Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the November 25, 2025, meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Holiday Happenings in Highland Park: Council Member Hale shared a preview of Highland Park’s upcoming holiday festivities, sponsored by Main Street Highland Park. Highland Park’s holiday season kicks off with the Holiday Owl Market from 4–8pm this Saturday, November 29 and from 1-5pm on Sunday, November 30. Also, on Saturday the 29th, the Gingerbread House Contest (drop-off 1–4pm, community voting from 4–7:30pm), and our Christmas Tree Lighting from 4–8pm featuring a special visit from Santa around 6:30pm. The Owl Market returns again Saturday, December 13 from 4-8pm, and Sunday December 14 from 1–5pm, and we’ll gather for the community Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 14 at 5pm. All of these events will take place at the Municipal lot Municipal Lot between 2nd & 3rd Avenue, next to 212 Raritan Avenue. It’s a great season to come together, shop local, and celebrate with neighbors. Visit www.mainstreethp.org for more information on all of these festivities and more!
2) South Third Avenue Plaza Community Meeting: Council Member Hale invited residents to a community meeting for the South Third Public Plaza, which will take place on Monday, December 15th, from 6:30-8:30 pm in Borough Hall. At this meeting, the design contractor Arterial, will be displaying their final concept design after which the public will have the opportunity to ask questions and offer their own feedback. We hope to see you there!
3) Sustainable Jersey Certification: Council Member Hersh gave kudos to Sustainable Highland Park and Borough Administration for Highland Park’s recent Silver Certification from Sustainable Jersey, emphasizing the Borough’s commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and energy efficiency. The achievement was recognized at the Sustainable Jersey luncheon as part of the annual League of Municipalities conference.
4) Upper Raritan Avenue Road Diet: Mayor Foster reported that the State Department of Transportation was delayed in starting work on the Upper Raritan Road Diet, which involves reducing the number of travel lanes from North 8th Ave to the Edison border to manage speeding, and reallocate space for dedicated bike lanes. The New Jersey Department of Transportation notified the Mayor that work will begin in December, after several delays, but the Mayor is committed to making sure they start working on this project as soon as possible.
5) The Steve Barnes Meadow Trail: The Borough Council passed a resolution renaming the Meadows Trail to the Steve Barnes Meadow Trail in honor of longtime resident and environmental leader Steve Barnes. Barnes led major restoration and trail-building efforts, secured grants, organized volunteers, and helped shape the Meadows into the community resource it is today. This designation recognizes his years of service, leadership, and dedication to preserving and improving Highland Park’s natural spaces.
If you’re interested in watching the November 25th 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, December 2nd at 7 p.m.
