For over fifteen years, the Borough of Highland Park has aimed to invest in improving local infrastructure. The last several months have seen a major uptick in renovation initiatives, given the loss of Stop & Shop and the Borough only recently securing SuperFresh to take its place.
Since the Stop & Shop supermarket closed its doors in March of this year, Mayor Elsie Foster and the Borough Council eagerly searched for a replacement. Finding a new grocery store remained a top priority for both Highland Park’s government and residents, with the Council unanimously passing the 420-424 Raritan Avenue Redevelopment Plan to address the town’s food supply needs. Regarding this plan, Councilman Jason Postelnik remarked in May 2023, “This is the most significant step the municipality can take to guarantee we have a supermarket in town.”
On November 30, the local government announced its success in the search for a supermarket, declaring that SuperFresh will move into the property previously tenanted by Stop & Shop. The property owners anticipate the grocery store to open its doors before late May 2024, according to information shared at the December 5 Borough Council meeting.
The town government further reinforces its commitment to local development projects with the Woodbridge Avenue Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP). Now in its second year, this grant-funded project awarded over $150,000 to benefit Highland Park businesses and public spaces along Woodbridge Avenue. As detailed in the December 2023 issue of the Highland Park Quarterly, recent improvements include new street murals near Molimock-Graff Park painted by local artists, new street furniture along Woodbridge Avenue, and over $60,000 allocated toward various facade upgrades for nine businesses. This year, the NPP Stakeholder Team has also worked on improving parking and signage regulations.
Along with Highland Park's successful replacement of Stop & Shop with SuperFresh and the ongoing NPP, other prevalent concerns raise questions about the future. After all, the townscape could be changing with the closing of Saiff Drugs pharmacy and the opening of numerous upscale townhomes, including The Frederick at 2 Walter Avenue and the Heritage apartments at 911 Greenland Square, taking precedence over affordable housing. As Councilman Postelnik included in his statement regarding the 420-424 Raritan Avenue Redevelopment Plan, “Housing is also a possibility, but not a requirement.” Therefore, it remains unclear whether Borough funding will eventually extend beyond the Woodbridge Avenue neighborhood or into improving residential lots.
Whether through local government policies or private developers’ plans, Highland Park could be heading in a new direction. Staying informed and engaged in the community remains essential to navigating these changes and potentially contributing to the evolving landscape of Highland Park.