Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the February 17, 2026, Meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council:
1) Upcoming Black History Month Events: Council Members Vargas and George encouraged residents to attend two upcoming events: Black Heritage in Racing: The African American Jockeys of the Kentucky Derby at the Zone 6 Teen Center on Saturday, February 21 from 1 to 4 PM and Virtual Talk: Slavery and Emancipation Laws in 19th Century New Jersey at the Highland Park Public Library on Tuesday, February 24 at noon. On loan from the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Black Heritage in Racing exhibit highlights the profound role African American jockeys played in the early years of the Kentucky Derby, celebrating the culture and legacy that shaped the sport. The virtual talk, presented by the New Jersey State Library, will explore New Jersey’s distinction as the last northern state to enact an emancipation law and ratify the 13th Amendment, and what that means for understanding 19th-century history and genealogy.
2) Spring Tree Planting: Council Member Hersh highlighted the resolution to award a contract to Downes Tree Service Inc. for the annual tree planting in April/May. Working in consultation with the Shade Tree Advisory Committee and the Borough’s Licensed Tree Expert, the Borough will plant 100 street trees in the public right-of-way throughout town as part of our ongoing effort to replenish and strengthen our urban tree canopy. Good news! We may have a few slots left for the upcoming planting; if you are interested in getting a new tree in front of your home, please fill out the Shade Tree Request Form, and we will be in touch. If we can’t reach your spot this year, we will add you to the list for 2027’s planting.
3) Sustainable Highland Park’s Repair Café: Council Member Hersh reminded residents that Sustainable Highland Park will be hosting their first Repair Café on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 1 to 4 pm at the Highland Park Community Center. Repair specialties that will be available include: sewing and mending of fabrics and textiles, woodworking, jewelry repair, electrical repair of small appliances like lamps and toasters, bicycle repairs, guitar repairs and tune-ups, and miscellaneous repairs of mechanically broken items. Bring something broken, and enjoy snacks and refreshments while you wait for the repairs to be completed!
4) Expanded Design Scope for South Third Avenue Plaza: The Borough Council approved an amendment to its professional services agreement with Arterial LLC to allow for additional landscape architecture and engineering work related to the South Third Avenue Public Plaza. The design has evolved through the public process, and the final concept plan now includes a municipal parking lot with full amenities and enhanced streetscape improvements, which requires expanded design, drainage, and utility coordination services beyond the original scope.
5) Upcoming Amendments to Affordable Housing Ordinance: The Borough Council adopted a resolution affirming Highland Park’s compliance with its Fourth Round affordable housing obligations, committing to an update of its Affordable Housing Ordinance and Development Fee regulations to align with the latest state regulations. These updates will ensure continued compliance with state requirements and maintain Highland Park’s proactive approach to affordable housing planning.
If you’re interested in watching the February 17th 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, March 3rd at 7 p.m.
