New Grocery Store, 51-Spot Park And Ride Coming To Scotch Plains

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — It's an exciting time for Scotch Plains residents as the township is working on bringing a new grocery store and a park and ride as part of the downtown redevelopment plan.

The Scotch Plains Mayor and Council approved an introductory ordinance at Tuesday's meeting allowing a developer, Lidl — a growing grocery store chain in New Jersey — to move forward on construction on the site where Snuffy’s Pantagis Renaissance wedding venue and restaurant at 250 Park Ave.

Along with the grocery store, a 51-spot park and ride will also be constructed on the property.

"I am excited that a needed grocery store is coming to Scotch Plains for the convenience of our residents and the expected 100 jobs it will bring to the area," Scotch Plains Mayor Al Smith said. " The park and ride will add a new dynamic to Scotch Plains, allowing convenient, direct bus service to New York City."

The plan also calls for another 6,000 square foot building on site near Route 22 to house up to three other tenants, although it is unknown who those tenants are at this time.

"This will be the first grocery store in downtown in decades and it will service current and future residents who will be living downtown as our other downtown redevelopment plans are implemented. The Park and Ride will also make our downtown more attractive to live in," said Tom Strowe with the Scotch Plains Redevelopment Committee.

Construction date has not been set and will be up to Lidl. Smith is hoping for construction to begin early next year.

"It's really exciting it will change the face of Scotch Plains a little bit. I've been here for 33 years and Scotch Plains looks pretty much the same… this will really change it for the better," said Steve Goldberg, member of Scotch Plains Redevelopment Committee at the Tuesday meeting. "This will change the fabric of the town — make it more of a lively town. Make it a fun place."

The Snuff’s property is located within a three tier seven phase downtown redevelopment area that has been declared to build commercial stores and residential units including affordable housing units. For more information visit the town's downtown redevelopment page here.

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