Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | January 9, 2026
It is with great excitement that my colleagues and I embark on a new year in Scotch Plains.
This is a special year for both our community and our nation. In 2026, Scotch Plains will join towns and cities across the country in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States.
Here in Scotch Plains, we are planning a weekend-long celebration beginning June 26 in our downtown. The festivities will include the long-awaited opening of a time capsule placed in front of the municipal building on October 14, 1984, to commemorate the Township’s 300th anniversary.
The capsule included instructions to be opened in 2026. Reenactors portraying Generals Washington and Rochambeau will join me for the opening, followed by a public celebration on the Alan M. Augustine Village Green with activities, music, and meals prepared by our local landmark, the 289-year-old Stage House Tavern.
On June 27, we will also present the largest fireworks display ever held in Scotch Plains. Updates on all of our Revolution 250 celebrations will be shared on the Township’s Revolution 250 webpage and through our social media channels. We hope you and your family will join us in marking our nation’s semiquincentennial – an ideal time to reflect on the principles that united our founders and to renew our shared commitment in civic pride and community spirit.
While honoring our history, we continue to strengthen our community for the future. The Scotch Plains Planning Board is updating the Township’s Master Plan, which will guide zoning and planning decisions over the next 10 years. Please take a moment to complete the Master Plan survey if you have not already done so.
The Master Plan will build on some of our recent successes. That includes the town’s purchase last year of the former Highland Swim Club property, securing and deed-restricting the land for recreational use for generations to come.
We have also made significant progress in revitalizing downtown Scotch Plains. Residents can see projects on East Second Street and Front Street nearing completion. The Lidl supermarket has begun site work at Park Avenue, and our downtown plans with a developer, Woodmont Properties, continue to move forward in a manner that reflects smart, thoughtful growth and the high-quality architectural standards we support.
Separately, we continue refining plans for a new Emergency Services Building on Plainfield Avenue that will house police, fire and rescue. With the addition of a parcel at 2450 Plainfield Ave. to the project, our professionals are improving site design and access, increasing flexibility, reducing residential impact, and protecting the surrounding conservation area.
By now, you should have received a letter from Professional Property Appraisers explaining that a municipal property tax revaluation is underway. This process is intended to distribute the local tax burden more equitably among property owners. Representatives from Professional Property Appraisers will attend the January 27 Township Council meeting to explain the process and answer questions. Additional information, including a dedicated hotline, is available on the Township municipal website.
Our Recreation Department has an exciting lineup of new programs and events planned for 2026. These offerings provide opportunities to stay active, meet fellow residents, and strengthen our sense of community.
In all our decisions, we remain mindful of the trust you place in us. That trust guides how we responsibly manage taxpayer dollars while continuing to improve the community we are proud to call home. Please do not hesitate to
Wishing you a happy and healthy New Year.
