“It was a direct result of a redevelopment agreement that we went into with the property owner, and I think it’s a good example of the role we played in making that space happen,” says Jover. “We’re not taking a passive role. We actively work with developers and businesses to create projects that are beneficial for the entire community.” BALANCING GROWTH When it comes to growth, Highland Park’s approach is anything but cookie-cutter. While affordable housing and green building practices are priorities, the most important is preserving the boroughs small-town sense of place. “We’ve got a great team that can help think outside the box, in ways that are not the normal way of doing things,” Hale says.“In Highland Park we think creatively and help you get to the finish line.” Although downtown redevelopment remains a focal point, Highland Park is also targeting improvements in other parts of the borough. Hale mentions the Woodbridge Avenue corridor, an area that has historically felt disconnected from the rest of town. He expands, “We were fortunate enough to get something called a Neighborhood Preservation Program grant from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. It’s a five-year grant of $125,000 a year.” Thanks to this funding, Highland Park is investing in this corridor to revitalize businesses and improve connectivity. Part of the effort includes the hiring of a company called Storefront Mastery. “They help businesses identify how to make the look and feel of the front of their business more attractive. We’ve got a couple places that have taken advantage of Memphis Baton Rouge Dallas New Orleans Orlando Little Rock Philadelphia 148 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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