The Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) supports the revitalization of designated neighborhoods across the state with $125,000 annual grants, technical assistance, and training. Since its selection in October 2021, Highland Park’s NPP has been dedicated to enhancing the Woodbridge Avenue District through a five-year strategic initiative. With targeted improvements, the Borough aims to create a more welcoming, vibrant corridor for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Implementation Plan

On March 15, 2022, Borough Council approved Highland Park’s 5-year Implementation Plan (IP) which was created based on robust input from residents, business owners, visitors, and other stakeholders. Input was gathered via an online survey and virtual meetings with district businesses and residents.

Five year Implementation Plan 

Click on each year below to see what we've accomplished and what's ahead: 

• Year Four (2025) Implementation Plan
• Year Three (2024) Implementation Plan
• Year Two (2023) Implementation Plan
• Year one (2022) Implementation Plan

Projects                                                       

Residential Facades

The Borough currently has two types of grants available through NPP:

•  Facade Improvement Grant: Up to $5,000 per property

• Materials Grant: Up to $1,000 per property

Eligible projects include: Paint, porch repairs, windows, lighting, sidewalks, and more.

Download Application

More Information

Commercial Facades

The Borough currently has four types of grants available through NPP:

• Facade Rehabilitation Grant: Up to $10,000 per property

• Materials Grant: Up to $1,000 per property

• Technical Assistance Grant: Up to $1,000 per property

• ADA Grant: Up to $1,000 per property

Eligible projects include: Paint, signage, awnings, lighting, sidewalks, and more.

Download Application  

More Information

Small Business Support

• Beyond Main: Highland Park’s online marketplace—sign up for a free business profile now! More information.

• Placer.ai Reports: Get a free foot traffic and visitor demographic report for your business, customized to your needs.

• Free Business Mentorship: Learn about small business grants and resources at the state level. Get assistance with applications.

NPP Stakeholder Team

• Todd Craig | District Resident

• Chantel Figueroa | Division Head, Real Estate, Middlesex County

• Melissa Gordeuk | District Resident

• Khahlidra Hadhazy | District Resident & Planning Board Representative

• Matt Hale | Borough Councilmember, Economic Development Committee

• Rebecca Hersh | Executive Director, Main Street Highland Park

• John Marron | District Resident & Arts Commission Representative

• Christina Sharkey | District Business Owner, Calico CPA

• Marcia Shiffman | Board Member, Main Street Highland Park

• Grazina Strolia | Historical Commission Representative

Questions regarding grant programs and other resources mentioned above should be directed to Rutuja Vartak, NPP Coordinator, at rvartak@hpboro.com or 732-287-5801.