Scotch Plains is seeking a developer after recently adopting a long-awaited redevelopment plan for its downtown, aiming to create a vibrant hub with a mix of retail, restaurants, housing, a consolidated library and town hall, public plazas and parking, as depicted in this conceptual rendering. — Courtesy: Township of Scotch Plains
By Joshua Burd
Scotch Plains has kicked off its search for a developer that can bring new commercial, residential and civic spaces to its downtown, under a long-discussed plan by the municipality.
The township this week said it has issued a request for qualifications, seeking a builder that would purchase 9.5 acres in the central business district in conjunction with a redevelopment plan adopted by its council last fall. Local officials say the redevelopment area includes seven public parcels, one private parcel and two rights of way, envisioning a mix of retail, restaurants, apartments, a new combined library and town hall, convenient and efficient public parking and public plazas along Park Avenue and surrounding streets.
RFQ responses are due via email by 4 p.m. 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.”
As officials noted, the redevelopment plan established zoning and other parameters to serve as the backbone for the mixed-use projects tied to the RFQ. Scotch Plains Redevelopment Director Tom Strowe, the designated contact person for the open process, said the township’s preference is for downtown redevelopment to begin with a parcel known as District A, which includes a combined library and municipal building, but that the township will consider different phasing plans and encourages proposals that maximize the potential of the redevelopment area.
The RFQ also notes that some municipal services in the district would be relocated outside of downtown to public property on Plainfield Avenue.
The town will evaluate responses based on a number of parameters as outlined in the solicitation, according to a news release. Prospective developers can access the RFQ by visiting https://www.scotchplainsnj.gov/index.php/rfq-for-downtown-scotch-plains or by contacting Strowe at tstrowe@scotchplainsnj.com or 908-322-6700 ext. 317.
Scotch Plains seeking developer, forging ahead with long-awaited downtown revival
