Goals of the Hightstown Environmental Commission – 2019
- Designate locations and plant 12 new street trees
- Develop “preferred” trees list by neighborhood or street location.
- Work with the borough to dedicate in the budget 5 days with a tree crew to shape and maintain our street trees and Park trees.
- Develop “Review Team” to collaborate on site plan reviews.
- Complete ANJEC grant in Rocky Brook Park
- Work days with Peddie and HS environmental groups.
- Recycling Campaign– increase Borough’s compliance by 10%
- Increase recycling capacity- add special recycling days and materials
- Consider setting up a recycling center (perhaps special weekend event)
- Small Business Energy Efficiency– get at least 5 new businesses to participate.
- Work with Parks to resurface the Greenway with new gravel. Repair edging and clean up around the entire greenway.
- Identify and tag all trees in Association Park.
- Sustainable Jersey– Work to reach 500 points
- Work with the High School to register and participate in Sustainable Jersey for Schools.
- Work with Peddie and Meadow Lakes on the food waste recycling program.
- Look to expand the program to EW school district and downtown restaurants.
- Continue to be an active participant with the Mercer County Sustainability Coalition.
- Bring together a coalition of Environmental organizations for the Harvest Fair. Goal would be to have at least 6 organizations all in one area.
- Move Council to pass the expanded tree ordinance
- Introduce and move council to pass the expanded Storm water ordinance.
In Collaboration with Parks and Rec.
- Install new shed/covering for the Pedal boats down near the boat dock.
- Resurface the Greenway paths.
- Install new sidewalks in Association Park.
In Collaboration with Borough, First Constitution and Housing Authority
- Develop a community solar site including solar parking structures, EV charging areas, rooftop solar at the Housing authority that can benefit the larger community.
In Collaboration with East Windsor
- Complete section of Greenway out to Etra Road/Meadow Lakes
Sustainable Jersey Certification
Hightstown was certified on October 19, 2019 with 385 points, receiving a Silver Certification. Hightstown Sustainable Jersey Certification Report. In addition, Hightstown received the Sustainable Jersey Creativity and Innovation Award, an award that recognizes forward-thinking municipalities that support a culture of creativity and innovation as it implements new approaches to problem solving.
The Hightstown Cultural Arts Commission developed a Public Art Master Plan and Hightstown’s Planning Board adopted it as part of the Borough’s Municipal Master Plan. Included in the plan is a requirement that a percentage of any redevelopment efforts be dedicated to the inclusion of public art. Over the past two years the commission has worked with the greater community to establish pop-up art galleries throughout the borough and dramatic arts and theater performances with children of all ages at the local parks.
Contact
- Learn more about the Hightstown Borough Environmental Commission
- Connect on Facebook.
Mercer County Sustainability Coalition 