I would like to comment on the debate over whether to remodel the old Broad Street high school building in Matawan or tear it down.
I understand the building is being considered as a possible site for performance and rehearsal space, as well as offices and galleries for local artists. This is a worthwhile idea, but depending on the cost, it might be even better if such a project were considered as a joint venture between Matawan and Aberdeen, as a possible anchor project for the redevelopment of the area around the train station.
I note with interest how Red Bank successfully reinvented itself as an arts and entertainment center with numerous restaurants, the Count Basie Theatre, and assorted clubs drawing people from throughout the region into town in the evening. With our parking facilities around the train station largely vacant at night and on the weekends, restaurants (with outside dining allowed), and a performing arts center could be an important part of a redevelopment strategy. Residential and office development, which would bring people into the area during the daytime, could complement the development mix.
With respect to the old high school site, we need to be careful not to spend a lot of money renovating an old building that might ultimately prove to a be a sub-optimum facility in a sub-optimum location, with no ability to spur other development around it. Indeed, if Matawan really intends to move its government operations, including its police department, to the community center, more parking will likely be required. In that case, it might be best to level the building and convert it to a parking lot. The additional parking would also be useful for people who have business at the motor vehicle office or at the new shopping plaza on Main Street at Route 34.
Barry Carol
Aberdeen