Full Notification

Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the October 15, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
 
1) Proclamation in Honor of Judge Barnett Hoffman – Mayor Foster and Council Member George presented a proclamation to honor recently deceased Borough resident Judge Barnett Hoffman. The proclamation recognized his many professional and civic accomplishments, taking special note of his most recent work as executor of the estate of retired Highland Park Police Department Officer Leonard Kushner. In that capacity, he worked with his wife Diane Hoffman, colleague Lee Livingston, and attorney Jeff Hyman, to award $4 million to local nonprofits organizations, including the Highland Park Public Library, Police Department, Fire Department, First Aid Squad, and Community Food Pantry.
 
2) Upcoming Halloween Events– Council members encouraged residents to come out and participate in the many Halloween-themed events and activities in town this year. Some of the options include: 1) two costume making events being held by the Highland Park Public Library (Mon. Oct. 21^st & Thurs. Oct. 24^th), a Costume Parade and Carnival at the Highland Park Community Center (Sun. Oct. 27^th), the Police Department’s annual Trunk or Treat event, (Tues. Oct. 29^th), and Main Street Highland Park’s Jack-o-Lantern Contest and Downtown Trick-or-Treat fun (Thurs. Oct. 31^st).  And of course, be sure to enjoy the trick-or-treating throughout the neighborhoods too!
 
3) Highland Park River Greenway Update – Council President Hersh reported that the next phase of the feasibility study for the proposed Highland Park River Greenway is underway. The Borough’s consultant, ETM Associates, is working on title searches and boundary surveys for all properties within the project area, a preliminary ecological assessment, and outreach to key agencies related to permitting and utility easement areas. If implemented, the greenway would create a one-mile-long, safe, enjoyable, and ADA-accessible trail along the Raritan River, which would connect the two parks while also connecting residents and visitors with the river.  
 
4) Amendment to Downtown Redevelopment Plan for Tracts A-D – The Mayor and Borough Council introduced an ordinance to amend the Borough’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan for Tracks A-D. The proposed amendment reorganizes the plan to make it easier to navigate and use, but the main focus of the update is refining the vision and updating the zoning standards for Tract C (the portion of the plan covering the area between So. 2^nd and So. 3^rd Avenues). Following introduction, the Council approved a resolution to refer the amended plan to the Planning Board for review and comment.  The public hearing and vote on the proposed plan amendment is scheduled for the Tuesday, November 12^th Borough Council meeting.
 
5) Grants for So. 3^rd Avenue Public Plaza and DPW Equipment – The Mayor and Borough Council approved two resolutions authorizing a grant applications and agreements for two recent FY2025 legislative grant awards. One grant is for $250,000 for the purchase of a new garbage truck. The other is for $1 million to support the design and construction of a public plaza on So. 3^rd Avenue. 
 
If you are interested in watching the October 15th 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, November 12th, at 7:00 p.m.