Tax Rates Telling the residents she is excited about all that is happening, and assuring them that “We have some challenges but we will prevail,” Highlands Mayor Carolyn Broullon gave a brief history of the year’s accomplishments for the governing body and the borough as well as highlighting planned events and activities that point to an even more positive 2025 for residents.
After swearing in Council members Karen Sherlock and Leo Cervantes to their second three years terms on the governing body, terms both won unopposed, Broullon briefly highlighted some of the past year’s accomplishments.
Noteworthy, the mayor said, is the fact borough assessments rose by more than $250 million, an approximate 23 per cent increase over the previous year. The figures, she explained mean “the investments you made are even higher now.” The higher assessments also mean lower tax rates, she added, but noted the 2025 figures do not come out until the second quarter of the year.
The mayor also noted there will be a meeting of the Land Use board on January 19 with the result the possible condemnation of the Captain’s Cover property between Cheerful Place and Marine Place, the former Highlands Marina site built in the 1940s and now in a serious state of disrepair, creating flooding problems and lack of owner response to making improvements or responding to regulation violations.
Also anticipated during the upcoming year, is development of the Shadow Lawn Trailer Park on Route 36 just below Eastpointe and the borough line, Broullon said. There is a purchase contact signed in December, the mayor said, with a contract developer who seems “very anxious” to get improvements underway.
The borough received more than $1.9 million in grants during the year, she continued, with funds going towards both parks and infrastructure.
Work is proceeding on Portland Road, she said, where the New Jersey Natural Gas company is moving gas mains at their own expense that have impacted municipal properties, and all work should be completed by spring.
Another grant has been approved for Veterans Park with a grant anticipated for increased work in that area along the shoreline and renovated bulkheading.
Also planned for the upcoming year is coordination with Monmouth County on dredging Jones Creek, in serious need of considerable silt removal, elevating the platforms along Marine Place, bids are being sought for pedestrian improvements along the length of Shore Drive, including sidewalks and other safety features for pedestrians, as well as roadwork on Washington Avenue between Marine Place and Cheerful Place, the side of the Captain’s Cove Marina property on the January 19 agenda.
The mayor continued there will be a FEMA meeting and assured residents she and Council are doing everything possible to ensure residents know the latest DEP regulations on construction to meet their newest restrictions and requirements for building.
“We’re between a steep slope and waterfront flooding” the Mayor said, noted the beauty but challenges of the borough that boasts both a waterfront and the highest point on the East Coast. “We have been challenged, but we will prevail.”
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