Then & Now: Mayor Al Morgan Reflects on New Providence’s Rich Past and Bright Future

By Bobbie Peer

Published June 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM

NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ — The June edition of “Chat with Mayor Al Morgan” was a walk down memory lane—complete with stories of coal chutes, corner stores, and classrooms that now house Borough offices. In this conversation, Mayor Morgan, a lifelong resident of New Providence, shared vivid recollections of the town’s transformation from a quiet borough filled with greenhouses and delis to a vibrant, family-oriented community buzzing with energy and tradition.

“When I was growing up here, the center of town looked very different,” Mayor Morgan said. “Where the electronic billboard is now used to be Behres Hardware, and diagonally across the street was Center Stationers—what we still call ‘the corner store.’” These local landmarks might have shifted locations, but their memories live on in the minds of longtime residents.

Morgan, born in 1954 and raised on Edgewood Avenue, offered a personal perspective on how New Providence has developed over the decades—both in infrastructure and in spirit. “This was a baby boomer town,” he said, recalling how many families settled here post-World War II when they couldn’t afford homes in nearby Summit or Millburn. “It’s amazing to see homes that were once small capes now valued at over a million dollars.”

The conversation also highlighted how the town has preserved its small-town charm while embracing growth. What once was forest and farmland—like the woods that became Lincoln Field—is now home to vibrant community spaces and family-friendly amenities. Today, students sporting Pioneer and Highlander jackets frequent spots like Jersey Joe’s and the Prestige Diner, places that have become central to everyday life.

Mayor Morgan credited much of New Providence’s continued success to the people behind the scenes. “We are fortunate to have good people working for the borough,” he said. “Many of our employees are from the community and have a vested interest in keeping it thriving.”

In addition to reflecting on the past, the Mayor offered updates on current projects and upcoming events. The Passaic Street Bridge, which has caused detour disruptions for local businesses, is progressing toward a fall reopening. The borough is awaiting delivery of concrete joists that require a six-week curing process.

Looking ahead, New Providence is ready to celebrate summer in style. The community calendar is packed, starting with Unity Day at the high school on June 7, hosted by the Diversity Committee and run largely by student volunteers. The annual Sharing Network 5K will return June 8, bringing thousands of participants through town in support of organ and tissue donation awareness.

On June 14, the borough will observe Flag Day with a solemn retirement ceremony hosted by the American Legion. Residents are encouraged to drop off worn flags in the designated mailbox outside Borough Hall—last year, over 2,500 flags were collected and retired during the moving tribute.

Of course, no summer in New Providence would be complete without the July 3 Fireworks Celebration, a longstanding tradition that draws families downtown for music, chalk art, and a festive atmosphere. “We’ve kept the fireworks on the 3rd not just for tradition’s sake—but also because we can put on a better show,” Morgan shared. 

Wrapping up the discussion, Morgan responded to a popular community question about why New Providence and neighboring Berkeley Heights do not share a combined school district. While the idea was considered in the early 1990s, logistical and financial factors—particularly the cost of busing—made the proposal unfeasible. “It’s always a topic,” said Morgan, who served on the Board of Education during that time. “But right now, we’re focused on making the best use of the space and resources we have.”

Looking ahead, Mayor Morgan hopes to bring residents closer to the inner workings of borough operations by reintroducing public forums that include department heads from areas such as zoning, public works, and public safety. “People usually don’t think about these services until they need them,” he noted. “Having these conversations in advance helps everyone.”

Stay tuned for upcoming conversations with Mayor Al Morgan, where he’ll continue to offer valuable insight into the history, progress, and everyday workings of New Providence.