Shadow Lawn redevelopment moves forward; state court clears regional school step while financing remains to be arranged
January 01, 2026 | Highlands, Monmouth County, New Jersey
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Council members and the mayor used the Jan. 1 reorganization meeting to update residents on several community-development items, including the long‑pending Shadow Lawn redevelopment and a recent state-court development in regional school planning.
Mayor Carol Bulan reported that the area known as Shadow Lawn—described in remarks as an ‘‘area in need of redevelopment’’ after about two decades of planning—will begin required environmental work before construction can start. The mayor said environmental remediation and pre-construction tasks are the next steps "before a shovel hits the ground." The mayor also said properties on Bay Avenue that are being rebuilt face flood‑zone constraints and county planning review.
The mayor and other council members noted that the county planning commission awarded Highlands two planning merit awards on Dec. 15: one for Bay Avenue design guidelines addressing flood‑proofing, and another for planning work on the local clam plant. The awards were presented as recognition of the borough’s planning efforts.
On education, a council member identified as Joanne said a New Jersey State Supreme Court ruling gives Steambrite "every bit of permission" needed to pursue regionalization with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands; she said the remaining task is arranging how the consolidation will be financed among the three towns. The transcript records that officials described the ruling as allowing the regionalization to proceed but that the financing structure must still be set up.
Council members also discussed local events tied to Highlands’ 250th anniversary, including visiting ships and community hospitality plans, and noted ongoing efforts to seek grants for public art such as a Captain Hoodie statue and other summer activities.
Next steps described at the meeting include the start of environmental work at Shadow Lawn and continued coordination with county planning staff on Bay Avenue rebuilds; officials said the school regionalization effort still requires intermunicipal financing arrangements before it is implemented.
Mayor Carol Bulan reported that the area known as Shadow Lawn—described in remarks as an ‘‘area in need of redevelopment’’ after about two decades of planning—will begin required environmental work before construction can start. The mayor said environmental remediation and pre-construction tasks are the next steps "before a shovel hits the ground." The mayor also said properties on Bay Avenue that are being rebuilt face flood‑zone constraints and county planning review.
The mayor and other council members noted that the county planning commission awarded Highlands two planning merit awards on Dec. 15: one for Bay Avenue design guidelines addressing flood‑proofing, and another for planning work on the local clam plant. The awards were presented as recognition of the borough’s planning efforts.
On education, a council member identified as Joanne said a New Jersey State Supreme Court ruling gives Steambrite "every bit of permission" needed to pursue regionalization with Highlands and Atlantic Highlands; she said the remaining task is arranging how the consolidation will be financed among the three towns. The transcript records that officials described the ruling as allowing the regionalization to proceed but that the financing structure must still be set up.
Council members also discussed local events tied to Highlands’ 250th anniversary, including visiting ships and community hospitality plans, and noted ongoing efforts to seek grants for public art such as a Captain Hoodie statue and other summer activities.
Next steps described at the meeting include the start of environmental work at Shadow Lawn and continued coordination with county planning staff on Bay Avenue rebuilds; officials said the school regionalization effort still requires intermunicipal financing arrangements before it is implemented.
View the Full Meeting & All Its Details
This article offers just a summary. Unlock complete video, transcripts, and insights as a Founder Member.
✓
Watch full, unedited meeting videos
✓
Search every word spoken in unlimited transcripts
✓
AI summaries & real-time alerts (all government levels)
✓
Permanent access to expanding government content
30-day money-back guarantee
