Mayor outlines summer infrastructure work, parks grants and flags unlicensed cannabis sales

Borough of Highlands officials told residents on June 4 that several infrastructure and park projects will proceed this summer and that the borough has several grants in hand.

Mayor Bulan said an arborite noise‑reduction feature at the skate park was installed May 22, a Shore Drive parking lot reopened May 23 (first use since Hurricane Sandy) and planned work includes Portland Road drainage completion, a Washington Avenue mill‑and‑pave and pedestrian safety sidewalks on Shore Drive. The Shore Drive sidewalks began May 28 and were funded by a DOT grant of $284,000; the Marine Place elevated walkway is slated to start in June with a county Community Development Block Grant of $167,000. Frank Hall Park updates and creation of Overlook Park have survey and concept work complete; three grants were awarded and the borough plans to bid both parks together in July.

The mayor also provided operational figures for May: first‑aid squad responses (28), fire (16) and police (863), and building department activity (73 inspections: 53 passed, 17 failed; 20 permits issued).

Separately, a council member raised two community concerns: lighting on a new dispensary mural that appears to blind passing drivers and the sale of cannabis products and vaping items at several local convenience stores without clear licensing. The council member said those unlicensed sales raise safety and youth‑exposure concerns and noted the borough is not receiving locally expected tax revenue (2%) from licensed retail. The council discussed whether enforcement of existing laws or new local legislation would be required; no enforcement action or new ordinance was adopted at the meeting.

Residents seeking details on project schedules, bidding or contract awards were directed to borough staff and the municipal clerk for documentation.