SCOTCH PLAINS – Despite the delays in starting actual construction, the Lidl supermarket chain “is committed to building in Scotch Plains,” Mayor Joshua Losardo said on Tuesday night.
In response to a resident’s query at the township council’s meeting, the mayor said Lidl is working on several outstanding issues that need to be resolved before construction of its 31,000 sq. ft. grocery store can begin. The company is replacing some landscaping— trees and shrubbery—that had been errantly removed after the former Snuffy’s/Pantagis restaurant and banquet facility was razed earlier this year. Some stormwater-management issues need to be resolved before any permits are issued, the mayor said. An oil tank under Park Avenue needs to be removed, and Lidl is working with township officials to expedite that.
Besides the grocery store, the redevelopment of the 5.5-acre site will include a park-and-ride lot for New Jersey Transit bus commuters and a one-story, 7,500 sq. ft. retail building.
In other business at the council’s 40minute meeting, there were plenty of congratulatory words for the mayor and deputy mayor Ellen Zimmerman, who were decisively re-elected last week, with the mayor garnering 59 percent of the vote and Mrs. Zimmerman receiving 61 percent. Township Manager Al Mirabella said the mayor and deputy mayor both “warranted re-election” for their efforts over the past four years, and he also thanked Republican candidates Chris Kresge and Brian Johdos as well as independent mayoral candidate Vester Howard for participating in the electoral process. The mayor said the vote last week “reflects the hard work of everyone who works for this town.” Council members also congratulated Mr. Mirabella, who was re-elected last week to his 10th term on the county board of commissioners.
Councilman Roc White reminded residents, on behalf of the fire department, to refrain from any outdoor fires like barbecue grills and patio fire pits as well as fireworks and sparklers given the severe drought over the past two months and the ongoing threat of wildfires.
At the start of the meeting, Mrs. Zimmerman read a proclamation declaring November as Children’s Grief Awareness Month to raise awareness of children and their families who may be grieving. Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler reminded residents that Saturday, November 30, is Small Business Saturday, a campaign to promote local shopping.
