Highland Swim Club Potential Acquisition – FAQs
March 28, 2025
- Why is Scotch Plains interested in purchasing the Highland Swim Club Property?
The Township Council in recent years has focused on creating more recreational amenities in Scotch Plains. The municipal parks have steadily been upgraded with new equipment and fields. However, there still remains a significant need for more areas for active and passive recreation to accommodate the needs of our residents. By purchasing the property, the Township can greatly expand its recreational offerings, directly responding to the need.
- How do we know the property will only be used for recreational purposes?
The property, at 1235 Martine Avenue, will be “deed restricted.” This language is contained in the proposed purchase agreement which is attached an as exhibit to the acquisition ordinance: “The Deed shall contain a deed restriction limiting uses of the property to active and passive recreation and structures related thereto, including, but not limited to, walking paths, restrooms, gazebos and pavilions, outdoor exercise, and playground equipment, etc.”
- Has this potential sale been a transparent process?
Yes. To purchase the property, the Township must adopt ordinances. State law requires these ordinances (as well as any other ordinance) to have both a first reading and a second reading before adoption. The Township Council introduced the ordinances on first reading on March 11. The ordinances were read at the public meeting and made part of the public record. The purpose of introduction is to inform the public of what the Township Council is considering and provide the public with the date and time in which the ordinances will be read on second reading at a future meeting (April 29) when a public hearing will be held.
The public hearing is legally required before the Township Council can adopt any ordinance. If the ordinances to purchase the property are adopted by the Township Council, the purchase agreement will be executed, and the Township will conduct further due diligence before finalizing the purchase. We are at the beginning of the process, not the end.
- Why is the town doing this now?
The opportunity has been presented by the Highland Swim Club, which indicated a desire to sell the land this year. The Township was among those entities contacted by the club and interested in purchasing the property and, fortunately, Highland chose to continue negotiations with the Township of Scotch Plains as the preferred purchaser.
As soon as Scotch Plains was contacted about the opportunity, meetings were held by the Township Manager’s office and legal counsel with the swim club’s leadership. Pursuant those discussions, the proposed ordinances were drawn up and presented at the first available council meeting, which was March 11.
- Is this considered a “done deal’? What are next steps?
If the ordinances are adopted, Scotch Plains will undergo “due diligence” of the property to ensure it is in the best interest of the municipality to purchase the land. Township leaders will also be meeting with the Recreation Commission and the public to discuss possible uses for the property to expand recreational capacity.
- What are the benefits to Scotch Plains?
Scotch Plains has very limited open space opportunities. If we are to expand the number of recreational spaces, we must aggressively seek opportunities. The availability of this property will only happen once in a lifetime and the municipality is now in the position to acquire the property. If the Township turns down the opportunity, it remains unclear what other significant acreages of land would become available in the near or distance future to satisfy recreational needs.
- How will this purchase be funded?
The Township intends to use a state grant of $1.8 million toward the acquisition of the property. Other funds necessary to purchase the property will be financed by the municipality.
- When is the swim club closing?
The Purchase Agreement sets October 17, 2025, as the closing date, and Highland has indicated that it intends to close after the summer 2025 season. The club has provided the following statement:
“Highland is sad that its multi-decade run will be coming to an end but pleased that the property will be preserved as a recreational space in keeping with the club's spirit. Thank you to all the families and staff who have made Highland such a special place. We hope to see you poolside for one more season of fun, family, and community.”
Information regarding Season 2025 can be found at https://highland.clubexpress.com.
- Is there a chance this deal can fall apart? If so, is there other open space that Scotch Plains can buy?
Scotch Plains is moving forward in a good faith effort to acquire the land. There is no such thing as a “done deal” in real estate until the deed is transferred to the buyer. We do not know of another large parcel of open space available for the Township to acquire.
If you have any questions for the Township regarding the process or ordinances, please send your inquiry here, which is the link to the “contact us” form at www.scotchplainsnj.gov.