The Borough first piloted the plaza as the popular "Town Tables" initiative, which provided a safe and welcoming gathering space during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on this success, Highland Park secured a Street Intersection Permit from the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and formally designated the space as a "Pedestrian Mall" through a Borough ordinance adopted on December 6, 2022. This was a key milestone in the effort to create a permanent, community-centered public space.

In another major step forward, the Borough secured $1 million in state grant funding to support the plaza’s design and construction. On January 28, 2025, Highland Park issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to select a design team tasked with developing a detailed plan that reflects the community’s input and vision. On May 6, 2025, the Borough Council authorized a resolution approving a Professional Services Agreement with Arterial LLC for landscape architecture and engineering services for the plaza.

With the design team, the Borough has moved through a series of community outreach and stakeholder listening sessions. That work culminated in a community meeting on December 15, 2025 where Arterial presented the final concept plan along with perspective renderings of the proposed plaza and adjacent parking area. Click here to view the presentation slides. Click here to view a video recording of the meeting. 

The next steps will be to take the feedback from the December meeting and use it to fully engineer the plaza and draft the construction documents so that the project can be bid out and built in 2026.

Our Vision 

The South Third Avenue Public Plaza will offer:

  • A dedicated space for community events, gatherings, and performances, adaptable for year-round use to accommodate diverse programs and activities. 

  • A permanent home for the Highland Park Farmers Market, a beloved local tradition.

  • Expanded public space, connecting with adjacent public areas planned in the Tract C Redevelopment project.

Project Area

The plaza will include a portion of South Third Avenue, extending 150 feet south from NJ Route 27 (Raritan Avenue). The design will also incorporate adjacent municipally-owned properties, including a municipal parking lot, 15 South Third Avenue (formerly Yellow Brick Road Nursery School) and 23 South Third Avenue.

Reference Map

So. Third Plaza Refererence Map

Advisory Committee

A dedicated advisory committee is overseeing this project, ensuring it reflects community priorities and supports the Borough’s long-term vision.

  • Matthew Hale - Council Member, Economic Development
  • Peter Bilton - Member, Safe Walking & Cycling Committee
  • Alvin Chin - Project Area Resident; Planning Board Member 
  • Rebecca Hand - Planning Board Chair
  • Rebecca Hersh - Director, Main Street Highland Park 
  • Aaron Weiman - Project Area Property and Business Owner; Main Street Highland Park Board Member
Resources

For questions, feedback, or more information, please contact Rutuja Vartak at rvartak@hpboro.com.