Message from Councilman Matt Adams | September 27, 2024

There is a popular phrase among young families with babies: “The days are long, but the years are short.”

I believe this phrase can also be applied to the administration of local government. Every day, we are working on projects, programs and initiatives to enhance the quality of life in Scotch Plains. Between the many meetings, phone calls and interactions with fellow residents, we sometimes take a moment to assess the work that has been accomplished. It is amazing to see how far we have progressed.

Just in the area of public safety, in which I serve as council liaison to the police department, Scotch Plains has completed numerous projects since 2021. Mayor Josh Losardo has been keeping close track of our progress and provided a list of what has been completed.

Public safety comes in many forms. From equipping police with the best technology available, to controlling flooding, to replacing old street signs, to slowing down vehicular traffic to purchasing/leasing emergency vehicles, this Township Council eagerly works to ensure our residents feel safe.

Here is just a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished in the last few years:

In 2021, we purchased police body cameras, required all new construction projects in town to include flood/stormwater planning, installed stop signs throughout town, reduced the speed limit on heavily traveled roads and launched a cleanup of the Green Brook to prevent flooding.

Then, in 2022, we secured a nearly $500,000 federal grant for Green Brook flood control, added more stop signs and traffic-calming devices around town, added staff to our police force and DPW, cleaned up the Pumpkin Patch Brook to fight flooding, launched the Safe Place initiative at public buildings and businesses, and created an Emergency Medical Services division within our fire department.

In 2023, we installed a traffic light at the intersection of Rahway and Raritan roads and added more security cameras, more license plate readers, and more traffic calming improvements around Scotch Plains.

We installed defibrillators in our parks, received grants to address social isolation in our senior community, purchased a second ambulance for the fire department, added more stop signs and made flooding repairs on Jerusalem Road.

I am also pleased this Township Council was a vocal supporter of the Blue Envelope program. When people with developmental disabilities interact with police in Scotch Plains, they can provide a blue envelope of information to the officer that explains their disability. Our officers receive specific training on how to respond with compassion and support.

This year, we have been busier than ever in promoting public safety. We have purchased five more license plate readers for our police cruisers, lowered the speed limit to 25 mph on Lake Avenue, added even more defibrillators to our public spaces and are now using state grants to pave Cooper Road, making it safer for drivers and pedestrians.

As we look toward the end of the year and begin planning for 2025, we are steadfast in our focus on making Scotch Plains as safe as possible. The Township Council will continue to work closely with our Administration, our emergency responders and fellow residents to identify needs and ensure they are addressed as quickly as possible.