Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the February 3, 2026 Meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council:
1) South Third Avenue Plaza FAQ: Council Member Hale announced that a new Frequently Asked Questions document (FAQ) regarding the South Third Avenue Plaza has been posted on the Borough’s website. The document addresses some of the questions and concerns raised by members of the public at the community meeting held on December 15, 2025, including topics such as the plaza’s size, funding, timeline, accessibility, and environmental features. If you have any other questions about the Plaza, please contact Rutuja Vartak at [email protected].
2) Free Swim Lessons for Second Graders: Borough Administrator Teri Jover encouraged residents with children in second grade to sign up for free swim lessons ahead of the summertime, a program offered in partnership with Middlesex County and the RWJ Fitness and Wellness Center in New Brunswick. While everyone enjoys water fun in the summer, it is also important to maintain adequate water safety, and these free lessons are a great way to get ready. To register, contact for swim lessons at RWJ Fitness and Wellness’ Aquatics Manager Joelle Yavin at [email protected] or call 732-873-1222 ext. 324.
3) Park Partners Grant Program is Open: The Borough is now accepting applications for the 2026 Park Partners Program. Residents are invited to submit proposals for projects in five categories: Environment; Arts; Culture & Diversity; Safety, Universal Access, or Health & Wellness; and Highland Park High School student projects. Up to $2,000 will be awarded to one project in each category. Applications are due Tuesday, April 21 by 4:00 PM and should be submitted to Harry Glazer, Public Information Officer. Please contact Harry at [email protected] for more information or application guidance. New this year, the applications exhibition and voting session be held at the Main Street Highland Park Spring Street Fair on Sunday, May 3, 2026 – more details soon!
4) CAP Bank Ordinance: The Borough Council introduced Ordinance 26-2125, allowing 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. This ordinance is scheduled for a public hearing and vote at the February 17, 2026 Council meeting.
5) Shared Tax Assessor Services: The Borough Council approved a resolution to renew Highland Park’s shared services agreement with the City of Rahway for tax assessor services. Under the agreement, Logan Ortutay, a New Jersey Certified Tax Assessor and Rahway’s Tax Assessor, will continue to serve both municipalities. This shared services arrangement helps maintain professional tax assessment services while reducing costs through local cooperation, as encouraged under state law.
If you’re interested in watching the February 3rd 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, February 17th at 7 p.m.
