Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the April 16, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) “Pack a Patrol Car for Paws” Donation Drive for the Edison Municipal Animal Shelter: The Highland Park Police Department (HPPD) is looking for residents to help fill a patrol car with donations of pet toys, treats, beds, and foods to support the Edison Municipal Animal Shelter. The shelter provides important services to the Borough of Highland Park through an inter-municipal shared services agreement. The drive runs from May 1 to May 31 and donations can be dropped off in the HPPD lobby. For ideas about what to donate, please view the shelter’s Amazon wish list.
2) Ordinance Authorizing Agreement with RarDen Redevelopment to Advance Redevelopment of Tract A: Borough Council introduced an ordinance to authorize an Assignment and Assumption Agreement with the conditional redeveloper of Tract A, RarDen Redevelopment LLC. The purpose of the agreement is to further the assemblage of the Tract A properties to allow redevelopment in accordance with the 2021 Downtown Redevelopment Plan to move forward. The public hearing and vote on this ordinance will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at 7:00 p.m.
3) Municipal Budget Introduction: The 2024 Municipal Budget was introduced and presented by the Borough Administrator. Presentation slides can be viewed here. A public hearing on the budget will be held on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. prior to a vote.
4) Main Street Highland Park Budget Introduction: The 2024 Main Street Highland Park Budget was introduced and a public hearing was scheduled for Tuesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. prior to a vote. Main Street Highland Park manages the downtown business district for the benefit of the merchants, business owners, and residents.
5) Designation of Lots Adjacent to Tract C as a Non-Condemnation Area in Need of Redevelopment: The Mayor and Council passed a resolution designating seven properties on Block 2202, Lots 1, 13, 19, 31, 37, 38, and 39 as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. Prior to passing the resolution, the Planning Board reviewed the preliminary investigation of the Borough Planner, held a public hearing and voted to adopt and accept the recommendations in the report and to recommend the study area be declared a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment pursuant to the Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.
If you are interested in watching the April 16th 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, May 7th, at 7:00 p.m.
