Exhibit 10.1

On June 26, 2003, Section 2(a) of the Center Bancorp., Inc.1993 Outside Director
Stock Option Plan was amended to read in its entirety as follows:

"Anniversary  Date" shall mean, for each Outside Director,  the later of (x) the
date on which  this  Plan is  approved  by the Board and (y) the 365th day after
such Outside  Director  first became a member of the Board  (provided  that such
director remains on the Board on such 365th day); provided,  however,  that with
respect to any Outside  Director  that first  became a member of the Board on or
after November 1, 2002 and prior to April 30, 2003, the term "Anniversary  Date"
shall mean October 31, 2003 ( provided that such  Director  remains on the Board
on October 31, 2003)."