Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the January 20, 2026, meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council.
1) Capital Ordinance for Roadway Improvements: The Borough Council introduced Ordinance No. 26-2121 appropriating a total of $448,271 for roadway improvements on N. 5th Avenue, S. 8th Avenue, and Parkview Terrace. The project is fully funded by the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Municipal Aid Program. A public hearing and vote on this ordinance will be held at the February 3, 2026, Council Meeting. Click here for more information on upcoming road projects.
2) Ethics Code Update: The Borough Council introduced Ordinance No. 26-2122 to repeal Chapter 33, Article III of the Borough Code, establishing a local Ethics Board. All local government officials and employees are already governed by the Local Government Ethics Law (N.J.S.A. 40A-9:22.1, et seq.), which is administered and enforced by the Local Finance Board (LFB) within the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. The LFB has the authority to receive, review, and enforce ethics complaints, issue advisory opinions, and handle any violations. Reliance on the LFB will improve administrative efficiency, reduce redundancy, and ensure consistent enforcement of ethics standards across municipalities. A public hearing and vote on this ordinance will be held at the Council Meeting on February 3, 2026.
3) Amending the Downtown Redevelopment Plan for Tracts A-D: Borough Council introduced Ordinance No. 26-2124 to amend the Downtown Redevelopment Plan for Tracts A–D, with a focus on updates to the zoning and development standards related to the properties referred to as Tract A in the plan. Council also passed Resolution No. 1-26-48, which refers the amended plan to the Planning Board for review and comment. A public hearing and vote on this ordinance will be held at the February 17, 2026, Council Meeting.
4) Extension of Conditional Redeveloper Designation for 308 Raritan Ave: The Borough Council extended the designation of United Estate Family Holding LLC as the conditional redeveloper for 308 Raritan Avenue. The proposed mixed-use project includes 18 residential units (three affordable), 1200 square feet of commercial space, and 21 parking spaces. The designation allows the developer and the Borough to continue with pre-development work through an interim cost agreement.
5) Neighborhood Preservation Program Year Five Plan Approved: The Borough Council passed a resolution approving the Year Five Implementation Plan for Highland Park’s Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) in the Woodbridge Avenue District, marking the final year of the Borough’s participation in the program. The plan outlines how the Borough will use its $125,000 annual New Jersey Department of Community Affairs grant to support neighborhood improvements, investment, and neighborhood quality of life. With input from the local NPP stakeholder committee, the 2026 plan will include facade grants for commercial and residential improvements; streetscape enhancements, including holiday decorations, planter care, and tree planting; and planning efforts to support infill development, ensuring strategic investments that benefit residents and businesses alike.
If you’re interested in watching the January 20th 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 3rd at 7:00 p.m.
