Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | October 12, 2022
Following the harsh effects of Hurricane Ida in September 2021, I have heard from residents who say they have lived in Scotch Plains for decades, but whose homes and properties have experienced flooding only in the past several years.
While the larger storms make the headline news, there are some properties that experience flooding following even small rainfalls, which may be traced back to relatively new construction or reconstruction of a neighbor’s home. It is certainly not fair for a resident to suddenly deal with flooding if an adjacent home is rebuilt or expanded.
There needs to be new requirements in the planning phase of a home that should reduce the likelihood of flooding on adjoining properties.
Following meetings with township engineers and other professionals, I plan to introduce an ordinance this month that will require soil percolation testing and groundwater analysis for all construction projects in town as part of every development application.
Such tests indicate how quickly water moves through soil. The results for each building application would help our engineers and planners better evaluate whether the soil under the property is sufficient to absorb runoff water, as well as what type of stormwater management improvements should be recommended before the development proposal is presented before a township land use board for potential approval.
A link to the state Department of Environmental Protection Soil Testing Criteria required under this proposed future ordinance can be found here: NJ_SWMP_12.pdf
Our experts advise that this potential new requirement will provide greater upfront information for our board members, professionals and, most importantly, our residents on the proposed design and location of stormwater management systems.
Our goal is to always evaluate any increased demand on impervious land coverage throughout Scotch Plains. As homes in Scotch Plains are continually expanded or torn down for new homes, it is imperative that we better understand how the water that flows beneath the surface and make smart decisions on construction based on hard facts, rather than guess-work.
Scotch Plains benefits from its strong working relationship with county, state and federal officials who have the ability to coordinate large, regional, comprehensive solutions. Earlier this year, we hosted our congressman, Rep. Tom Malinowski, who toured areas of town where flooding occurs.
The congressman agreed that a direct response at the state and federal levels is needed for Scotch Plains and surrounding towns that host with the Green Brook. Malinowski pointed to the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, adopted last November, which will provide aid to address flooding.
We also need to continually leverage support from our other partners. I am pleased, for example, that Union County is undertaking a stream stabilization project that mitigates flooding by Scotch Plains Park in the Watchung Reservation near the McDonald’s on Route 22 west.
This month, workers are rebuilding the rock channel along the eastern branch of the Green Brook which flows down Union Avenue and can flood the highway during major rains. The county awarded $439,105 for stream bank stabilization, as well as to rebuild a wall of historical value with 16-inch-thick stone.
In another move, we are assigning more municipal staff to clear the various brooks and channels throughout town. Over the years, there has been many dead trees and other debris causing blockages and senselessly preventing the flow of water. During extreme events, such debris can lead to unnecessary flooding, which is why we are so focused on routine maintenance and upkeep.
We look forward to continually identifying ways in which to control flooding, providing our residents with the relief that they need.
