Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the November 12, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Thanksgiving Food Drive: The Mayor and Borough Council wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and encouraged people to donate to the Food Drive sponsored by the Highland Park Police Department, Fire Department, and Zone 6 Teen Center. To participate, residents can drop off non-perishable food items at the Highland Park Police Department lobby (222 South 5th Avenue) now through November 17.
2) Borough Facility Upgrades: The Borough Council celebrated the reopening of the Highland Park Public Library and the completion of the much-anticipated renovations. As this project ends, another has just begun at the Highland Park Community Center, which includes the complete replacement of the flooring and a repainting of public areas. The Community Center is closed until this work is complete, but staff are available to meet with residents by appointment (please call 732-819-0052). Community Food Pantry distributions will remain fully operational, but will take place outside of the building.
3) Shuttle Bus Replacement: The Borough Council introduced an ordinance to provide $200,000 for the purchasing of a Community Shuttle Bus. The Department of Community Services runs a well-utilized free transportation program that connects residents to essential services both in Highland Park and in the region. A public hearing on this ordinance will be held at the December 10, 2024 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
4) Federal Community-Oriented Policing Grant: The Borough Council approved a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding from the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program administered by the US Department of Justice. The Borough was awarded $375,000, which will be used to help cover the cost of hiring three new police officers over a three-year period in an effort to enhance the Department’s community policing efforts.
5) Extension of Conditional Developer Designation for Tract C: The Borough Council approved a resolution that authorizes extending the designation of 232 Raritan Avenue, LLC (Garden Homes) as the conditional developer for the property identified as Tract C in the newly amended 2021 Downtown Redevelopment Plan. With this designation now extended to June 30, 2026, the Borough and the conditionally named redeveloper can continue to engage in pre-development activities, including the preparation of a redevelopment agreement.
If you are interested in watching the November 12th 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, December 10, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.
