Margaret M. Riggio

This Master Plan serves as a cornerstone for land use planning, establishing policies for future development and redevelopment for the Borough of Hightstown. It primarily concentrates on revitalizing the downtown area and economic core, improving its historic town center image, and enhancing economic viability. Key strategic areas include preserving residential character, improving municipal services and infrastructure, and protecting natural resources and recreational opportunities. The plan aims to guide the municipality towards an ultimate condition without a predetermined time frame.

The Route 33 Corridor Revitalization Plan outlines strategies to optimize the corridor's development potential by encouraging synergistic uses within the Township of East Windsor and Borough of Hightstown. It proposes establishing four specific land use categories: Gateway Retail, Big Box Retail, Main Street Retail, and Planned Campus Development. The plan emphasizes implementing a regional stormwater management approach and enhancing circulation through a robust pedestrian and bikeway network, supported by coordinated streetscape and design standards, to foster a vibrant, accessible, and economically viable environment.

This document proposes amendments to the Hightstown Borough Master Plan, detailing a vision for downtown and lakeside improvements aimed at revitalizing the area and establishing it as a destination. Key focus areas include stimulating economic development by attracting external visitors, enhancing the pedestrian experience, and preserving and developing the Peddie Lake area with vibrant commercial spaces, public access, and gathering points. The plan also emphasizes thoughtful design, incorporating historical elements, and ensuring accessible parking while preserving the pedestrian environment.

This 2024 Reexamination Report for the Borough of Hightstown Planning Board fulfills statutory obligations by analyzing demographic trends and providing recommendations for updating the existing Master Plan and development regulations. The report outlines key strategic goals: protecting the historic town center image, revitalizing the central downtown business district, preserving and enhancing residential character, improving municipal services and infrastructure, protecting natural resources and recreational opportunities, and fostering effective stormwater management. The overarching vision is to establish Hightstown as a historic small town with a vibrant downtown, strong community organizations, and residential neighborhoods serving a diverse population, connected through a multi-modal network, with growth guided by sustainable standards and environmental asset preservation.

This Main Street Redevelopment Plan for the Borough of Hightstown provides a framework for the improvement and revitalization of the designated area, outlining physical enhancements and guiding policies. The plan segments the area into three sub-areas: Bank Street (mixed-use), South Academy Street (residential infill), and Rt. 33 (downtown commercial). Its core objectives include eliminating blighted conditions, boosting economic ratables, fostering community recreation and cultural activities, enhancing the visual appeal of the central business district, and leveraging the Route 33 transportation corridor. The plan aims to facilitate economic development, create new housing and commercial opportunities, and improve overall quality of life.