Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the June 23, 2026, meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council:
1) Independence Day Celebration with Fireworks on July 2: Councilmember Vargas reminded residents that the Borough is gearing up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday through a Fireworks show on July 2. Starting at 6pm, join friends and neighbors at Donaldson Park for an evening of family fun featuring live entertainment, food vendors, children's activities, and a spectacular fireworks display at 9:15pm. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy this Independence Day celebration as the community comes together to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary.
2) Presentation of Proclamation Recognizing Coach Spencer Rockman at World Cup Watch Party on June 28: Councilmember Hale read aloud a Proclamation recognizing Highland Park’s own Spencer Rockman for more than five decades of service to the local soccer community. Through the Rovers International Soccer organization he founded, Spencer inspired tens of thousands of players with a “Skills and Values” curriculum emphasizing teamwork, respect, kindness, and resilience. A member of both the New Jersey Youth Soccer Hall of Fame and New Jersey Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame, and a 2026 Greater Middlesex Conference Distinguished High School Coach, Spencer helped make youth soccer a cornerstone of Highland Park’s athletic culture. As New Jersey hosts the World Cup this year, Spencer will be honored with a proclamation at Highland Park’s World Cup Community Watch Party on June 28 from 2-6pm in the Municipal Parking Lot between 2nd and 3rd Avenues.
3) Junior Police Academy Registration is Open: Councilmember George reminded residents that there is still time to register for the Highland Park Police Department’s Junior Police Academy. The Academy will run from July 6th to July 10th, from 8am-4pm at the Police station. This academy offers kids entering 5th-9th grade the opportunity to learn about law enforcement in an academy setting. In the past, guest speakers from the FBI, DEA, NJ State Police, Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, and many other local, state, and county agencies have come to the Academy to speak. To register, fill out the online application and return it to the police station. Any questions should be directed to Community Police Officer Bryant Fitzgerald at [email protected].
4) Bond Ordinance for South Third Public Plaza: Borough Council introduced Bond Ordinance No. 26-2131 to provide the financing needed for the South Third Plaza project. The ordinance appropriates $4.5 million, including previously awarded state grant funding, to support the design, construction, and infrastructure needed to convert a portion of South Third Avenue into a permanent public gathering space. Once complete, the plaza will serve as a hub for the community and become the new home for the Highland Park Farmers Market, helping to strengthen downtown as a destination for residents and visitors. A public hearing on this Ordinance is scheduled for July 7th.
5) Ordinance to Update Permit and Inspection Fees: Borough Council introduced Ordinance No. 26-2132, updating fees for building permits, construction inspections, property maintenance inspections, and related services. The proposed changes adjust a range of fees that have largely remained unchanged for more than ten years, helping ensure the Borough can continue to provide timely inspection, permitting, and code enforcement services while keeping pace with rising administrative costs. A public hearing for this ordinance is scheduled for July 7th.
If you’re interested in watching the June 23rd 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, July 7th at 7 p.m.
