A Message to Scotch Plains Residents
Hello to my neighbors and fellow residents of Scotch Plains. I know these are trying times, but hopefully by the time you read this letter in May, we will be past the peak of the Coronavirus impact and looking forward to what I am describing as our great renewal. First and foremost, I want to thank you all, especially our essential workers including our first responders, for the team effort to beat the virus and get us back to some form of normalcy. In the meantime, please continue following the CDC’s health rules of staying home unless you absolutely must go out, and practicing social distancing, with a mask where necessary.
As a result of our team effort, the number of residents impacted by the virus, although unacceptable, is still on the low side compared to other towns in the area. At this writing, there have been 187 Scotch Plains residents who have tested positive for the virus, with unfortunately 9 deaths. Please keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers. I have electronic candles in my upstairs window which I light at night to remember those who have died.
I am personally inspired by the generosity and self-service that our residents have displayed. So many of you have gone out of your way to personally help someone affected by the virus and have made donations of food or money or both. I would like to thank my fellow Scotch Plains-Fanwood Rotarians for taking the lead in coordinating matching needs and resources of individuals and groups through the Resource Central they established at the request of the town.
As per the four-point plan for protecting our local small businesses that I have put forward, please continue to support the local businesses that are open for takeout/curbside pickup. All of our small businesses are in jeopardy, and we need to support these businesses in their time of need, just as they have supported all of us personally over the years. In addition, a Scotch Plains Business Resource Group has been established by concerned citizens to help support our small businesses navigate these rocky times, especially the application processes for State and Federal aid.
Unfortunately, as of this writing our local small businesses have not had much success in qualifying for the first round of the Federal and State Aid. Our Federal and State legislators have been very helpful. They are continually reaching out to me and the township with information or advice. The recently-passed almost $500 billion Phase II of the CARES act is targeted to small businesses to get the Federal Aid that they badly need.
The property tax due date is set by State Statute and can only be changed by the State Legislature and the Governor. This was debated by the State Legislature but did not move forward. Therefore, property taxes are still due on the normal dates: May 1, August 1, and November 1.
The State has authorized banks to allow up to three months of mortgage forbearance, but you must negotiate the forbearance with your bank. In any case, taxes are still required to be paid either through the bank escrow account or you personally. In an effort to help our residents, the 2020 municipal budget has a zero-tax increase. Our flat budget and the flat budget of Union County will hopefully help our residents through these trying time. Also, I have been working with other mayors in the 7th Congressional District and Congressman Malinowski to provide towns like ours with support for lost revenue due to the coronavirus crisis. This is critical to the municipality since we must pay the school and county taxes first, leaving the remainder to cover town expenses.
My fellow Town Council members and I realize the great pain and disruption that has been inflicted by this virus, and we are working as a team with all the municipal employees to help all of us get through this crisis. No municipal tax increase this year is just one of the ways we are trying to ease the burden on our residents.
Again, if we have to go out, I may see you around town with masks and gloves on and staying six feet apart. And while you’re out, please keep an eye out for the colorful coronavirus ribbons that I and other residents have been placing in front of our homes. They symbolize solidarity, hope, healing, and I’ve added renewal. It’s now time to focus on renewal.
Thank you and stay safe,
Mayor Al Smith
