Speak Up The Highlands Mayor and Council is offering one more opportunity for all residents to learn more about the borough’s vulnerability to flooding and how the projects proposed by the Army Corps of Engineers will impact the borough at a special meeting of the governing body Monday October 7 at 6:00 p.m. the Henry Hudson Regional School.
Mayor Carolyn Broullon called for the meeting at the school rather than Borough Hall to ensure there is sufficient space for all expected to attend to learn more about the project before voting on the non-binding question on the November 5 Ballot. A previous and similar meeting several months ago was also held at Henry Hudson School and drew large crowds which would not have been able to be accommodated at Borough Hall
The question, which seeks the opinions of all residents is non-binding., meaning it is for informational purposes only to give the governing body guidance on how the majority of Highlands residents want the governing body to take action.
The question on the ballot is:
Should the Borough of Highlands accept the large-scale Federal floodwall project as presented at the May 14, 2024 Public Meeting which includes the possible exercise of eminent domain to take private property with an initial estimated cost to the taxpayers of at least $13 million in addition to annual funding paid by taxpayers for maintenance estimated to be at least $452.000 per year.”
The Army Corps and the state Department of Environmental Protection are prepared to design and construct this project, intended to reduce storm surge and damage to the borough during major storm events.
The project consists of construction of a concrete reinforced floodwall along the shoreline of Highlands and improved storm water drainage in some locations.
A recent study by the Army Corps has shown the borough would benefit from the work by reducing damage to property, businesses and infrastructure caused by storm surges and bay flooding. The work would include either the sale or possible state acquisition of some properties through eminent domain in order to complete the project along the Highlands shoreline.
Professionals from the NJDEP, the Army Corps Engineers, Highlands professionals and the Mayor and Council will be present at the meeting which also allows time for questions and public comments.
