Mayor Jonathan M. Busch

10/19/2026

Tommy’s Pond has been one of Metuchen’s most recognizable and valued public spaces for generations, which is why the Borough took action last week to address an unusual problem there.

Residents are used to seeing some plant growth on the surface of Tommy’s Pond from time to time, including duckweed. What we saw this summer was different. An invasive aquatic plant known as common salvinia spread rapidly across the pond, forming dense mats on the water’s surface.

Left unchecked, common salvinia can block sunlight, reduce oxygen levels, harm fish and native vegetation, worsen water quality and create additional mosquito habitat.

Last week, the Borough completed a skimming project to remove as much of the salvinia as possible before winter. Doing so also reduces the amount of plant material that will decompose in the pond, which can contribute to low oxygen levels, fish kills and unpleasant odors.

This is an unusual case. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Tommy’s Pond was one of the first reported locations in New Jersey. As part of the Borough’s ongoing maintenance of the pond, we’ll continue to monitor conditions over the coming months. We are not exactly certain how the salvinia was introduced, but invasive aquatic species can spread in a number of ways.

Tommy’s Pond has been part of this community for well over a century, and the surrounding park was formally donated to the Borough by the Thomas family in 1929. Caring for it means understanding its natural cycles while also addressing threats like invasive species when necessary so this special part of Metuchen can be enjoyed for generations to come.

10/15/2026

Yesterday, I was invited to Friends of the Family Learning Center to read “Chicka Chicka Tricka Treat” to an adorable group of 2 to 5 year olds, who are understandably already getting ready for Halloween. As you can see, this crew takes its silly faces very seriously.

Thank you to the children and staff for such a warm welcome and a really fun visit!

10/14/2026

People have already been raving about the coffee and pastries at MOTW Coffee, so I was glad to stop by their opening and officially welcome the team to Metuchen.

Located in the shopping center next to Chipotle and Jersey Mike’s at 349 Lake Avenue, MOTW is another great addition to our downtown and another reason to explore all that Metuchen has to offer.

Welcome to the Borough, MOTW!

10/13/2026

Moss School may be 100 years old, but you’d never know it!

Today, our community cut the ribbon on the beautifully renovated and expanded Moss School, a full century after it first opened as Washington School in 1926.

Mildred Moss, the beloved Metuchen educator for whom the school was renamed in 1966, actually taught second grade here nearly 100 years ago. Thanks to the vision of Superintendent Dr. Caputo and our School Board Members over the last decade or so, second grade is now back at Moss, alongside kindergarten and first grade!

Of course, a beautiful school is only as special as the people inside it. We are so fortunate to have the amazing Principal Ms. Asprocolas and the dedicated teachers and staff who make Moss such a wonderful place for our community’s youngest students.

Here’s to the next 100 years!

10/08/2026

With the help of the Metuchen Arts Council and the advocacy of Council Member Meg Suchan, a piece of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has found a permanent home in Metuchen!

This summer, The Art of the Game brought six-foot soccer ball sculptures designed by 23 internationally acclaimed artists to parks, plazas, museums and other public spaces across New York City and New Jersey. Created by ARTS 14C in partnership with the World Cup’s New York New Jersey Host Committee, the project brought art and soccer together throughout our region.

Metuchen was selected as a Legacy Partner and received “Rock” by Matthew Day Jackson, previously displayed outside the Brooklyn Museum. It has now been placed right next to our recently renovated Edgar Field, where families, players and visitors can enjoy it as they come together for games, practices and time outdoors.

Thank you to the Metuchen Arts Council and everyone who helped bring this special piece of World Cup history to our community!

10/06/2026

Last week, I joined Metuchen Daisy Troop 82791 for a little civics and a bunch of smiles! We talked about what a mayor does and how local government serves our community as they worked toward their Good Neighbor badge. Afterwards, the kids took a tour of the police station.

Thanks to troop leaders Alejandra Carreira and Jenna Muldoon for inviting me and helping the kids learn more about the place we call home.

10/02/2026

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 3, porches across Metuchen will become stages for our third annual PorchFest!

This free, family-friendly event brings together local musicians, friends and neighbors for an afternoon of live music throughout the Borough.

The day begins at noon with a kids showcase, followed by hourly performances from 1 to 6 p.m. in the South Hub (Summit, Ferndale and Burr) and North Hub (East Chestnut, Maple and Ross).

Come out, support our local talent and enjoy another special day in Metuchen! Map and schedule at: https://metuchennj.org/porchfest

10/02/2026

Back at the Rock with Robert for opening night of NJ’s ONLY major professional franchise. Bring on hockey season and LET’S GO DEVILS!

10/01/2026

Congratulations to the Metuchen YMCA on 105 years of service to the Borough!

Last evening, Mayor Jonathan M. Busch and the Metuchen Borough Council presented us with a proclamation honoring the YMCA of the USA's 175th anniversary and our 105 years of service to the Metuchen community 🎉

Thank you, Mayor Busch and the Borough Council, for this recognition. We can't wait to celebrate many more years with our community, members and volunteers!

09/30/2026

The Metuchen Farmers Market is such an incredibly important part of our Borough community. Week after week, on Saturdays from June through November, it brings people together downtown while supporting local farmers and vendors.

Today is the last day to help give our Farmers Market some well-deserved recognition by voting in the American Farmland Trust’s annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration!

Last year, Metuchen finished #4 in New Jersey and #1 in North/Central Jersey. Recognitions like these help raise its visibility beyond Metuchen, by shining a light on the farmers, vendors and volunteers who make it all possible, and help more people discover what so many of us already know is so special.

Voting takes less than a minute, you only need your name and email address, and you will not be added to a mailing list unless you choose to opt in.

The only ranking of America's favorite farmers markets