Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the June 4, 2025, meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Welcoming Highland Park’s Newest Officers – In a proud and heartfelt ceremony, Mayor Foster and Chief Abrams officially swore in the two newest members of the Highland Park Police Department— Officer Claribel Peralta and Officer Tyler J. Morris. Surrounded by family, colleagues, and community members, both officers took their oaths with honor and commitment. Officer Morris and Officer Peralta are veteran officers who will bring fresh energy, dedication, and a strong sense of service to the department. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Highland Park family and look forward to the positive impact they will make in keeping our community safe.
2) Remembering Tina Weishaus – Mayor Foster and Council Member Hersh took a few moments to reflect on the contributions of Tina Weishaus, founding member and past chairperson of Sustainable Highland Park. Tina passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025, surrounded by her family after living for 25 years with a form of blood cancer. Among her accomplishments locally was Highland Park’s Bring Your Own Bag ordinance and outreach initiative, the annual Earth Day festival, and the Adopt-a-Drain Program, to name but a few. Tina leaves behind a transformed community and a template for what one person, motivated by clarity, care, and courage, can achieve. Tina was recognized by Sustainable Jersey as the June 2025 Sustainability Hero.
3) June 10th Primary Election: Council President Kim-Chohan reminded residents that the New Jersey primary election is next Tuesday, June 10. To learn more about when, where, and how to vote in this year’s Primary Election, including details on early and in-person voting, visit middlesexcountynj.gov/vote.
4) Draft Affordable Housing Plan: Borough Administrator Jover reported that the Borough’s Fourth Round Housing Element and Fair Share Plan (HEFSP) and Updated Spending Plan is drafted and available for review. The Planning Board will be considering adoption of the plan and holding a public hearing at its June 12, 2025 meeting, which starts at 7:30 PM. The HEFSP, which must be adopted by June 30, 2025, complies with the amended Fair Housing Act and demonstrates the ability to meet Highland Park's present need and prospective need obligations over the course of the next 10 years.
5) Authorization to Extend Property Tax Grace Period: Borough Council passed a resolution authorizing the Tax Collector to extend the grace period for third quarter tax bills (due August 1) in event that the state does not certify the Borough’s budget in time for the annual tax bill mailing in early July. Tax payers typically have a 10-day grace period; however, should the state be delayed, the Tax Collector can now implement a 25-day grace period from the mailing date during which interest will not be charged.
If you’re interested in watching the June 4th 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, June 24th at 7 p.m.
