Scotch Plains Issues “Request for Qualifications” for Redevelopment of 9.5 Acres of Downtown Property
The Township of Scotch Plains has released a “Request for Qualifications” (RFQ) to seek a developer to revitalize downtown with a vibrant mix of retail, restaurants, apartments, a new combined library and town hall, convenient and efficient public parking, and public plazas along Park Avenue and surrounding streets.
According to the RFQ, the selected developer would purchase 9.5 acres of downtown property at fair market value to fulfill the goals of a redevelopment plan the Township Council adopted in November 2021. The redevelopment plan details zoning and other parameters that will serve as the backbone for the mixed-use projects this RFQ is seeking qualified developers to build. This plan comprises seven public parcels, one private parcel and two rights of way.
“We are pleased to be moving forward with the next critical step in the redevelopment process,” said Mayor Josh Losardo. “Our redevelopment team has developed a comprehensive RFQ that establishes our clear vision for the downtown. We have already received tremendous interest from developers and look forward to a robust selection process.”
Scotch Plains Redevelopment Director Tom Strowe, the designated contact person for this open process, said that the Township’s preference is for downtown redevelopment to begin with the District A parcel that includes a combined library and municipal building but that the Township encourages proposals that maximize the potential of the Redevelopment Area and will consider different phasing plans. The RFQ notes that some municipal services in the redevelopment area would be relocated outside of downtown to public property on Plainfield Avenue.
The RFQ responses would be evaluated based on a number of parameters as outlined in the RFQ.
To access the RFQ please visit https://www.scotchplainsnj.gov/index.php/rfq-for-downtown-scotch-plains or contact Strowe at