Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the September 3, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Police Officer Swearing-In Ceremonies – Mayor Foster swore in Officer Gaetano Palumbo, who was recently promoted to Sergeant, as well as Officer Oscar Cleaver, who was hired earlier this summer. Please join us in wishing both of them success in their new roles with the Borough!
2) Diaper Need Awareness Week, September 23-29– Council President Hersh read a proclamation on behalf of the Mayor and Council declaring the week of September 23rd as Diaper Need Awareness Week in Highland Park. According to National Diaper Bank Network, 1 in 2 U.S. families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry and healthy. The proclamation encourages residents to donate generously to diaper banks and diaper drives, and to support those organizations that collect and distribute diapers, including the Central Jersey Diaper Bank and the Highland Park Community Food Pantry.
3) Arts in the Park (9/8) and Townwide Garage Sale and Bands (9/13 & 9/14) – Council Member Hale encouraged residents to stay local and come out for two of the Borough’s premier community events. First up is Main Street Highland Park’s Arts in the Park street fair on Raritan Avenue this Sunday, September 8th between 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM and promises to offer plenty of music, art, food, and fun for all ages. The following weekend (September 13-14) is a chance to reduce, reuse, and recycle at the Townwide Garage Sale. Be sure to check out the Garage Bands playing at the Welkovitz Pavilion downtown too!
4) National Suicide Prevention Month – Council Member Canavera highlighted that September is National Suicide Prevention Month and encouraged anyone that is in crisis or knows someone that is experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts to contact the suicide crisis lifeline by calling or texting 988.
5) Roadway Improvements Update–The Mayor and Borough Council held a public hearing and then voted in favor of a capital ordinance in the amount of $550,000 for improvements to Highland Ave, Graham Street and So. 8th Avenue. This work is funded by a grant from the New Jersey Department of Transportation and construction is expected to commence next Spring.
If you are interested in watching the 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, September 17th , at 7:00 p.m.
