Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the May 6, 2025, meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Bike Rodeo, Thursday, May 15: Council Member George encouraged residents grab their bikes and helmets (and scooters too!) and come down to the Bartle Elementary School parking lot at 435 Mansfield Street for a bike rodeo! The Highland Park Safe Walking & Cycling Committee, Police Department, and Keep Middlesex Moving have partnered on this family-friendly event that will include bike games and challenges, pedestrian safety education, safety equipment checks, and lessons on the rules of the road. All ages are welcome, no registration required!
2) Park Partners Grant Application Deadline, May 13: Mayor Foster reminded residents that the deadline for submissions to the annual Park Partners grant program is next Tuesday, May 13. Residents can apply for up to $2,000 in funding for projects that improve Highland Park in one of five categories: Environment, Arts, Culture & Diversity, Safety, Access & Wellness, or High School class/club projects. Finalists will present their proposals at a public exhibition and voting session on Sunday, May 18, at the Community Center. Borough residents will select winners. For more on Park Partners, and to apply, click here.
3) Bond Ordinance for Water and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades: As part of its ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance infrastructure, the Borough Council introduced an ordinance authorizing $1.5 million for water and sewer improvements primarily on Woodbridge Avenue. The project is a collaboration between the Borough and Middlesex County and we anticipate construction will begin later this year.
4) 2025 Budget Adoption: Following the public hearings, the Council adopted the 2025 Municipal Budget and the 2025 Main Street Highland Park Budget. For those who missed the budget presentation at introduction, the Borough Administrator’s slides can be found here.
5) Design Team Selected for South Third Avenue Plaza: The Borough Council approved a resolution to award Arterial LLC the design contract for the long-awaited South Third Avenue Public Plaza. This milestone follows a competitive selection process and is funded through a $1 million grant. Arterial’s contract covers landscape architecture and engineering services and represents a major investment in our public realm, which will transform the area into a welcoming, multi-use destination for residents and families to enjoy.
If you’re interested in watching the May 6th 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, May 20th at 7 p.m.
