By JF Grodeska
HIGHLANDS – The Highlands Borough Council is taking steps to mitigate the environmental impact of climate change on its residents.
The borough has historically faced devastating challenges from flooding and storms. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, over 650 properties in the borough are located below sea level. As those who live in and around Highlands know, during storms, many roadways flood, cutting off access to large sections of the borough.
To combat flooding, the borough council recently passed an ordinance amending Chapter 21 of the borough code which deals with flood damage prevention, adding a new application review fee. A floodplain development permit must be completed for all new construction. The process reduces the risk of flood damage and can lower flood insurance rates. The new application review fee for one- and two-family dwellings is $150; it is $200 for nonresidential and mixed-use buildings.
Stephen Winters is the Highlands floodplain administrator and reviews all construction activity within the floodplain.
A second ordinance introduced at the meeting establishes requirements for tree removal and replacement in the borough. According to Ordinance O-24-04, the goal is “to reduce soil erosion and pollutant runoff, promote infiltration of rainwater into the soil, and protect the environment, public health, safety, and welfare.”
“This ordinance is both coming from (NJ)DEP guidance and also to make sure the clear-cutting of the hill never happens again,” Mayor Carolyn Broullon said.
The changes include a glossary of terms and specific requirements for the removal and replacement of trees on public or private land. Before trees can be removed in the borough, an application must be filed and a corresponding fee paid.
Additionally, the council has added a list of suggested trees and shrubs that will thrive in the borough.
A public hearing for O-24-04 is scheduled for April 17.
In Other News
Clean Ocean Action (COA) will be holding its bi-annual Beach Sweeps from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 13. According to the COA website, “Each cleanup location has a volunteer Beach Captain who is in charge of the cleanup activities at their site. Volunteers should check in with the Beach Captain upon arrival. Beach Captains will provide participants with a black bag for garbage, a white bag for recycling, and a data card and pencil to use during the cleanup.”
Highlands Beach Sweep volunteers can meet at two locations in the borough: Popamora Point (369 Shore Drive) or Snug Harbor (22 Snug Harbor Ave.).
To register for Beach Sweeps, visit cleanoceanaction.org.
