Full Notification

Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the May 16, 2023 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.

1) National EMS Week Proclamation: In advance of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week (May 21-27, 2023), Mayor Foster issued a proclamation recognizing vital importance of EMS work along with the contributions of Highland Park’s First Aid Squad (HPFAS), Fire Department and Police Department. Residents were encouraged to attend an open house at the HPFAS building at 128 South 11^th Avenue on Sunday, June 11^th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. to learn more about emergency medical services and ways to get involved.

2) Mayor’s Teen Advisory Council Spring Fundraiser Results: Mayor Foster recognized the hard work of her Mayor’s Teen Advisory Council members in fundraising for the HPFAS to purchase a new stair chair, an essential piece of equipment for delivering patient aid. The teens exceeded their ambitious goal of raising $1,400 and raised over $2,800 for the HPFAS including a generous $1,300 donation from Epstein Ostrove LLP, an area law firm where Highland Park resident Elliot Ostrove is a partner.

3) Adoption of Redevelopment Plan for 420-424 Raritan Avenue: Following a public hearing, Borough Council authorized the adoption of the 420-424 Raritan Avenue Redevelopment Plan (former Stop & Shop site) by ordinance. Following its introduction at the April 4^th meeting, the plan was referred to the Planning Board for their review for consistency with the Master Plan prior to it being voted on by Borough Council. With the plan now in place, the Borough will be in a better position to work with the property owner to secure a supermarket on the site.

4) Lease Agreement with Raíces Cultural Center: An ordinance authorizing a lease agreement with Raíces Cultural Center at 20 River Road, also known as the Eugene Young Environmental Education Center, was introduced and a public hearing will be held prior to its adoption on Tuesday, June 20^th at 7:00 p.m. Raíces, an established nonprofit that has worked for years on programs and initiatives in Highland Park, will act as a steward for the building, helping the Borough to maintain it as a public multi-functional meeting and event space while also expanding their own program offerings to area residents.

5) Extension of Conditional Developer Designation for Tract A: Borough Council authorized a resolution to extend the designation of Tantum Fidelco HP LLC as the conditional developer for the property identified as Tract A in the Downtown Redevelopment Plan and amend the interim cost and conditional designation agreement accordingly. With this designation, Tantum Fidelco HP LLC may continue to pursue pre-development activities including but not limited to review of the conditional developer’s proposal and negotiation and preparation of a redevelopment agreement.

If you’re interested in watching the May 16^th Mayor and Council meeting, go to the HPTV Youtube channel where the video of the meeting will be posted in its entirety. The next meeting of Mayor and Council is scheduled for Tuesday, June 20^th at 7:00 p.m.