Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | September 7, 2023
I hope this message finds you well as we welcome September, a month that brings with it the promise of new beginnings and the beauty of autumn. As your Mayor, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and highlights from our community.
Back to School
With the school year in full swing, I want to extend my best wishes to all students, teachers, and parents. Education is the foundation of our future, and I am committed to supporting our schools in any way possible to ensure our children get to school safely and have top-quality municipal facilities to enjoy. Please take extra time as school buses are once again on our streets.
Community Events
September is a month filled with exciting community events. Our local farmers' market at town hall, 430 Park Ave., continues to thrive, offering fresh, locally grown produce every Saturday morning. I encourage you to take advantage and visit our market to support local businesses and connect with your neighbors.
On September 9, residents can dispose of books, children’s toys, small appliances, games and other household items they no longer want. Others who could find the items useful could collect them for free. It’s all part of our Freecycle Market at Brookside Park, 1255 Hetfield Ave. Drop off undesired items at 8:30 a.m. and come at 10:30 a.m. to collect items. Those interested in dropping off items need to register here.
Also, on September 9, join us from 1-5 p.m. as Scotch Plains hosts its first-ever East 2nd Street Block Party and Car Show to highlight the many great businesses and eateries along the business corridor right around the block from town hall.
On September 11, Scotch Plains will hold its annual 9/11 Remembrance on the Village Green beginning at 6 p.m., remembering the three fellow residents from our community who lost their lives that day, as well as the many others who perished and sacrificed.
Public Safety: The safety and well-being of our residents remain a top priority. Our emergency responders are working diligently to keep our community safe. Please remember to stay vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and take steps to prepare for emergencies, especially as we enter hurricane season.
We have asked the Police Department to put even more focus on pedestrian safety as we prepared for back to school. Chief Jeff Briel has reported new crosswalk signs are being installed at Westfield Road near Green Forest Park and at the exit of the high school. To help students cross busy Westfield Road, there will be push buttons and flashing lights on both sides of the street.
The police have already installed a new crosswalk sign at East Second Street and Willow Avenue and are always looking for other areas that could become even more safe with new signage and traffic-calming measures.
For back to school, we also are keeping the same number of crossing guards, after an analysis to ensure they are being used in the most prime locations. As always, I appreciate the work of the Scotch Plains Police Department, as our officers play a critical role in ensuring our students are safe during the busy morning commute.
Infrastructure Improvements: Scotch Plains continues to invest in infrastructure improvements, from road repairs to sidewalk upgrades to park enhancements, as workers took advantage of the summer months to steadily continue our town-wide program and ensure deadlines are met. These upgrades are essential for our community's growth and prosperity, and I thank you for your patience as we work to make our town even better.
Community Engagement: As we all look to the fall, I encourage everyone to get more involved in Scotch Plains happenings. Whether it's volunteering for a local charity, offering your valuable opinion at Town Council meetings or joining a neighborhood watch group, your participation helps shape the future of our great town. There are so many local groups that need support. Please come meet them on Scotch Plains Day on Sunday, Oct. 1, when vendor tables line Park Avenue. The event is part of a full Scotch Plains weekend. Learn more about it here.
Changing Seasons: As we prepare for what comes next, I invite you to enjoy the beauty of autumn in Scotch Plains. Take a stroll through our parks and neighborhoods, visit our historical buildings, and savor the flavors of fall at our local businesses and restaurants. This is my favorite time of the year, when everyone is back from summer, the fall sports season is rolling and everyone reconnects at many of the “back to school” activities that are being planned.
I want to express my gratitude for the sense of community that defines Scotch Plains. Together, we are overcoming challenges, celebrating success and continuing to make Scotch Plains a wonderful place to live and thrive.
If you have any questions, concerns, or ideas to share, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office. Your input is invaluable, and together, we will shape an even brighter future for Scotch Plains.
Wishing you all a happy and productive September!
