Metuchen Seeks To Acquire New Property For Proposed Arts District

METUCHEN, NJ — On Monday, Council adopted the first reading of an ordinance that would authorize borough officials to begin formal proceedings to acquire a new property at the proposed arts district.

The property in question is a vacant gas station on the corner of Main Street and Amboy Avenue.

“The property is not only part of a pivotal gateway to our downtown but it is also adjacent to the Forum Theatre and is therefore critical to our eventual development of the Metuchen Arts District,” Mayor Jonathan M. Busch said.

Council adopted the ordinance on Monday to ensure that the property is obtained at a fair market value and also taking environmental cleanup costs into account.

“This will permit the Borough to formally acquire this important property through legally appropriate means, including condemnation, if necessary,” Busch said.

The Borough is currently in negotiations with the owner of the property.

The purchase will be funded with monies remaining from the Middlesex County arts grant that was awarded to the Borough in 2019, the Mayor said.

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