Lidl No Longer Coming To Scotch Plains, New Developer Sought

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — A lien placed against Snuffy's property has been rescinded and Lidl is no longer planning on opening in Scotch Plains. The grocery store chain has pulled its site plan application with the township.

In September 2019, the Scotch Plains Mayor and Council approved plans to allow 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 was also to be constructed on the property.

Recently, those plans have fallen through.

"There is currently no site plan application before the Township by Lidl or anyone else regarding the site," confirmed Thomas Strowe, Scotch Plains Project Coordinator for Redevelopment.

A new developer is now sought to take over the property.

"The adopted redevelopment plan on the site calls for a grocery store, a park and ride, and approximately 7,500 square feet of additional commercial space. Snuffy’s or a chosen redeveloper can either resubmit an application consistent with the current redevelopment plan or they can seek amendments from the Township Council prior to submitting a plan seeking different uses," said Strowe.

Troubled Past

Over the years much controversy has revolved the Snuffy's property. After the township and Lidl grocery store both confirmed the agreement to redevelop the property, Snuffy's claimed it was not closing in September 2019. Read More: Dispute Over Snuffy's Closing After Lidl Opening Announced

The event hall and restaurant went on to offer outdoor dining this past summer amid the COVID pandemic. However, the venue later closed in October due to COVID, according to Tapinto.net.

Most recently in November 2020, it was discovered that Snuffy Pantagis Enterprises owed the township $531,035 in back property taxes for all of 2019 three quarters of 2020, according to township tax records obtained by mycentraljersey.com.

Losardo said Snuffy's ended up paying 2019's back taxes but still owes back taxes for 2020.
Snuffy's has until this coming summer to pay back the 2020 back taxes, if not the township can place a lien on the property, Losardo said.

This past January, the township placed a lien against Snuffy Pantagis/Lidl US Operations, LLC for not paying $8,626.66 in outstanding charges, which were part of the redevelopment process formalized by Scotch Plains. Read More: Lien Placed On Snuffy's In Scotch Plains For Unpaid Charges

The council rescinded the lien at its Feb. 16 meeting.

Lidl did not immediately respond to Patch for comment.

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