Scotch Plains Looks To 'Revitalize Downtown' With Redevelopment

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Scotch Plains will potentially join the likes of Union County towns like Westfield and Summit to revitalize the downtown with a redevelopment project.

The Township has released a "Request for Qualifications" (RFQ) to seek a developer to bring a vibrant mix of retail, restaurants, a new combined library and town hall, convenient and efficient public parking, as well as public plazas along Park Avenue and into the downtown.

According to the RFQ, the selected developer would purchase 9.5 acres of downtown property at fair market value to fulfill the goals of a redevelopment plan that the Council developed in Nov. 2021. This plan details zoning and other parameters that will serve as the backbone for the mixed-use projects that the RFQ is seeking qualified developers to build.

RFQ responses are due on Tuesday, May 17.

“We are pleased to be moving forward with the next critical step in the redevelopment process,” Mayor Josh Losardo said. “Our redevelopment team has developed a comprehensive RFQ that establishes our clear vision for the downtown. We have already received tremendous interest from developers and look forward to a robust selection process.”

Scotch Plains Redevelopment Director, Tom Strowe, said the Township's preference is for the redevelopment to begin with the combined library and municipal building. But he said the Township will also consider different phasing plans.

According to the RFQ, some municipal services in the redevelopment area would be relocated outside of downtown to public property on Plainfield Avenue.

Responses to the RFQ will be evaluated based on a number of parameters.

To access the RFQ, visit the Township website or contact Strowe at tstrowe@scotchplainsnj.com or 908-322-6700 ext. 317.

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