MATAWAN – The Matawan Borough Council has adopted an ordinance which will provide $300,000 worth of capital improvements to assist in the relocation of the Matawan Police Department.
The ordinance was before the council on Sept. 8 for a public hearing and vote for adoption. No member of the public commented on the ordinance when given the opportunity to do so.
A motion was made to adopt the ordinance and council members Stephanie Buckel, Brett M. Cannon, Deana Gunn, John Lazar, Brian Livesey and Nicolas Reeve voted “yes” on the motion.
The police department has moved from its previous headquarters at 105 Main St. to Borough Hall at 201 Broad St.
Borough Administrator Scott Carew said the relocation of the police department was deemed necessary in the wake of a storm that caused severe water damage at the Main Street building.
After considering the compromised condition of the building and the potential for expensive repairs, the decision was made to relocate the police force, Carew said.
According to municipal officials, under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA), Matawan received funds through the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, which provides financial assistance for local, state, territorial and tribal governments affected by COVID-19.
According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury website, for entities deemed eligible, the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund provides an infusion of federal funds that are intended to address economic hardships and public health challenges, in addition to revitalizing public services and infrastructure.
Carew said because police officers are considered to be first responders, the relocation of the police department was considered to be a public health expenditure under ARPA.
He explained that the funds Matawan receives from the federal government will be used to relocate the police department to a functional space. The funds will also cover utilities such as plumbing, electric work, and heating, ventilation and air conditioning repairs.
New flooring, furniture, security upgrades and parking lot renovations are also planned, Carew said.
Construction, road closures and other inconveniences as a result of the police department’s relocation are expected to be minimal, he said.
However, a parking lot that had been used to access the Henry Hudson Trail, which is behind the Church Street Annex, will now be in front of the new police headquarters.
