibility behind it remained constant, to look after what we've inherited and to leave it stronger
for those who come next. One of the attributes that sets Matuchen apart is that we've rarely chased trends or reacted impulsively to the moment. From our very establishment in 1900, which itself f followed serious debate, deliberation, and disagreement about our
direction, generations of Burough leaders have been guided by a steady understanding of how to evolve without losing our special sense of connection and belonging that have always defined this community. Collectively, those decisions have shaped who we are today.
History often makes progress look seamless, but stewardship rarely is. These defining moments were once open questions debated in these council chambers, in gathering places downtown, and through the social media of their day, including letters to the editor and
later online common sections and forums. They required people to listen, to debate, and to imagine a future that did not yet feel familiar. For example, in 1967, Matuchen made the then controversial decision to open a
community pool which welcomed everyone. In the late 1970s, the burough worked to develop a senior housing department building so that longtime residents could remain close to family, friends, and familiar streets. In the early 1980s, residents engaged in conversations about how Middle Sex
Avenue should evolve and whether commercial businesses belong there at all. And in 2006, the community wrestled with the future of the longabandoned former supermarket and Burough Hardware property, which ultimately became a transformational development on that
side of our downtown, including what is now Whole Foods. In 2017, after extensive dialogue, Matuchen transformed the Pearl Street asphalt commuter parking lot into what is now our plaza, a place that has since
become a welcoming gathering space woven into the daily life of our community. And looking back, it's difficult to imagine Matuchen without these decisions. Each one built upon what became before and reflected a shared understanding that thoughtful progress
is not about abandoning our past, but rather ensuring that the qualities people cherish about this community continue to thrive. That same sense of stewardship continues to guide our work today. That balance between honoring our past and investing
in our future is at the heart of our Matuchin's America initiative, which connects Matuchen's history to the broader American story. Introduced last year in anticipation of the 100 Touchen's 125th birthday on March 20th, 2025, the initiative will
continue through America's 250th birthday on July 4th, 2026, reminding us that history is not something we simply preserve, but it's something that we pass forward. A central component of Matuchin's America is the restoration and stabilization of Matuchen's colonial
cemetery. With the support of our state legislative delegation, who's again here with us today, we secured $250,000 in state funding to help preserve the sacred site, which contains at least 950 graves dating back to the early 1700s,
including what we believe to be the final resting place of 60 to 70 Revolutionary War soldiers and patriots. This work will focus on stabilizing and repairing headstones, archaeological investigation, and improving drainage
and accessibility and interpreting and ensuring the cemetery interpret interpretation and ensuring the cemetery is preserved with dignity with dignity for generations to come. This initiative is also closely tied to the permanent iteration of Thomas Mundy
Peterson Park located in the heart of our downtown. This pocket park honors Matuchin's most significant historical figure, the first African-American to vote after the ratification of the 15th Amendment. With a $250,000 state grant
secured in 2023, we expect to begin construction this year on a permanent public space that reflects Peterson's meaningful legacy and supports everyday civil civic life in our downtown. We remain in one of the most significant periods of infrastructure investment in
Buchanan's history. For example, this past year marked a historic milestone with the start of construction of the new Matuchen Emergency Services Center at one safety place. After decades of planning, partnership, and persistence, the bureau approved the
bids and broke ground on a modern new home for our fire department, EMS, and Office of Emergency Management. More than a building, it's where generations of first responders will train, serve, and protect. And it stands as a promise that Matuchen will always invest in
those who run toward danger when others cannot. Completion is expected in 2027 and this facility will define public safety in our community for decades to come. Also this past year with the help of our state legislators again hear a theme
here. We secured $200,000 in state funding for critical improvements to the Matuchin Public Library. This investment will help protect some of our most historic treasures located in the Grimstead room by addressing flooding issues in the basement while also supporting major upgrades throughout the building, including new cabling, updated
computers, and expanded Wi-Fi access inside and outside the facility. At a time when libraries serve as centers for learning, technology, and connection for residents of all ages, this work ensures our library remains a vital community
resource. And earlier in 2025, we announced progress on another long-standing priority, bringing broadband and cable competition to Matuchin. You can talk.
Working with Comcast, we helped advance an application that is now before the state board of public utilities. And once approved this year, construction will begin on new lines throughout the bureau. For residents and businesses alike, competition means more choice. improved reliability and more
competitive pricing. All of which matter today more than ever. Infrastructure matters most where it touches daily life. And nowhere is that more visible than in our parks and open spaces. Over the last several years, Matuchen has made transformational investments in
recreational infrastructure, recognizing that parks are not extras. They're essential public assets that shape our quality of life. In 2025, we announced a transformational investment in the next chapter of George Oler Park, one of the most popular and
beloved parks in our burrow. Once a former coal site and gas station, Mazer has since long since been reclaimed as a central gathering place for Matuchen families. And with another $1 million in state funding secured by our state
legislators, this project will modernize the park while preserving what residents love most about it. Meer has always been a place where people where where kids play, neighbors connect, and generations cross paths. And this investment ensures it remains accessible, welcoming, and
relevant for generations to come. This spring, we will complete the transformation of Matuchen's portion of the former Golton property into the Peter J. Barnes Third Wildlife Preserve, which will become the largest park in Matuchen. When completed, it will mark
the culmination of an extraordinary environmental achievement. What was once a polluted industrial site will be a restored natural landscape featuring hiking trails, renewed habitat, a butterfly garden, and opportunities to experience nature close to home in an
accessible and meaningful way. A thoughtfully designed public entrance included paved parking and bike racks will improve public access and support the preserve's role as a key destination along the greenway. This project reflects years of persistence, a strong
partnership with Middle Sex County, and a shared belief that even the most damaged spaces can be reclaimed eventually for public good. And today, this is a big one, we are excited to share our vision for another major investment in park infrastructure that
directly builds on that momentum, the transformation of Trail Head Park, the 2.68 68 acre green space at the entrance to the the Middle Sex County Greenway. Working closely with Middle Sex County and the commissioners, which is funding
and will maintain the park, this project will create a dynamic new space that strengthens access to the greenway while celebrating Matuchen's rich railroad history. Designed as a true grit gateway, Trailhead Park will emphasize movement and connection with linear
pathways, interpretive elements in a welcoming central green, integrated seating, wayfinding, bicycle amenities, shaded gathering areas, and a paved public parking area along Memorial Parkway will improve access and usability while preserving existing trees and adding extensive native
plantings to enhance the site's environmental value. Together with the Peter J. Barnes the third wildlife preserve. Trailhead Park will function as a connected series of stops along the greenway, expanding public access and creating a cohesive and inviting
experience for residents and visitors alike. These projects build on a broader commitment to parks and recreation that residents have seen take shape across the bureau in recent years. We've made significant improvements at Edgarfield, Myrtle Park, Center Street Park, Kentner
Park, Oakland Park, and other shared spaces, ensuring that families throughout Matuchen have access to safe, welcoming, and well-maintained places to play, gather, and recharge. Together, these investments reflect a sustained and intentional approach to strengthening the infrastructure of
public spaces in Matuchen. That same focus on infrastructure and quality of life also shapes how people move through Matutton every day. Traffic, pedestrian safety, and mobility remain among the most frequent concerns we hear from residents, and they continue to be the central focus of our
work. At the center of that effort is the $9.3 million federally funded Main Street grant project, which is one of the most comprehensive street and safety investments in Matuchin's history. This project's been years in the making. And while we came very close this year to breaking ground, uh we learned that the
water company intends to replace aging lines beneath Main Street. And so rather than proceeding in a way that would require reopening the roadway later, the bureau made the responsible decision to coordinate schedules. And with that coordination now underway, we believe construction will finally begin this year.
The project will deliver high visibility crosswalks, upgraded traffic signals, ADA accessibility improvements, enhanced pedestrian and bicyclist safety features, streetscape upgrades, and an overheight vehicle detection system designed to reduce train bridge strikes
from Brunswick Avenue to Talage Avenue. Together, these improvements will significantly enhance safety and the overall experience for residents, visitors, and businesses alike. In partnership with Middle Sex County, work will also begin this year on the long needed pedestrian and traffic signal improvements at the intersection
of Durham Avenue and Central Avenue. We get stuck there, too. These upgrades will improve safety and visibility at one of our most challenging intersections and represent represents another important step towards safer, more navigable streets for everyone. And building on these investments, this year
will also mark an important milestone for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Mata will welcome its first dedicated bike lane on Grove Avenue, a project years in the making designed to improve safety along a key corridor while encouraging healthier and
more sustainable transportation. It will be followed by a connecting bike lane on Hillside Avenue, creating a safer and more direct route into our downtown and strengthening connectivity throughout the bureau. Supporting all of this work is a stronger, more visible presence from our
police department and our chief of police. Our chief of police, Ardan Flare, is up in the uh in the chief seats up here. Particularly, this will be a presence throughout throughout the burough, but particularly in our downtown and along key corridors. Over the past year, we
created a dedicated traffic and community policing unit to meet the needs of a walkable, close-knit community like ours. Officers are now regularly on foot, assisting at events, calming traffic, improving pedestrian safety, and engaging directly with residents. This approach reflects our
belief that safety is not only about enforcement. It's also about presence, accessibility, and trust. Together, these efforts reflect a comprehensive and coordinated approach to infrastructure, safety, and mobility. Recognizing that how we move through Matuten shapes how we experience it
every day. At the center of our work is a simple commitment to meet residents where they are, respond to their needs in real time, and plan responsibly for the long term. And this commitment begins with clear and reliable communication. Not everyone is on social media and even for those who are, it is
not always the most consistent way to stay informed. And that's why we launched Hey Matuchen, a new texting service that delivers important burough updates and alerts directly to residents phones. In just its first few months, Hey Matuchen has already proven to be an effective tool for sharing timely
information and improving access to what matters locally. It also means showing up when circumstances beyond anyone's control disrupt the daily life of residents. For example, during the 43day federal shutdown this past fall, we worked with residents who were furoughed or working
without pay and helped support families facing the potential loss of SNAP benefits. And during last May's New Jersey transit strike, we advocated for enhanced park and ride options and coordinated with an alternative service operator to provide local pickup and drop off options in the burough.
In each case, our focus was simple. Make sure residents know that they're not navigating these challenges alone. That same responsiveness is even reflected when it comes to crossing municipal lines to support our residents. Working with residents in the Oak Hills neighborhood, we help protect the Lucille Ball Pond, a glacial kettle pond
adjacent to Matuchen by successfully advocating for its restoration with the help of the Middle East County Mosquito Commission. Taken together, these efforts also inform how we plan for the future. We're currently in the process of of of the master plan, one of the
most important long-range planning efforts a community can undertake. Every 10 years, we step back to assess what's working, what needs attention, and how we chart our course for the decade ahead. From neighborhoods to open space to circulation, parking, climate
challenges, housing options, and preserving the character that makes Matuchen feel like Matuchen. The strong turnout and thoughtful feedback at our initial public meeting reinforces what we already know. Our residents truly care.
We're embarking on an incredibly important supportive housing project on Middle Sex Avenue to serve one of our community's most vulnerable populations, adults with disabilities. Funded through the bureau's affordable housing trust fund, which is entirely developer funded. This project responds
directly to years years of advocacy from families and caregivers in our community. By prioritizing dignity, stability, and appropriate support, it will ensure that residents can live safely and independently while remaining connected to the community that they call home.
This past year, we've made significant progress on the final plan for the forum theater and continue to define the broader vision for the Matuchan Arts District. From the start, we have been very clear about what success must look like. This effort is not just about
restoring the forum. It's also about creating a sustainable arts and cultural hub that energizes our downtown for generations, supported by careful financial planning and without burdening municipal taxpayers. Last winter, more than 200 residents
participated in public input sessions that helped shape this work, reinforcing both the community's strong connection to the forum and the importance of getting this right. Through extensive study and planning, we determined that reconstruction is the
most responsible and economical path forward, allowing for a modern, flexible, and fully accessible venue designed to operate at no cost to taxpayers. For years, the abandoned gas station adjacent to the forum remained a
significant obstacle to fully realizing this vision. After repeated good faiths good faith efforts to negotiate, the bureau took the responsible step of initiating condemnation proceedings using the remaining balance of the Middle Sex County art grant award in
awarded in 2019. And as a result, I am pleased to report that the bureau now has full sight control of this critical property. The property owner will now receive fair market value less the cost of environmental remediation which will
be undertaken as part of this project. We're also nearing acquisition of a small adjoining property owned by University Radiology allowing us to finally address a long neglected gateway into our downtown. And with site control now secured, we are ready to share
another exciting step forward. The bureau's application to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority through the Cultural and Arts Facilities Expansion or CAFE program, which allows communities to redirect tax credit investments into transformational local
projects, now includes what originally was envisioned as phase two of this project. Recognizing that this represents a rare opportunity that may not come again, the application seeks support not only for the reconstruction of the forum theater, but
also for the spot, transforming the former gas station site into a vibrant new downtown gateway. If approved, the spot would include food and beverage spaces, studios, galleries, and maker spaces that connect seamlessly to our downtown and arts community. And
while the EDA has experienced processing delays, we exper we expect the application to be considered early this year. Approval would clear the major final hurdle to revitalizing these long dormant properties. And if the process continues as anticipated, construction
on both of these projects is expected to begin later this year. What makes this effort meaningful is not just the return of an iconic place, but the years of careful deliberation behind it. Listening, responsible planning, fiscal discipline, and decisions made
with both today and tomorrow in mind. This entire project reflects the way Matuchen has always moved forward with respect for what we have inherited and care for what we pass on to the future. When communities invest with intention in their infrastructure, their public
spaces, their culture, their quality of life, the impacts not just felt by those who live here, but by those looking in from the outside. This past year, Matuchin continued to receive more statewide and even national recognition that reflects the community efforts, the
communive efforts, I should say, of this entire body of work. Travel and leisure named Matuchen one of the best places to live in the United States. Go Banking Rates recognized us among America's safest and richest cities. Together with our school district, we
earned a sustainable Jersey Green Team Award for measurable progress on sustainability and civic engagement. And the New Jersey chapter of the American Planning Association honored Matuchen with its great downtown designation, a recognition of walkability, vibrancy, and how people actually experience the
heart of our burough. These honors are not the result of any single project or any single year. They are the product of consistent stewardship of burough staff, volunteers, civic partners, local business owners, and most of all, the
residents who care deeply about this place and who show up again and again to make Matasha what it is. Taken together, these recognitions affirm something Natashan has long understood about itself. That our strength does not come from any single project or mo or moment,
but from the way we approach our future over time. This bureau has never been defined by one decision alone. It's shaped by thousands of choices made with care. Choices about what to invest in, what to protect, what to improve, and how to treat one another. Again and again,
Matuchen has shown that it is possible to honor what came before while still thoughtfully preparing for what comes next. The strength of this community lies in that balance. It's reflected in the places we gather, the services we provide, the way we plan, and the way we
show up for one another, especially when it matters most. It's why Matuchen feels rooted and familiar yet continues to evolve in ways that remain vibrant, welcoming, and relevant to new generations. As we move forward, our respons our
responsibility remains what it has always been, to care for this place with intention, to make decisions that strengthen daily life, and to ensure that the choices we make today become part of a legacy that future residents will be proud to inherit. Thank you for
the tremendous honor, the tremendous honor serving as your mayor. I look forward to another year of working together in service to this very, very special place. Thank you.