Open Space to be Earmarked for Recreation on Terrill Road
Scotch Plains to Use Land it Negotiated at “Orchid Park” as a Community-Wide Benefit
SCOTCH PLAINS – October 9, 2024 – Township officials visited Orchid Park – a state-mandated residential community on Terrill Road – this week to tour open space that will be used for recreational purposes for the community.
In attendance were both Mayor Josh Losardo and former Mayor Al Smith, who led negotiations for the redevelopment plan at the former Parker Gardens site during his term as mayor. The Orchid Park housing development was required to be built under the state’s affordable housing mandate.
“While the preference would certainly have been to keep the whole property as open space, that was not an option under the state mandate that Scotch Plains allow more housing units,” Losardo said. “As a compromise, the former administration negotiated with the developer to carve out public land for recreational purposes.”
The open space comprises about 2.6 acres of land abutting Terrill Middle School. The land is next to a paved parking lot, funded by the developer, that will be used for public parking and shared spaces for residents and guests. It remains unclear the specific uses of the land; the township’s Recreation Commission will be asked to provide recommendations.
“If Scotch Plains is forced by the state to build housing, it is important that we negotiate the best deal possible for residents,” Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman said. “The Parker Gardens Redevelopment Plan is an example of what can be accomplished, in a bi-partisan way, as it includes a clear benefit to the community. This agreement also sends an important message to prospective developers in Scotch Plains to be prepared to offer give-backs as part of the township’s review.”
On Monday, Mayor Losardo, Deputy Mayor Zimmerman, Township Administrator Al Mirabella and Deputy Township Administrator Margaret Heisey met with the developer, Anatol Hiller, founder and managing member of Premier Development, to discuss the transfer of the deed for open space and possible uses for the parkland.
Orchid Park, with sections still under construction, will ultimately include 34 affordable housing units as part of the planned community of apartments and townhouses. Click here to learn more about availability and income requirements for units set aside for affordable housing.