Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the September 1, 2026, meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council:
1) Community Meeting on the Tract C Redevelopment Project: Borough Administrator Jover announced that the many months of negotiation and collaboration with Garden Homes were productive and the parties have come to an agreement regarding the Tract C redevelopment project. The Mayor and Borough Council are holding a Community Meeting on Thursday, September 10 at 7 PM in Borough Hall to present the details of the project as well as the related redeveloper and financial agreements. There will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions and comment both in-person and on Zoom. The meeting will be recorded and posted on our website along with any other meeting materials.
2) Upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month Events: Council Member Vargas highlighted the many activities the Department of Community Services has put together to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Community Center. Events kick-off on September 15 with a luncheon at noon catered by Merey Venezuelan Cuisine and live music by Cimarrones at 1 PM; followed by a Hispanic Heritage Art Display & Exhibit on September 28 at 6pm; a Mommy & Me Morning on October 5 at 11am featuring stories, music, dancing, and activities from a variety of Hispanic cultures and traditions; and a Teen Night on October 10 at 6pm with music, dancing, a potluck, and mocktails.
3) Water System Interconnection Upgrades: The Borough Council introduced Ordinance 26-2134 authorizing $275,000 in capital improvements to the interconnection with New Jersey American Water at River Road, helping strengthen the infrastructure that supports Highland Park’s water system. A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled for September 15.
4) Off-Duty Police Employment: The Borough Council introduced Ordinance 26-2135 authorizing amendments to the fee schedule for off-duty police work. The ordinance, which has not been updated since 2010, gradually increases the hourly rate for through 2031 while maintaining the existing rate for nonprofit organizations. The ordinance also updates cancellation, minimum-hour, emergency, and administrative fees to provide clearer and more consistent guidelines for private entities hiring off-duty officers. A public hearing on this ordinance is scheduled for September 15.
5) Buck Woods Redevelopment: In accordance with the settlement agreement with JSM at Highland Park and upon review and recommendation by the Planning Board, the Borough Council passed a resolution to designate Block 3301, Lot 27.01, commonly known as “Buck Woods,” as a non-condemnation area in need of redevelopment. The next step is to develop a redevelopment plan for the property.
If you’re interested in watching the September 1st 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, September 15th at 7 p.m.
