Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | June 13, 2025

As summer quickly approaches, allow me a moment to wish you and your families a joyful and healthy season filled with fun, relaxation and community spirit. Whether you’re heading down the shore, enjoying our local, rejuvenated parks, or just soaking up the sun wherever you may be, I hope this time of year brings you plenty of memorable moments.

Here’s a quick update of happenings at Town Hall.  

-We have all been eagerly awaiting construction of the Lidl supermarket, at the corner of Park Avenue and Route 22, replacing Snuffy’s. There was a lot of work to remove the old catering hall, and we have been waiting for the supermarket to begin construction.

Scotch Plains has given Lidl Supermarket the green light to move forward with redevelopment, which includes important milestones for approvals. As one may imagine, with a property located at such a busy corner, there are many agencies involved in the process, with a detailed review from Trenton.

To that end, Lidl must secure its final approvals from the state Department of Transportation and the state Department of Environmental Protection, as well as the Township, by September 1.

From there, as we move to fast track construction, work on the supermarket and a Park & Ride on the property must begin by October 1, with the construction completed by the end of next year. There is also a “phase two” to the plan, which would include another commercial development on the property. Work would begin Jan. 1, 2027 and be completed by the end of that year.

With this timeline, signed and sealed, you will see plenty of activity beginning this fall. We are very happy to move forward with this redevelopment plan and know the Lidl will be a valuable addition to our community.

-The DPW uses the summer months to focus on local road repair and resurfacing through Scotch Plains. The winter months, with the ice and salt, often create potholes and we need to be vigilant to ensure our roads are safe and smooth. Road resurfacing is a never-ending project in Scotch Plains, as we identify the streets that require the most attention and prioritize them over the summer months.

Please drive extra carefully and extra slowly where you see our road crews, which will be working in local neighborhoods. 

As you drive around town, you will also notice plenty of renovations at our public parks. We have directed our contractors to expedite the work wherever possible (weather depending) so residents can enjoy all the upgrades throughout the entire summer.

I am pleased to say we are moving along well.  

• A key target is Kramer Manor Park, 1950 Evelyn St., where there will be two resurfaced basketball courts and six resurfaced tennis courts.  The seventh tennis court is being turned into four permanent pickleball courts, at the request of residents. 
  
• There’s also court upgrades coming to Brookside Park, 1255 Hetfield Ave., to feature a full-length basketball court and four pickleball courts.   This park is where we host our summer day camp, so we are racing to finish the work in time.
  
  
• And make sure to check out Green Forest Park, 554 Westfield Ave., where we have already installed one tennis court, two pickleball courts, and a multi-use rink.  Now the focus is a new playground – perfect for our popular Small Fry Camp every summer. They will be the very first residents to enjoy this new playground. (I hope they remember when campaign season rolls around in 2032.)

Summer in Scotch Plains is always packed with events that bring together the community; this year is no exception. Please mark your calendar for these free events; I hope to see you there!

• Juneteenth Celebration – Friday, June 14 at Shady Rest Golf and Country Club
  
  
• Race to Summer 5K – Tuesday, June 17 with more runners registered than ever before! This is our signature downtown event each year – our informal kickoff to summer in Scotch Plains.
  
  
• Fireworks Celebration – Friday, June 28 at Shady Rest. Grab a chair or blanket, as well as a cold drink, and join family and friends for our celebration of independence. 
  
  
• Scotch Plains Public Library’s Summer Reading Kickoff – Sunday, June 30. You can never have too many good books as you sit on the beach or in one of our great parks.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the Township Manager, any member of the Township Council or me directly. We are always here for you!

Wishing you a happy, safe, and fun-filled summer!