Sidewalk work staring down ol' man Winter

In the wake of November's store vandalism, members of Highland Park's Jewish community packed the council chambers on December 6, in the body's first public session since September. Community leaders and representatives expressed thanks to municipal authorities, particularly to the police, for the prompt investigation and arrest in the case. Steven Rizco, Chief of Police, was in attendance.

Among the 21 resolutions approved during the session, mayor-elect Councilmember Gary Minkoff sponsored a designation of November 29 as the borough's Religious Tolerance observance.

Voice raised over noise

In the public comment session, a resident of Dennison Street spoke to oppose the council's proposed decrease in 'quiet hours' in the downtown district.

According to Daniel Greenhouse, parties in a Raritan Avenue loft frequently prevent his family from comfortably sleeping at night. “I can hear it through my walls, with the windows shut and the air conditioner on,” Greenhouse complained.

Councilmember Padraic Millet responded, acknowledging the need "to analyze the situation and (consider) requirements for sound proofing.”

Millet agreed to explore changes to the proposed reforms with Mr. Greenhouse, but added that he could make no promises: “We’re facing a future of real economic hardship. Key to our survival is a vibrant downtown.”

According to Millet, the council aims to encourage nightlife-oriented businesses to open in Highland Park. Amplified noises are currently curfewed at 10 p.m.; the proposed reform would allow live music until midnight on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, as well as the evening before a federal holiday.

Sidewalk work in the downtown

Michael Garber, whose wife Sharon owns The Covered Girl retail store, expressed the couple's concern regarding the ongoing sidewalk renovation work along Raritan Avenue. Specifically Garber spoke to the newly-blocked access into municipal parking at the Farmers Market lot. “There’s no notification to motorists that there is another entry (on Magnolia Street) into the parking lot," Garber said.

Councilmember Millet responded that signs will be posted to inform motorists of how to reach the lot, a major source of public parking between First and Third Avenues. He went on to explain that the driveway closing had actually not been originally planned for this phase of the downtown beautification project.

“Our objective was to close as many curb cuts as possible," he said, referring to the borough's Master Plan and Redevelopment Plan. The Raritan Avenue entrance to the Market lot "wasn’t in the plan" for this year's work, but project managers decided "we’d do it now as it doesn’t cost that much."

Having already begun speaking on the $2 million remodeling that began in August, Millet added that the project has been delayed by inclement weather and that work may even be suspended in the coming months. “We will shut down (for winter), if forced to by the weather,” Councilmember Millet said, explaining that the contractor “will do all we need to do to have the areas safe for walking.”

Conference session looks at fire, police buildings

After adjourning to their conference meeting, the first item reviewed was the renovation of the fire and police buildings located on South Fifth Avenue. Borough administrator Kathleen Kovach reported that “floor plans for the first and second floors are 99% finished.”

Kovach said that the police headquarters will be demolished and rebuilt, with a driveway separating it from the fire station. The new building is expected to cost less than adding a second floor to the existing police headquarters, according to Kovach.

The project “is long overdue,” Councilmember Millet commented, adding that it’s critical the design addresses “how well it blends in” with neighboring architecture.

New signage highlights Raritan River estuary

Allen Williams, a member of the borough Environmental Commission, informed the council that a small grant has been approved for placing signs along the lower Raritan River. The $3000 grant “means maybe 10-12 signs in all,” Williams said.

According to Mr. Williams, the signs will benefit several municipalities. In his opinion additional signage should be sought for Highland Park.

“The issue is who is using the river and what do they know about the Raritan,” Williams said, addressing such considerations as public safety and environmental justice. "Most people fishing in the river might not know it’s a good idea to not eat the fish" more than once a month, he said.

Councilmember Elsie Foster-Dublin said that part of the Underground Railroad aiding fugitive slaves in the 1800s passed near the present-day Albany Street Bridge. “I’d like to see a sign there,” Foster-Dublin said.

Among other issues examined was the theme of communications. Council members discussed switching to a web-based newsletter, while continuing to publish a printed version for residents without internet. Also discussed were expanded uses for the borough's automated telephone announcement system, and the need for residents to sign up for the “Nixle” emergency communications system.

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