Here is the latest Take Five briefing from the October 20, 2026, meeting of the Mayor and Borough Council:
1) Halloween in Highland Park: Spooky season is finally here! Celebrate the Halloween spirit at one or more of the Borough’s free, family-friendly events, starting with the Arts Commission at 2:00pm at the Public Library for Halloween Art History, exploring famous stories and artworks and the artists behind them. The Costume Parade and Festival returns to the Community Center on Sunday, October 25, from 1:00–4:00pm, with music, games, and refreshments. On Thursday, October 29, Zone 6 hosts Octoberfest from 3:00–7:00pm at the Teen Center, featuring free treats and a screening of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. The Police Department’s Trunk or Treat follows from 6:00–8:00pm, with decorated vehicles and Halloween treats. Finally, celebrate Halloween on the Avenue on Saturday, October 31, with trick-or-treating at participating downtown businesses along Raritan Avenue, and a Jack-O-Lantern Contest!
2) Prescription Drug Take Back Days – 10/24 & 10/25: Mayor Foster and Council Member George encouraged residents to bring unused medications to the Police Department’s Prescription Drug Take Back Days on Saturday, October 24, and Sunday, October 25, from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. Residents can anonymously drop off unused, unwanted, or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications, pet medications, vitamins, and other accepted items. Safely disposing of unused medications helps prevent misuse, protect the environment, and keep our community safe. Please remove or black out personal information on prescription labels; please do not bring syringes, needles, or any other excluded items, as they will not be accepted.
3) Community History Open Mic – October 28: Council Member Vargas encouraged residents to join the Highland Park Historical Commission at the Community Center on Wednesday, October 28 at 6:00pm to share stories about arriving in, living in, and growing up in Highland Park at the latest installment of the Community History Open Mic series. Stories will be recorded and preserved in the Commission’s archives, helping build a collective history of the Borough for future generations; residents are welcome to share their own stories or simply listen. This program is supported by the New Jersey Council for the Humanities’ Community History grant.
4) Tract C Financial Agreement: Borough Council adopted Ordinance No. 26-2140, authorizing a long-term tax exemption for HP Urban Renewal, LLC, an affiliate of Garden Homes/232 Raritan Avenue LLC, for the Tract C redevelopment project, as well as the sale of Borough-owned properties within the project area to the redeveloper. Following thoughtful discussions with residents, the Borough incorporated much of the community’s feedback into the agreement. The project will bring 134 residential units, including 20 affordable housing units, along with restaurant, office, and retail space and public gathering areas. For more information, see the project slide deck and the Borough’s Financial Agreement FAQ.
5) Comprehensive Traffic Safety Program Grant: Borough Council adopted a resolution supporting the Highland Park Police Department’s FY2027 Comprehensive Traffic Safety Program, running from October 2026 through September 2027. The program will use traffic data to target enforcement and education efforts addressing speeding, distracted driving, pedestrian safety, and other roadway risks, alongside public awareness campaigns and community outreach.
If you’re interested in watching the October 20thCouncil 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, November 10th at 7 p.m.
