New Jersey Transit and Matawan officials are partnering to create a mixed-use development in the parking lot between High Street and Main Street in Matawan.
The development at the New Jersey Transit parking lot would be adjacent to the Aberdeen-Matawan train station.
The development, which will be constructed on seven acres of NJ Transit-owned land, will be part of a transit-oriented development, according to a press release from NJ Transit.
A transit oriented development is a “pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use communities centered around high quality train systems. (This development) is a solution to climate change and global energy security by creating dense, walkable communities that greatly reduce the need for driving and energy consumption,” according to tod.org.
In an interview with Matawan Mayor Joseph Altomonte on April 10, Altomonte said the vision is to create a transit-oriented development and combine moderate-to high-density residential units with retail, office and community spaces.
Altomonte said the development would help create a walkable community with easy access to regional amenities and destinations.
Asked how implementing a transit-oriented development in town could boost economic growth, Altomonte said, “the development will bring in more revenue from taxes and generate income for the businesses in town.”
According to tod.org, a transit-oriented development influences a unique living arrangement and can reduce driving by up to 85%.
Looking forward, Altomonte said “people are willing to invest” in Matawan and said “most of the blight properties in town have been or will be fixed up” to accommodate the future development.
“Matawan’s vision and leadership on this project are critical to its success, and we couldn’t ask for a better partner to foster smart growth connected with public transportation,” New Jersey Transit Executive Director Kevin Corbett said in a statement.
“NJ Transit is committed to development projects like this to build sustained economic growth, support our community partners, and increase non-farebox revenue,” he said.
The area around the Aberdeen-Matawan train station has seen interest and growth in recent years, according to the press release.
Last October, New Jersey Transit welcomed the opening of The LINK mixed-use development on the Aberdeen side of the train station, according to the press release.
Altomonte said the transit oriented development should not be associated with The LINK – which are modern, luxury rental apartment units. He said the residential units that would be constructed in Matawan “will have more if a historical look.”
“I’m excited the first step has been taken toward the redevelopment of the Matawan Train Station,” said Altomonte. “NJ Transit has begun their request for qualifications of interest for the section of property owned by NJ Transit located at the Aberdeen-Matawan Train Station. This project has been a priority of my platform and we are eager to get it moving.”
Interested bidders and members of the community can visit njtransitdevelopment.com for more information.