Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the April 14, 2026, Meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council:
1) Highland Park 5K, Street Fair, Earth Day Fair is May 3: Council Member Hale encouraged residents to come out on May 3 for the Highland Park 5K, Spring Street Fair, and Earth Day Fair. Whether you’re an avid runner, a casual jogger, or just looking to enjoy an in-town walk, the 5K is an event for everyone – you can register for the 5K here! Then, enjoy a beautiful day downtown for Main Street Highland Park’s Spring Street Fair, where vendors, musicians, and community groups will line the street with food, activities, and plenty more to explore. While you mosey, be sure to stop by Sustainable Highland Park’s Earth Day Fair on No. 3rd Avenue to learn more about how you can take action to create a just, healthy, and sustainable world.
2) Repair Café this Sunday (4/19): Got something broken you can’t quite part with? Bring it to Sustainable Highland Park’s first-ever Repair Café on April 19 at the Community Center! From lamps and jewelry to bikes, guitars, clothing, and even small household items, skilled volunteers will be on hand to help give your belongings a second life. This free, community-driven event, hosted by Sustainable Highland Park, helps reduce waste while bringing neighbors together over coffee, tea, and snacks (bring your own mug!). Repairs are first-come, first-served with a two-item limit per person, so come early and join in this fun, hands-on way to keep things out of the landfill.
3) Affordable Housing Ordinance Update: Borough Council introduced Ordinance No. 26-2127, aligning the Borough’s Affordable Housing Ordinance with the State’s Fourth Round requirements under the Fair Housing Act. The ordinance updates local rules and procedures to reflect the Borough’s Housing Element and Fair Share Plan, helping ensure continued compliance and the creation of housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. In tandem, the Borough also adopted an Affirmative Marketing Plan, which ensures that all affordable units are widely and fairly advertised to reach a diverse range of eligible households, especially those who may be least likely to apply.
4) Ordinance Regulating Display of Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices: Borough Council introduced Ordinance No. 26-2128, amending and supplementing the Code of the Borough of Highland Park as it relates to the retail sale of tobacco and electronic smoking devices. Specifically, the ordinance prevents the display of tobacco and electronic smoking devices in the front window of any establishment. These targeted changes are aimed at reducing visibility and access, particularly for minors.
5) Improvements to Graham Street and South 8th Avenue: Borough Council awarded a contract for roadway improvements to Graham Street and South 8th Avenue, including resurfacing, pavement repairs, ADA-accessible curb ramp upgrades, storm water improvements, and updated striping and signage. Visit the Borough website for a list of current and upcoming road projects.
If you’re interested in watching the April 14th 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, May 19th at 7 p.m.
