Message from Councilmember Ellen Zimmerman | May 15, 2026
One of the critical functions of municipal government is developing a master plan; state law requires every town in the state to update this public document every 10 years.
The Scotch Plains Planning Board has been working on this project since last year. The updated Master Plan is due by this December. Together, we are asking for your help and guidance.
As part of the detailed process, we are conducting a community-wide survey, which you can access here. It is a critical step in developing an updated master plan – a shared, community document that will shape future land use and zoning in Scotch Plains.
During Local Government Week in April, I joined with Director of Planning and Community Development Tom Strowe to produce a video that highlights the importance of this survey. We want to learn, for example, about what suggestions you have about potential planning efforts in our commercial and business districts, as part of overall guidance about future downtown revitalization.
Through the input we have already received, the township has updated its ordinances for new and exciting additions – such as permitting breweries and rooftop dining in commercial corridors, where appropriate.
But consider the Master Plan to be much more than a planning document. It is a comprehensive blueprint that touches nearly every aspect of daily life in Scotch Plains — land use, housing, transportation, economic development, recreation, open space, and sustainability.
It is one of the most powerful planning tools our town has, and when done right, it will help ensure that Scotch Plains remains safe, vibrant, and welcoming for generations to come.
But the Master Plan is only as strong as the community behind it. Your input, ideas, priorities, and concerns are not just welcome — they are essential. Whether you care most about traffic and pedestrian safety, a stronger downtown, preserved open space, or making sure new development reflects the true character of our town, we want to hear from you.
Please don't wait — the survey deadline is July 31.
The goal is to analyze public feedback and present a drafted Master Plan to the Planning Board and Township Council this fall for consideration.
We have been working diligently to reach as many residents as possible. For example, Mayor Josh Losardo and Tom Strowe recently visited the Farmers' Market to share information about the survey and answer questions firsthand — because this process deserves that kind of direct engagement.
We all know that Scotch Plains is a special place. By participating in the survey and attending public meetings later this year, you help ensure it stays that way. Together, we can build a Master Plan that reflects our shared values and serves as a meaningful, lasting roadmap for our town's future.
Thank you for your time, your voice, and your shared commitment to making Scotch Plains the best place to live, work and raise a family. Your participation in the survey is a vital part of the process. To learn more and for updates on the Master Plan, click here.
