Welcome to the official website of the Township of Scotch Plains, NJ. The government of Scotch Plains is committed to keeping you informed of important news and events and emergency situations. Sign up to receive text alerts from Union County First Alert.  Sign up for our email advisories and, check this website often for updates. 

 

* Please Note: The Municipal Building is open by appointment only. Call 908-322-6700.

 

Tax and other payments can be left in the drop box in the Police Department lobby or via online by clicking here






* Residents with local concerns of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) should contact the Rahway Health Department at 732-827-2085.


Upcoming Events


COVID-19 Resources

Union County First Alert

Union County Coronavirus Updates

Covid19.NJ.gov

New Jersey Business Portal

 

 

Have other questions about Covid-19?

Call: 2-1-1

Text: NJCOVID to 898-211

 


Office Hours

 

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

 

Main Phone:

908-322-6700

 

Contact Town Hall


Find It Here


Scotch Plains Farmers' Market


Fields Open?

Report a Park Issue:

recreation@scotchplainsnj.com


Do NOT Recycle Batteries in Single Stream Curbside Pickup!

 

Do NOT recycle batteries in single stream curbside collection as it may cause significant damage to the recycling facility during processing. 

 

For more information on how to recycle your batteries, please visit the Union County Recycling webpage

Get Latest Recycling Info on Recycle Coach App

The Township of Scotch Plains launched Recycle Coach, a free app designed to help make recycling information more accessible to residents. Recycle Coach provides accurate up-to-date information on Scotch Plains recycling schedules in a handy, user-friendly app format.   

 

Residents can access Recycle Coach from their mobile devices, desktop computers, or through digital assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The Recycle Coach app is available to download free of charge on the Google Play and the Apple iTunes Store.

 

Click here for more information on the Recycle Coach App. 

Online Taxes and Sewer Payments

Online Tax Bill and Sewer Bill Payments are now available on the Township website. Making your payment online is fast, easy, and safe. In just a few minutes, your transaction will be complete. You can choose to pay by a Checking Account ACH Payment (e-Check) or by a Credit Card Payment. 

 

To accommodate those who cannot get to the Municipal Building during normal operating hours, a locked Dropbox has been installed in the vestibule of the Police Department. 


Social Media Updates


Don't Rush to Flush!


Report a Pothole

To help preserve the local roads in Scotch Plains, the Township has implemented a Report a Pothole form for residents. 


Report a Tree Concern

If you are having an issue or concern with a Township Tree, we're here to help. Please submit your request today through our Report a Tree Form by clicking on the link.


Medicine Drop Box

In an effort to curb pill and painkiller abuse, the Scotch Plains Police Department has launched the Project Medicine Dropbox for expired medications in pill form only.   

 

The collection box is located in the lobby of the Scotch Plains Police Department office on 430 Park Ave. Residents have access to the medicine dropbox 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If residents are interested in dropping medicine off beyond office hours, they must check in at the intercom at the side of the building to be buzzed in. 


Emergency Notification System: UC First Alert

The Township of Scotch Plains has transitioned from CodeRed to EverBridge, officially branded as Union County First Alert for its emergency notification system. 

 

Click here to register for emergency updates via Union County First Alert.


Reporting a Coyote Sighting in Scotch Plains

Due to the high number of calls/emails that pertain to coyote sightings and resident’s concerned for their safety or the safety of their family and/or pets, I have directed our Patrol Division that they are to respond to ALL calls pertaining to coyotes.

 

Please see the attached information pertaining to coyotes. If you see a coyote and are concerned about your safety or the safety of your family and/or pets, call the Police Department immediately and we will dispatch an officer to the scene!


Southside Recycling Pickup Update (May 17)

Due to an equipment breakdown, recycling on the Southside may be delayed until tonight or tomorrow morning. 

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Message from Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Stamler

Spring has sprung and there are a lot of exciting updates happening within the Recreation Department.    You may remember last year when we were promoting the Parks Master Plan Survey to get feedback from residents.

 

I am pleased to share that at Monday night's Recreation Commission meeting, Brandstetter Carroll Inc., completed and presented the final draft copy of the Parks Master Plan. The Commission voted 6-0 to approve the plan. Be sure to tune into the Township Council Meeting on May 18 when the plan will be presented. You can also view it on the Recreation Page of the website coming soon.    In other news, the new playground equipment has been installed at Kramer Manor Park.      

 

Summer camp will be kicking off at the end of June and our summer concert series is just around the corner. The grab-and-go lunch program in partnership with the Union County Nutrition Program for seniors is underway at Shady Rest. Also, registration is now open for women's softball (via Community Pass on scotchplainsnj.gov).  Seniors residing in Union County 65+ who are not a part of the Meals-On-Wheels program can contact the County office to reserve their grab and go lunch at 908-527-4870.      

 

As always, you can check the website or call the Recreation Department for more information.  Keep an eye out for more announcements as we approach Parks and Recreation Month in July. See you around town!

Town Hall to Reopen on June 1

Following Gov. Phil Murphy’s recent loosening of restrictions for public indoor gatherings, Municipal Manager Al Mirabella announced he is reopening the municipal building to the public on Tuesday, June 1.

 

The manager noted the township will still enforce social distancing guidelines, as well as requiring all visitors and staff to wear masks. Residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment to help monitor the number of people that are entering throughout the business day.  

 

Please note the municipal building will start its summer hours the week before Memorial Day that will extend to one week after Labor Day.

Message From Mayor Losardo on 30 Minutes On The Green

It’s that time of the year again when we eagerly get back into shape, after a long winter and plenty of pandemic time in the house.    

 

I am pleased to kick-off the Mayor’s Wellness Series, which is set to begin in Alan Augustine Park (next to town hall) on Saturday, May 15 at 9:30 a.m. For those who are new to the series, it is free, it is fun and it is a great way to get some exercise with old and new friends from town. 

 

We are partnering, once again, with local wellness providers who will lead us in 30-minute sessions on select Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings through early summer.  

 

You get points for every exercise class that you participate in, as you earn points towards a Mayor’s Medal presented, with pride, by yours truly.  So, what are we waiting for?  

Scotch Plains Bond Rating Shows the Township on Strong Financial Footing

In yet another affirmation of Scotch Plains strong fiscal position, Moody’s has given the Township an “Aaa” bond rating, the highest bond rating assigned by the company and only awarded to 10% of municipalities in New Jersey.  

 

Such a strong rating from an independent agency underscores the strong creditworthiness of Scotch Plains as an issuer of bonds, signifying the municipality has strong financial backing and credit reserves. Quite simply, the Aaa rating assures municipal bond investors that default on loans would be very, very low.  Moody’s described Scotch Plains as being in an “exceptional credit position,” noting the municipal financial position is “robust.”  

 

Because of such a strong bond rating, following a detailed review of the Township’s finances by third-party, non-partisan fiscal experts at Moody’s, Scotch Plains can borrow money more cheaply. Scotch Plains taxpayers are directly benefiting from capital projects funded at low interest rates that most other municipalities would never be offered.  

 

“Our excellent bond rating reflects our stable municipal tax rate, strong administrative management, consistent financial operations and low debt,” explained Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo. “We’ve continually tightened our belt, not spending a nickel more than we must, and the financial services companies have clearly taken note.”  

 

Losardo expressed his appreciation to Municipal Manager Al Mirabella and CFO Teddy Georgiou, as well as the municipal directors and chiefs who all practice strong budgeting and expense management.  

 

With the Aaa rating, Scotch Plains is also being recognized for proactive planning, in which Township leaders deliberately limit borrowing and focus on the quick erasure of municipal debt.  

 

Focusing on the future, Losardo said, the township will continue to negotiate fair, fiscally-responsible union contracts, manage future debt as expediently as possible, further increase the collection rate of taxes and improve cash reserve levels.


“I am proud of our sound business practices that directly result in taxpayer savings,” the mayor added. “Scotch Plains appears to be in a strong financial position for years to come.”

Spring Branch, Brush & Leaf Pickup Is Complete

The Department of Public Works has completed its annual spring branch, brush and leaf pickup. 

 

Please do not place anymore vegetative waste at the curbs. 

Scotch Plains Farmers Market Kicks Off 29th Season

The Scotch Plains Farmers Market kicked off its 29th season on Saturday as hundreds of residents flocked to the downtown district for fresh produce, baked goods and other local favorites.  

 

Mayor Josh Losardo addressed the public while expressing his excitement for the long-anticipated return. He was joined by Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Stamler, Councilman Matt Adams, Deputy Manager Margaret Heisey and Farmers’ Market organizer Lisa Mohn.  

 

Live entertainment was provided by the Chris Turner and ClearStream Band with their popular mix of country and rock.

 

The Farmers’ Market is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Municipal Parking Lot at 430 Park Ave.

Senior Nutrition "Grab & Go" Box Lunch Program

Scotch Plains residents can participate in Union County's "Grab & Go" Box Lunch Program, which provides meals to seniors 60 years and older with a suggested donation of $1.75.    

 

Meals will be available for pick-up on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Shady Rest at Scotch Hills CC (820 Jerusalem Rd.).

 

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Union County Division of Aging at 908-527-4870 or 908-558-2297.

COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments Available This Week

Appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine are now available online at www.ucnjvaccine.org throughout the week at several locations. 

Please spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors who live or work in Union County. 

 

Additionally, walk-ups are available at Downs Hall, Kean University on Thursday, May 6 starting at 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Please bring your ID / proof of address.

Township Plants Grove of Trees in Memory of Township Residents Who Died from COVID-19

A grove on the site of the historical Frazee House will serve as a solemn place to memorialize township residents who died from complications due to COVID 19.    The township planted Kwanzam Cherry trees in memory of residents who the community has lost.

 

The tree was selected because of its deep pink spring blooms that last for weeks, prompting the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D.C. and other events that entice people to routinely visit.

 

“We could think of no better place than Frazee House Park to create this lasting tribute,” said Mayor Josh Losardo. “It is a passive park at the corner of Raritan and Terrill roads, home to the Scotch Plains Community Garden, a walking path and chessboard top picnic tables. We hope the tree memorial will give residents yet another reason to explore the park.”    

 

Shadonte’ Solomon suggested the memorial grove to the Recreation Commission. She is looking forward to memorizing her grandmother, Evelyn Solomon, who raised her family of three generations in Scotch Plains for more than 50 years.  

 

Click here to read the entire press release.

Memorial Day Celebration for Hometown Heroes on May 16

The Veterans Recognition Committee of Scotch Plains-Fanwood, in partnership with St. Bartholomew Church, invites our local Hometown Heroes to a complimentary barbecue in recognition of Memorial Day on Sunday, May 16th from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Jerseyland Park Community Center (783 Jerusalem Rd.)

 

Please reserve your seat by contacting Elaine Coupe at 908-322-5192 Ext. 141 or email at stbcommunityoutreach@stbartholomewchurch.org. 

 

RSVPs must be made by May 10th.

Juneteenth Celebration 2021

Scotch Plains and Fanwood are actively planning for the 2021 Juneteenth celebration. Town leaders are pleased to work with Social Justice Matters, a non-profit, grassroots group that has been a crucial voice as we collectively address social issues.  

 

Social Justice Matters is developing an event ad journal – both in print and online. It is our hope that you will consider purchasing an ad, with the revenue used to help support the important mission of this local organization.  

 

Attached is a flyer with more information.  We very much appreciate your consideration!  Please save the date- June 19, 2021 - for this celebration.  

 

Details to be announced soon!

Keep Scotch Plains Parks Beautiful This Spring

As we celebrate the well-earned welcome of spring, town leaders are encouraging residents to keep the local parks free of litter. A great help would be the reduction of single-use plastic bags and other disposable plastic items.  

 

“Spring is in sight and visitors will be returning to Scotch Plains parks, and we are asking everyone to pitch in and help preserve the environment in our green spaces," said Town Manager Alexander Mirabella.

 

Visitors to the municipal and county-run parks in Scotch Plains are encouraged to use sturdy tote bags or backpacks to carry picnic items and other gear, instead of relying on single-use plastic bags. Litter often happens accidentally when plastic bags or bottles are left behind, so bringing reusable totes and water bottles is a win-win for everyone.  

 

Last year the New Jersey State Legislature passed a ban on single-use paper and plastic grocery bags that goes into effect in May of 2022. Scotch Plains residents can plan ahead by making the switch to reusable tote bags now. Learn more at ChoosetoReuseNJ.com.  Spring is the ideal time to experience and explore Scotch Plains parks. Click here for a listing.

Scotch Plains Seniors 75 Years and Older Urged to Schedule Vaccination Shots

There is now a senior-specific call center at 856-249-7007 that can assist those 75 and older with registering for, scheduling and rescheduling appointments from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.   

 

Seniors who are 75 and older on the New Jersey Vaccine Scheduling System wait list may receive calls or messages from the NJ COVID Vaccine Call Center to schedule dedicated appointments. They may also be able to access dedicated appointments at certain hospitals as well as the following retail pharmacies across the state:

  • CVS: (800)-746-7287
  • Rite Aid: (800)-748-3243   
  • Walgreens: 1-800-9254-73367 (1-800-WALGREENS) * For Walgreens account holders only

You can view this information from the NJ Department of Health here. For more COVID-19 vaccine distribution information in New Jersey, visit aarp.org/njvaccine.  Book your vaccine here: https://ucnjvaccine.org.

Bulky Waste Permits Now Available

We would like to remind all residents that Bulky Waste permits will be available through Community Pass beginning March 1st.

 

Please refer to the guidelines for this special collection in the 2021 Public Property Messenger, including deadlines for submission of applications for individual sections of town. Applications may also be mailed into the Office of Public Works. 

 

The deadline to purchase a bulky waste permit, for all sections, is on Friday, May 21.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

Marijuana Is Now Legal; Driving Under the Influence Is Not!

While new legislation has passed legalizing marijuana, driving under the influence is still illegal!  

 

Please be careful and do not operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, prescription drugs or marijuana!  

 

Use the car services or a designated driver, please. 

New Jersey Special Needs Registry for Disasters

“Register Ready – New Jersey’s Special Needs Registry for Disasters” allows New Jersey residents with disabilities or access and functional needs and their families, friends, caregivers and associates an opportunity to provide information to emergency response agencies so emergency responders can better plan to serve them in a disaster or other emergency.  

 

The information collected here is confidential and will not be available to the public. The information will be held securely and only used for emergency response and planning.

 

Click here to register for New Jersey's Special Needs Registry for Disasters. 

 

For Registry Assistance, dial 211 (toll-free) and an operator will assist you in registering.





Information Center

Get Text Alerts


Get Email Updates

Your email address will not be shared with anyone else.