Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the February 18, 2025 meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Ordinance Authorizing New Accessible Parking Spaces: The Borough Council reintroduced an ordinance to add new locations for accessible parking spaces. Specifically, the accessible spaces are proposed for South 4th Avenue, between Benner Street and Magnolia Street, and North 3rd Avenue, between Montgomery Street and Wayne Street. A public hearing and vote on this ordinance will be held at the next Borough Council Meeting on March 4, 2025 at 7 PM.
2) Cap Bank Ordinance: An ordinance allowing for the creation of a cap bank was introduced during the meeting and a public hearing before a vote on its passage will be held on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:00 PM. The ordinance allows for the creation of a cap bank of unused appropriations in the event there are future expenditures that may cause the budget to exceed what is allowable. The Borough typically passes this ordinance annually, in advance of budget adoption.
3) Authorization of Neighborhood Preservation Program: The Borough Council approved the Year-Four Implementation Plan for the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP), continuing its commitment to revitalizing Woodbridge Avenue. This initiative, funded through a five- year, $125,000 annual grant from the NJ Department of Community Affairs, supports improvements that enhance the business climate and neighborhood quality of life. With input from the local NPP stakeholder committee, the 2025 plan will include facade grants for commercial and residential improvements, public art installations, and streetscape enhancements such as new planters and holiday decorations, ensuring strategic investments that benefit residents and businesses alike.
4) Nationwide Crackdown on Distracted Driving: This April, Highland Park, and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety will participate in the nationwide UDrive. UText. UPay. Distracted Driving 2025 Crackdown, running from April 1 – 30. The program combines enforcement and education to combat distractions behind the wheel. With distracted driving cited in 50 percent of crashes statewide in 2018, the Borough Council has pledged its support, reinforcing the importance of staying focused on the road. As part of the program, the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety will reimburse the Borough up to $7,000 for enforcement efforts.
5) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Update: The Borough Council passed a pair of resolutions related to the Borough’s CDBG funding. The first authorizes submission of the annual CDBG application in the amount of $76,445, which will support the food pantry, youth development programs, and senior services. The second authorizes the reallocation of unspent CDBG funds from prior years to improvements to Molimock-Graff Park.
If you’re interested in watching the February 18th Council meeting, go to HPTV’S Youtube channel where the meeting will be posted in its entirety. The next meeting of Council is scheduled for Tuesday, March 4th at 7 p.m.
