Metuchen?s prevalent store vacancies are becoming a familiar scene in New Jersey and across the country.

?The downtown right now sometimes looks half dead,? says Ketan Patel, owner of Metuchen coffee shop Brewed Awakening.

Around 12 downtown storefronts are empty due to recession-linked closings. Business owners are petitioning the city to intervene and help out the city?s small business. One way to do that, some say, is to change local laws in order to make it easier for new businesses to move in.

City officials are holding a meeting Thursday to discuss how local business can be improved. Chamber of Commerce Vice President Maria Araneo says the closings are something the city is taking seriously.

?The chamber is very much concerned and we are working with the mayor and the council to improve this,? says Araneo.