Full Notification

Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the February 4, 2025 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.

1) Recognition of Yellow Brick Road Daycare & Pre-School: The Mayor and Borough Council issued a Proclamation recognizing Yellow Brick Road Daycare & Pre-School and its leader Sandi Jones for more than 40 years of dedication to the Highland Park community. Yellow Brick Road, affectionately referred to as YBR, has been a beloved second home for nearly 4,000 children, fostering growth, learning, and kindness. As the school prepares to close on February 28, 2025, the Borough extends its deepest appreciation to Miss Sandi and her incredible team of teachers for their lasting impact on generations of Highland Park families.

2) Swearing-In of Acting Fire Chief Shamy: Newly appointed Fire Chief Norm Shamy was sworn in by Mayor Foster, surrounded by many of his fellow firefighters and public safety colleagues. The Mayor and Council as well as Police Chief Abrams acknowledged Chief Shamy’s years of dedication and leadership in the fire service. In this new role, Chief Shamy is poised to lead our fire department into a new era of safety, innovation, and community service, and will be responsible for managing both the career and volunteer firefighters in the department. His extensive experience, unwavering commitment to excellence, and passion for protecting our residents will undoubtedly guide the department to continued success. We look forward to supporting Chief Shamy as he embarks on this important journey, and continue working together to keep our borough safe and secure!

3) Small Business Resource Workshop (2/18): Council Member Hale encouraged local business owners to attend the upcoming Small Business Resource Workshop on Tuesday, February 18, co-hosted by Middlesex County’s Office of Business Engagement. The workshop, which starts at 9 AM in Borough Hall, will provide an overview of available financial resources for small businesses, including small business grants, loan opportunities, business registration, and certification as a Minority and/or Women Business Enterprise. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect one-on-one with industry experts from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, New Jersey Small Business Development Center, and UCEDC, a nonprofit economic development corporation.

4) Ordinance Amendment for New Accessible Parking Spaces: The Borough Council introduced an ordinance to improve on-street accessible parking to improve accommodations for residents with disabilities. Specifically, new accessible parking spaces are proposed for No. 3rd Avenue, between Benner Street and Summit Place, and No. 4th Avenue, between Denison Street and Montgomery Street.  A public hearing on this ordinance will be held at the next Borough Council Meeting on February 18, 2025.

5) Ordinance Authorizing Acquisition of 15 So. 3rd Avenue: The Borough introduced an ordinance to approve the purchase of 15 So. Third Avenue, the property adjacent to the existing municipal parking lot and catty-corner to the future pedestrian plaza on So. Third Avenue. The acquisition of this property will facilitate the design and maintenance of the proposed plaza and will provide additional public space for a variety of uses, including public parking and community events such as the Friday Farmers Market.  A public hearing on this ordinance will be held at the next Borough Council Meeting on February 18, 2025.

If you’re interested in watching the February 4, 2025 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, February 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.