Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the May 7, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Mental Health Awareness Month – Mayor Foster shared a proclamation declaring May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting Highland Park’s efforts in this important area. Local initiatives include the work of the Highland Park Mental Health Commission, participation in the ARRIVE Together Program, and ongoing Crisis Intervention Team Training in the Police Department. There is support available for those in crisis by calling or texting 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or more locally, support is available at Rutgers University Behavioral Health at 855-515-5700 and at Raritan Bay Medical Center at 732-442-3794.
2) Road Work Update – Council President Hersh shared news of road repairs underway on Exeter Street, Washington Avenue, Riverview Avenue, Wayne Street, So. 3rd Avenue, and South 11th Avenue. Please use caution when driving in these areas and be sure to follow any posted parking and traffic signs. The next set of road projects will take place on No. 4th Avenue, Denison Street, and Harper Street. The Borough Engineer is in the process of putting together the plans that will be bid out and implemented later this year.
3) Ordinance Advancing Redevelopment Efforts on Tract A – Following a public hearing, the Borough Council passed an ordinance to authorize an agreement with RarDen Redevelopment LLC – the designated conditional redeveloper of Tract A – that would enable the acquisition and renovation of the former P&K Auto Clinic on Woodbridge Avenue and the relocation of Ubry’s Automotive to that location. This is an important step toward assembling the properties needed to advance the vision for Tract A that is articulated in the 2021 Downtown Redevelopment Plan.
4) Progress on Library Renovation – The second phase of interior renovations is set to begin soon. Borough Council approved a resolution authorizing a contract with Nela Carpentry for improvements to the public bathrooms, kitchenette and media room. This work is funded by a generous bequest from the estate of Leonard Kushner, in honor of his mother Ida Kushner. You can stay up-to-date with the latest news about the renovation as well as all of the programming still underway by visiting the library’s website.
5) Donation of Fire Truck and Radio Equipment – At the suggestion of the HP Volunteer Fire Department, Borough Council approved a resolution to donate the 1992 Seagrave Fire Engine to the New Jersey Fire Engine and Equipment Museum. This engine was recently replaced by a new E-One engine, funded by a generous bequest from the estate of Leonard Kushner, in honor of his mother Ida Kushner. The Borough Council also approved a resolution to donate decommissioned radios and related accessories to the North Brunswick Volunteer Fire/Ladder Company #3.
If you are interested in watching the May 7th Mayor and Council meeting, please 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 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
