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A conceptual rendering by Woodmont Properties shows a mixed-use building on Park Avenue in Scotch Plains, under a redevelopment plan that aims to fit within the existing character of the downtown. — Courtesy: Scotch Plains
By Joshua Burd
Scotch Plains has designated Woodmont Properties as the conditional redeveloper for more than nine acres in its downtown, following a multiyear search aimed at jumpstarting a long-awaited plan for the central business district.
The vote by the township council, which the municipality announced Wednesday, comes after an extensive review of proposals submitted by nearly a dozen developers, according to a news release. It will now turn its focus to completing a redevelopment agreement with Fairfield-based Woodmont, under a plan that would mostly center on public lots and parcels.
“This is a historic moment for Scotch Plains,” Mayor Josh Losardo said. “This township council and administration (have) been laser focused on making redevelopment a reality, finally, for our downtown. This is no longer just the same talk that we’ve heard for years. Together, working collaboratively with the community, we have pushed the ball across the goal. It is truly a proud day.”
Losardo, who served on the team that reviewed submissions, said the township received “a number of solid proposals” from developers, all of which shared detailed plans for the downtown district. But the municipality “kept returning to Woodmont Properties because of its tremendous track record of success in our area.”
“We know the developer wants our project to be its crown jewel,” he added. “We are excited about this major step forward in our redevelopment plan and look forward to a superb partnership.”
The municipality issued a request for proposals in early 2022, having adopted a redevelopment plan months earlier. Local officials said at the time that 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.
Woodmont, for its part, is a long-established developer in the state and has completed a host of major residential and mixed-use redevelopment projects in locations such as Morristown, Cranford, Red Bank and Metuchen.
“Woodmont could not be more excited to work with the Scotch Plains community as its newly designated downtown redeveloper,” said Stephen Santola, executive vice president and general counsel of Woodmont Properties. “We thank the committee and the township council for carefully considering all the submissions and selecting Woodmont.”
He added: “Scotch Plains has a wonderful downtown, and it’s about to get even better.”
The township said that, during the evaluation process, Woodmont presented detailed documents and data showing the financial strength and capacity to fulfill all requirements in the redevelopment plan. The developer will use its own financing and in-house team of professionals.
The town added that its plan requires the firm to respect the character and history of Scotch Plains, noting that there will be a maximum building height of four stories, abundant parking and new public open spaces that will further enhance the Alan M. Augustine Village Green. Woodmont is also poised to help fulfill the township’s vision of creating a community hub for art fairs and expositions, a farmer’s market and other community-centered activities.
On Wednesday, the municipality said it will work with the builder to craft a redevelopment agreement over the next 120 days. It will then provide additional information about the development proposal, project phasing, construction of private and public buildings and the financial plan to support the project.
Scotch Plains issues RFQ for long-awaited, mixed-use downtown redevelopment
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