Praise continues to be offered for employees of the Atlantic Highlands Public Works Department in light of the heavy snow and other situations in recent week and their efforts to keep roads clear, sanitation picked up and hydrants accessible for volunteer firemen.
Councilman Jon Crowley
At Tuesday’s meeting of the mayor and Council, Councilman Jon Crowley expressed appreciation and thanks to the department as well as residents who help in maintaining safe and accessible streets.
But Crowley issued a series of warnings, suggestions, and ways the public can continue to help each of the Public Works departments, including streets, water, fire, sanitation and recycling.
To ensure better safety for and an opportunity to continue excellence in clearing roads, Crowley suggested vehicles be parked off road in driveways, if street parking is necessary, in any particular neighborhood, park only on one side of the road to enable better road plowing. Similarly, residents should not shovel or blow snow back on roadways while clearing their own properties. Once the storm ends, residents should be patient in enabling DPW employees to open roadways and intersections.
Clearing fire hydrants a minimum of three feet in all directions around the hydrants is not only helpful but a safety issue, Crowley said, with cleared hydrants ensuring quick access in emergencies.
Residents should consider colored trash bags when putting out trash for the sanitation department. Crowley said even in light snow dustings, white trash bags are difficult to see by busy and fast-moving Public Works employees and could be missed for collection.
To prevent scattering, dangers of flying debris and difficulty in collecting all recyclables, residents are reminded to bundle and securely tie all paper and cardboard, folding card board boxes flat for more security and space.
Residents can refer to the new 2026 calendars which were recently mailed to all residents if they are in doubt as to their zones and dates of trash and recyclable pickups.
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Atlantic Highlands Mayor Richard Stryker put out monthly Mayor’s reports when he was the mayor in the 1970s, highlighting the many good things about the borough. But he also issued stern warning and reminders that property-owners have their own responsibilities to ensure the borough stays as wonderful as it is.
One Mayor’s Report from 1973, when Stryker was Mayor and J. Leonard Clark was administrator, highlighted how revenue sharing funds were used to purchase a street sweeper, dump truck and leaf vacuum, how the West Avenue road project from West Highland to Bay Avenue was near completion, and that band concerts were being held on a regular basis throughout the summer at the harbor.
But it also warned property owners they would face fines if they failed to upkeep their properties neat and ensure they meet all local ordinances.
The report noted that the most frequently violated ordinances deal with garbage, broken sidewalks, insufficient ragweed control, all within the care requirements for property owners.
Packaging and handling of garbage is essential for maintaining the borough and ensuring the borough’s Public Works Department could continue to do their job efficiently, Stryker warned. He noted that “many homeowners “ leave garbage for pickup outside without tight fitting lids on cans,, or simply in plastic bags, both in violation of municipal codes. To ensure it ends, Stryker noted the Police Department has been instructed to begin issuing summonses for those violating that code.
The Mayor also reminded residents it is their obligation to maintain and upkeep the sidewalks located in front of their houses and broken sidewalks had to be corrected or replaced. Residents are also required to destroy ragweed on their properties in order to prevent high pollen counts during the summer.
Serving on Council with Stryker during 1973, were Donald Loftus, Eugene Caffrey, Gerald Kelty, Vernon Clinch, John Phair and Al Katz.
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Stryker
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Richard Stryker put out monthly Mayor’s reports when he was the mayor in the 1970s, highlighting the many good things about the borough. But he also issued stern warning and reminders that property-owners have their own responsibilities to ensure the borough stays as wonderful as it is.
One Mayor’s Report from 1973, when Stryker was Mayor and J. Leonard Clark was administrator, highlighted how revenue sharing funds were used to purchase a street sweeper, dump truck and leaf vacuum, how the West Avenue road project from West Highland to Bay Avenue was near completion, and that band concerts were being held on a regular basis throughout the summer at the harbor.
But it also warned property owners they would face fines if they failed to upkeep their properties neat and ensure they meet all local ordinances.
The report noted that the most frequently violated ordinances deal with garbage, broken sidewalks, insufficient ragweed control, all within the care requirements for property owners.
Packaging and handling of garbage is essential for maintaining the borough and ensuring the borough’s Public Works Department could continue to do their job efficiently, Stryker warned. He noted that “many homeowners “ leave garbage for pickup outside without tight fitting lids on cans,, or simply in plastic bags, both in violation of municipal codes. To ensure it ends, Stryker noted the Police Department has been instructed to begin issuing summonses for those violating that code.
The Mayor also reminded residents it is their obligation to maintain and upkeep the sidewalks located in front of their houses and broken sidewalks had to be corrected or replaced. Residents are also required to destroy ragweed on their properties in order to prevent high pollen counts during the summer.
Serving on Council with Stryker during 1973, were Donald Loftus, Eugene Caffrey, Gerald Kelty, Vernon Clinch, John Phair and Al Katz.
Vacant “We remain hopeful and are determined!” said Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission Chairman Thomas Wall when no RFPS were submitted in the second round of seeking new uses for the former Shore Casino. Wall noted the Commission will continue to aggressively seek tenants for one of the largest leasehold holding properties at the Harbor.
The Chairman announced at Borough Hall at noon Tuesday, February 17, the advertised deadline, there had been no response to the second request for proposals for use of the former Shore Casino, the restaurant and catering facility which had been at the Harbor for more than 50 years.
Last December, the Harbor had rejected the single RFP that had been submitted at the first request for proposals. That proposal was presented as a joint proposal between the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and Sea Streak and rejected, Wall had said, for a number of reasons.
The Commission then authorized a second request for proposals which were returnable February 17 at noon.
At a meeting at Borough Hall at noon, Wall deferred to Commissioner Vice Chairman Michael Curry who has been handling the RFPs. Curry noted that none had been received, therefore no action was necessary.
Wall said that now that the Commission has advertised for requests for proposals twice, the Commission is now in a position to accept any proposals from anywhere and act on them. Should any proposals that come to the harbor be considered and approved by the Commission, their recommendation would then go to the Mayor and Council who would need to give their approval for any use to take place.
Wall said the current use of the building is for restaurant and catering. While other uses would also be considered, he noted any other use would require approval by the Planning Board before it could be accepted.
Curry said the matter would be taken up at an executive meeting of the Harbor Commission on Tuesday, March 3, prior to the Commission’s regular meeting immediately following.
In the absence of no positive action being taken after two public advertised requests, required by law, it is not inconceivable that a number of proposals would now be received by the Commission, including another proposal from Sea Streak and the Yacht Club.
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Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant Vacant
Vacant “We remain hopeful and are determined!” said Atlantic Highlands Harbor Commission Chairman Thomas Wall when no RFPS were submitted in the second round of seeking new uses for the former Shore Casino. Wall noted the Commission will continue to aggressively seek tenants for one of the largest leasehold holding properties at the Harbor.
The Chairman announced at Borough Hall at noon Tuesday, February 17, the advertised deadline, there had been no response to the second request for proposals for use of the former Shore Casino, the restaurant and catering facility which had been at the Harbor for more than 50 years.
Last December, the Harbor had rejected the single RVP that had been submitted at the first request for proposals. That proposal was presented as a joint proposal between the Atlantic Highlands Yacht Club and Sea Streak and rejected, Wall had said, for a number of reasons.
The Commission then authorized a second request for proposals which were returnable February 17 at noon.
At a meeting at Borough Hall at noon, Wall deferred to Commissioner Vice Chairman Michael Curry who has been handling the RFPs. Curry noted that none had been received, therefore no action was necessary.
Wall said that now that the Commission has advertised for requests for proposals twice, the Commission is now in a position to accept any proposals from anywhere and act on them. Should any proposals that come to the harbor be considered and approved by the Commission, their recommendation would then go to the Mayor and Council who would need to give their approval for any use to take place.
Wall said the current use of the building is for restaurant and catering. While other uses would also be considered, he noted any other use would require approval by the Planning Board before it could be accepted.
Curry said the matter would be taken up at an executive meeting of the Harbor Commission on Tuesday, March 3, prior to the Commission’s regular meeting immediately following.
In the absence of no positive action being taken after two public advertised requests, required by law, it is not inconceivable that a number of proposals would now be received by the Commission, including another proposal from Sea Streak and the Yacht Club.
Christians all over the world will observe Ash Wednesday February 17, traditionally 47 days before Easter Sunday.
The tradition marks the official start of Lent, the 40 days Christians fast and abstain or do other penance and have repentance before Easter, the Resurrection of Christ from the dead. Sundays are not considered days of Lent.
Why Ash Wednesday?
Why ashes?
Why Lent and why 40 days?
How long has it been practiced?
The practice of repentance, or sorrow for wrong doing, dates back to Biblical times with its connection with ashes a reminder that humanity is temporary and life on earth comes to an end. While the body returns to ashes and the earth, the soul remains alive in heaven and repentance for wrongdoing is necessary to gain heaven.
That ashes and repentance for wrongdoing to God in the 21st century dates back to Biblical times when repentance and ashes are cited several times by different evangelists.
Matthew wrote that man should “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” and suggests it is a time to be set aside to make us each a better version of ourselves.’
In Job 42, he mentions “I repent what I have said and repent in dust and ashes.” Jeremiah referred to “Daughter, roll in the ashes” for wrongdoing, and Daniel is saying “I turned to the Lord God to seek an answer by prayer and supplication to seek help with fasting and sackcloth and ashes .”
In Biblical times, wearing ashes was a common sign of repentance for sins and a sign of one’s humility before God. Since Lent is a season of penance, through prayer, fasting and helping others, having ashes on the first day of the 40-day penitential period puts an ancient sign on the beginning of a specific season.
In the Catholic Church, and many others, the ashes used on Ash Wednesday are the ashes from the previous Palm Sunday, the Sunday before Easter of the previous year, the time that marked Jesus’ triumphant entrance into the city the week before He was crucified.
The number 40 has ecclesial significance: The rain fell for 40 days and 40 nights when Noah had his Ark; Moses spent 40 days on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments; Jesus spent 40 days in prayer and fasting prior to beginning his ministry so, we spend 40 days preparing for the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Ashes are not a sacrament in the church, but rather a sacramental, an outward sacred sign which bears a resemblance, but is not, a sacrament. A sacramental signifies effects, particularly of a spiritual nature, obtained through the intercession of the Church. Ashes are also an outward sign of a person’s belief in Christ, and all are welcomed to receive ashes on Ash Wednesday.
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The Highlands Borough Council plans on introducing two ordinances, approving two resolutions, appointing an administrative agent and other routine business at its meeting set for Wednesday evening at borough hall at 7 p.m.
The governing body wil introduce an Affordable Housing Ordinance and an amendment to the borough code to permit alcohol a the Community Center for a specific event and will set public hearings for March before they are enacted.
The borough will authorize the Police Department to participate in the Defense Logistics Agency Enforcement Support Office in order to acquire excess defense equipment materials.
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If perception is reality … than the Atlantic Highlands Mayor & Council is making it very clear they don’t think it’s important for local residents to attend municipal meetings.
Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner
And if perception is reality … they took at least one specific action to ensure interested residents have to make a choice between whether they would rather see a number of local youngsters be honored for their academics, talents and sports abilities, and maybe see and hear who’s interested on becoming a member of the board of education, or find out why an additional $367,000 is needed for the Hill Road drainage improvement or what’s in that $2.2 million bond anticipation note the Council plans on acting on.
Or maybe to meet the borough’s new borough administrator and see him in action.
Well, actually, that regular first and third Monday meeting schedule isn’t really for the entire year; it only covers March, April, May, June and October, just five months of the year. There is only one meeting in the months of January, July, August, November and December, or five months a year. Then in February, because the ‘regular’ meeting night falls on President’s Day, a holiday, and in September when the first Monday of the month falls on Labor Day, another holiday, as it is every year, two meetings are switched to Wednesday nights.
Apparently, again, if perception is reality, the borough council does not give a flying hoot that the two most important municipal meetings to local residents are planned specifically for the same night, because the Atlantic Highlands Mayor & Council does not want to have its meeting on a holiday.
Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education
For Highlands residents, it’s another serious problem. Henry Hudson Regional Board scheduled its regular meeting nights for the exact same night that Highlands Council has been holding their regular meetings for more than five years. So residents of that borough have to decide every month whether they want to hear what’s going on in town or what’s going in in their school district.
If perception is reality … it appears that neither the Hudson Board or the Atlantic Highlands governing body even cares whether its residents want to be at their meetings or be involved in person or on zoom, where that’s possible, since Henry Hudson doesn’t ever provide that, to participate in their meetings?
Not many people attend either borough council meetings or the board of education meetings. Even board meeting attendance has not increased noticeably even though there is only one, not three, boards of education any more.
So which is it.
Do people not attend meetings because it’s confusing when each is held and they have to seek them out?.
Is it because the meetings conflict and those who want to attend both simply can’t?
Or do people not attend meetings because their elected bodies don’t make it easy to remember schedules and attend?
On the other hand, is it intentional? The folks who do attend meetings are interested, are eager to learn, and do tend to ask a lot of questions.
Is it a perception that once in office, elected officials don’t really care what the people think?
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Atlantic Highlands residents have until this Tuesday, February 17 at 4 p.m. to apply for the one vacancy from that borough on the Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education.
Interviews of prospective candidates are on the agenda for the Board’s regular meeting the following night, Wednesday, February 18 at 7 p.m. at Henry Hudson School.
Former Board President Mr. Cory Wingerter
The vacancy was created by the resignation of board member Cory Wingerter who resignation was accepted in January because of a move from the district.
The board will name a replacement for the Atlantic Highlands representative for a term to expire in December; an elected representative will be selected at the November election.
Persons from Atlantic Highlands applying for the position must be a citizen of the United States of America, at least 18 years of age, able to read and write, and an Atlantic Highlands resident at least year preceding the date of appointment. Applicants cannot have, directly or indirectly any contract with a claim against the Board , must be registered to vote in the district and not disqualified as a voter pursuant to NJSA 19:4-1
Persons interested in serving this school district should submit a letter of interest to: Janet Sherlock School Business Administrator/Board Secretary One Grand Tour Highlands, NJ 07732 Email: jsherlock@henryhudsonreg.k12.nj.us.
In other business at the regular meeting, the board is expected to authorize joining the Garden State Coalition of Schools, a member-directed grassroots advocacy organization that represents Boards of Education, parents, school administrators, and community members in advocating quality education; the board also wants to join to participate in the focus on interrelated issues of academic achievement, educational practices, and school finance, wants to be part of what is now 100 other school districts in the Coalition.
In addition to the monthly program of highlighting outstanding students and faculty members in a variety of fields, the board also plans on naming March as Music in Our Schools Month encouraging all to celebrate the Music education at Henry Hudson and its role as an essential part of every students education.
It plans on taking action after an executive session concerning personnel, litigation and invasion of privacy matters.
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Seven of Highlands’ top chefs and 13 amateur cooks will participate in the 14th Annual Highlands Chili Cook-Off Sunday, February 22, from 3–7 p.m. at the Chubby Pickle, 23 Bay Avenue.
The chefs will battle for chili glory, help raise funds for the annual Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 21, and give everyone the opportunity taste and vote on their chili excellence.
Tickets are $45 and include twenty (20) chili samplings, two beers, and a ballot to pick prize winning chilies.
The Cook-Off features two categories: Professional and Amateur. The Professional Cook-Off showcases seven Highlands restaurants: Bahrs Landing Restaurant, Chilangos, Chubby Pickle, Highlands Café, Inlet Café, Off the Hook, and Proving Ground. The Amateur Cook-Off includes 13 contestants, open to any non-professional chili cooks ready to put their recipes to the test.
After sampling the chili, attendees will cast their votes by turning in completed ballots to event staff. Votes will be tallied, and winners announced at approximately 6:30 p.m., with trophies awarded to the champions. In addition to the People’s Choice Award, Grand Marshal Mayor Carolyn Broullon, along with a panel of five independent judges, will select a Judges’ Choice winner.
Adding to the festivities, Highlands’ own Solas Na Mara Pipe Band will provide live entertainment throughout the event.
All proceeds from the Chili Cook-Off will offset the cost of the Highlands St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins at 2 p.m. on March 21, with Mayor Broullon as Grand Marshal.
The Highlands Business Partnership is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its programs and events are made possible through the generous support of sponsors including Monmouth County Tourism, Bahrs Landing, Bridge Marina, Dovetail Vintage Rentals, Farmacie by the French Market, Gateway Marina, The Honorable Plant, Hufnagel Tree Service, In the Garden, Montecalvo/Bayshore Family of Companies, Off the Hook, Proving Ground, Sandbox at Seastreak Ferry, Seafarer, Valley Bank, and WRAT 95.9.
Tickets may be purchased in advance, and amateur chefs can register to compete, by visiting www.highlandsnj.com or calling (732) 291-4713.
Pictured: Mayor Carolyn Broullon, Chef Santiago and Chef Bob from Bahrs Landing, 2025 Grand Marshal Tim Hill, and HBP Executive Director Carla Cefalo.
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The Atlantic Highlands Police Department responded to a total of 14,788 calls during 2025, with Councilman Jose Pujols noting the number is high, and “they all are doing a Great job.”
Councilman Jose Pujols
The 14,788 calls average more than 1200 a month or an average of 300 calls a week, the report shows.
Broken down, Pujols reported the total includes 3,015 traffic stops, 1,703 non-parking summonses, and 529 parking summonses. There were 19 arrests for DWI during the last year, he said, seven fewer than the year before. The decrease, the council man continued, appears to be the result of the diligence and actions of the department that have given a strong message that motorists are learning “DWI cannot, and will not happen here.”
On the other hand, Pujols said he was sad to report that the 122 motor vehicle accidents in 2025 was eight more than the previous year but also pointed out police response has always been excellent and the department works on a daily basic to ensure greater safety on the roads at all times.
Atlantic Highlands Police Chief Scott Reinert
Pujols noted Police Chief Scott Reinert pointed out “the Atlantic Highlands Police Department continues to serve and protect the residents of Atlantic Highlands with the upmost respect and professionalism. It is my belief that the Atlantic Highlands Police Department is a model agency for small towns throughout NJ,” an opinion expressed widely across the borough.
The Chief’s report also included statistics and trainings that are routine procedures in this department ensuring a department responsive to the needs of its residents and visitors. “Our engagement with the public is an important piece to build trust and relationships with our residents,” Pujols continued.
An example of the department’s dedication to safety and protection for all residents and visitors is the information and regulations the chief disseminated recently in the wake of increased use of electric and motorized bikes. There is a necessity to keep everyone aware of the stringent regulations in effect in the borough and the dedication of the department in enforcing them to ensure greater safety methods by all.
In response to questions about lighting and safety on Memorial Parkway as it transverses the borough, Pujols said the chief said he is in the process of resolving and improving the state highway situation working with their partners at the state level. The report also indicated the department is working with JCP&L to find a resolution to the lighting along the Parkway .
In regard to Memorial Parkway, he stated in his report that some issues he would like to resolve or improve in 2026 include working with the department’s partners at the state level and JCP&L to find a resolution to the lighting on Memorial Parkway.
Pujols, who is also a member of the Veterans Affairs committee, said that committee would also like to work alongside the police and their state contacts to find a resolution to concerns about the American flags lining the parkway median, and noted the Committee is also working on a Hometown Hero’s banner to honor borough service men and women along borough walkways, streets and parks , including Memorial Parkway.
Pujols added he will continue to report and keep the public updated on the progress of the Committee’s project.
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The new Veterans Village housing complex in Belford is almost ready to begin receiving its 12 tenants. According to Middletown Township, notices will be sent out within the next week advising potential tenants on when applications will be due.
Middletown officials held a grand opening last November 2, officially opening the doors with a flag raising ceremony, public tours and other highlights in anticipation of accepting applications and beginning the process of reviewing and establishing eligibility of the applicants.
However, the federal government shutdown last October caused the unanticipated delay, and frustrated Township officials who have been eager to enable veterans to move into their apartments along Leonardville Road.
At the time, federal vouchers for the 12 units would have been a key component of the overall $9.2 million project’s financing. The Township anticipated that when the shutdown ended, the vouchers would be released. However, they were ultimately advised that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) would no longer issue – meaning fund – any new vouchers.
“It’s been terribly disappointing and frustrating to us,” said Middletown Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante, “because while business in Middletown and housing for veterans might seem like a small thing to the U.S. Congress, it actually has big impacts at the local level, and in this case veterans in need of housing.”
However, the administrator continued, Township officials have worked closely with the Middletown Redevelopment Corporation, who will be managing the project, to reconfigure the financial structure to work without the HUD subsidy
Advertisements will be published to keep people informed of how and where to fill out applications, he said. A March deadline is expected, and he is hopeful the first veterans could move into their new housing by April.
Mercantante also cautioned that even though Veterans Village is ready and applications can be completed and 12 veterans approved for live-in, prospective tenants in some cases may need some time to get out of current leases or other living arrangements
“These are long processes and the delays at the federal level, have been frustrating for all of us in the township,” Mercantante said. “We are now eager to see people start to move into the homes so that we can continue to honor those who have given so much to their nation.”
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