Mayor Lee announces $45,000 Commons Park grant; Planning Board approves 100 West Main project

Mayor Michele Lee told the council that High Bridge was awarded a $45,000 grant for Commons Park improvements to be used for stage rebuilding and lot paving. She also reported that the Planning Board unanimously approved the 100 West Main development project and that residents would be notified.

Council and staff reports that followed included community and event announcements: Councilwoman Ferry noted a PTO Trunk-or-Treat event on Oct. 24 and an upcoming Board of Education meeting on Nov. 10 that will be streamed online; Councilwoman Matos listed several Historical Committee events, and Councilwoman Hamlin flagged release of the Fall/Winter 2025 Bridge magazine and an NJTPA "Up Next" walking tour on Nov. 1 seeking input from young adults on local bike-trail routes. Councilman Nowell reported on road paving work, municipal roofing, upcoming brush and leaf pickup (beginning Oct. 27 and Nov. 3), and golf-course activity statistics.

Administrator Brett Bartman summarized administrative work: submission of the 2026 insurance packet and NJ Highlands documents, meetings with NJDOT on Safe Routes bid specifications, Wilson Avenue bid opening attendance, a restroom grant report, historical and recreation grant filings, completion of the 2025 biannual certification, work on Dewey Avenue pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements, implementation of a new online construction payments portal, and attendance at a Thomas Street Bridge meeting.

Why it matters: The Commons Park grant funds local recreation infrastructure; the Planning Board approval advances a private development project that will affect downtown area planning. Several near-term community events and infrastructure tasks were scheduled that may require staff follow-up.

Next step: Staff will proceed with project implementation and resident notification as appropriate; the council meets again on Nov. 13, 2025.