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Highland Park Council adopts ordinance restricting in-ground bamboo plantings after public comment
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 25-2118 to add bamboo rules to the borough property-maintenance code, prohibiting new in-ground plantings and targeting encroachment from established stands; a resident urged exemptions for cultural and religious uses and staff clarified the ordinance would not force immediate removal of existing bamboo unless it is encroaching on neighboring properties.
The Highland Park Borough Council on a unanimous roll-call vote adopted Ordinance 25-2118, amending the borough property-maintenance code to regulate bamboo plantings and to limit spread that can damage adjacent properties.
Jessine Danielle, an in-person speaker during public comment, urged the council to narrow the ordinance and allow exceptions for cultural, religious and gardening uses, calling the proposal "a significant overreach" and warning that bamboo has culinary and construction uses for some residents. "It has many beneficial purposes," Danielle said, and asked the council to permit qualified plantings rather than a blanket ban.
A staff member identified as Laura clarified how the ordinance would be enforced: "The ordinance doesn't require you to remove your bamboo immediately. It only would take action against bamboo that currently is in existence if that bamboo is found to have been encroaching into the properties next to yours," she said, adding that new in-ground plantings would be prohibited if the ordinance took effect but planters and contained plantings would remain allowed.
During the council's discussion and final remarks, Councilmember Hurst thanked the public for their feedback and described the ordinance as a protective measure: "This is a good guardrail," he said, emphasizing the borough will monitor how the rule functions in practice.
Clerk records show the ordinance was read on second reading and adopted; the council recorded affirmative roll-call votes from Councilmember George, Councilmember Hail, Councilmember Hurst, Council President Stephanie Kim Choan, the councilmember listed as Ponic/Panic during the roll call, and Councilmember Vargas.
The ordinance targets bamboo that spreads beyond a property owner's lot and authorizes the borough to require containment measures or remediation in cases of encroachment; it does not require immediate removal of existing, non-encroaching plantings. Implementation details, including enforcement procedures and monitoring, were described as subject to future administrative guidance and ongoing council oversight.
Next steps: The ordinance is adopted and staff indicated they will monitor its implementation and return to council with any necessary clarifications or amendments if problems arise.
