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

Thank you for your cooperation.

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!

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.

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?  

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.”

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.