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Council revives Cleveland Avenue redevelopment planning, considers adding Sunoco-adjacent parcels
Summary
Council staff proposed restarting a Cleveland Avenue redevelopment study focused on rezoning and flexible uses, and recommended studying two adjacent properties near the Sunoco/Track B site so the borough will have options if ownership changes; residents urged green space, accessible housing and code compliance on related school-site work.
Council staff told the Highland Park Borough Council that they would like to restart work on a Cleveland Avenue redevelopment plan and use a rezoning-focused approach to allow flexibility for future uses.
"We're mainly looking at this as a rezoning strategy; there's really no concept plan that's developer driven," the Planner said, describing a study area from vacant lots near the catwalk to the end of Colesac and noting that funds for professional services were previously authorized and remain available.
Staff and council members discussed possible permitted uses, with the Planner saying the aim is to leave options open for residential, small retail and educational or destination uses rather than locking the corridor into office use. "The goal is to have a bucket to test out what looks and feels right, as well as a neighborhood or community meeting," the Planner said, adding that outreach will be part of the process.
On an adjacent topic, staff recommended including two nearby parcels in the Track B redevelopment study area: the Highland Park Service Center and a parcel currently housing a restaurant adjacent to the Sunoco site. "We wanted to at least study those properties so we have some identified alternatives should those properties change ownership in the future," the Director said, clarifying that staff were proposing study only, not condemnation.
During public comment, resident Alyssa Kaplan asked that the redevelopment include protected green space and single-floor housing options accessible to seniors and residents with disabilities. "Something that is particularly appropriate to folks who may be seniors or have disabilities" would add to the town, she said.
Another resident, Mary Boteon, raised specific compliance issues connected to a previous redevelopment (433 Cleveland Ave), saying landscaping and sidewalk repairs remain undone and asked the borough to follow up on shade-tree replacements required in prior agreements. Staff said they will review outstanding closeout items with the redeveloper and the shade-tree committee when weather permits work.
Council members emphasized keeping established businesses — including the restaurant owner discussed by staff — part of the conversation and exploring relocation assistance where appropriate. Staff said they will return with refined recommendations and likely seek authorization at a future council meeting to move the planning effort forward.
The council did not adopt any redevelopment plan at the meeting.
