Welcome Message from Mayor Frank L. Nolan

Welcome to the Borough of Highlands' web site. We hope you find the site helpful in discovering much of what Highlands has to offer. First let me say that it is an honor and a privilege to serve as your Mayor. I am committed to the Town and its future and I look forward to working with the Council, Town Administration, and Community Leaders to keep moving Highlands forward. My vision as we move forward is to continue providing an excellent quality of life while maintaining a financially sound government.

Being good stewards of your tax money is my top priority. With revenue projections considerably lower than initially projected in FY 2010, the Council and I worked to present a budget with no new municipal tax increase in FY 2011. As we work to prepare the FY2012 budget, we are faced some unique challenges. The current national financial environment of rising inflation, record fuel prices, decreased consumer spending and slowed residential construction will require the Town to diligently evaluate every expenditure.

I am committed to making sure that our planning and zoning requirements are current. One of the most exciting aspects of a town updating their Master Plan and Zoning Regulations are the incredible new opportunities. Positive word of mouth, good PR, and extensive media coverage will solidify the town’s reputation as a place filled with opportunities for a variety of businesses. Since I first took office as Mayor in 2011, the mission of government has been to be more"user-friendly" by extending itself to new and established merchants, local industry, residents and visitors.

Highlands is a friendly, place in which to live and raise a family, to establish and grow a business or to experience a wonderful place in which to visit. Our picturesque waterfront has sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean and New York City skyline. Conveniently located on the Northern tip of the New Jersey Shore, Highlands is an hour from NYC by bus, train, or car. First class, high speed ferry service is available from Highlands, perfect for a stress free commute, arriving in downtown Manhattan, Pier 11 in less than 45 minutes. Highlands is the first stop on the New Jersey Shore and many people come to enjoy sunbathing, surfing, fishing, wind surfing, boating and to experience New Jersey’s long tradition of maritime heritage at our lighthouses, our marinas, and our coastal heritage trails.

Highlands is rich in history, from 1525, when Giovanni de Verrazano first came to explore the area, through the 17th and 18th Century Dutch and English settlers, and up to the 20th Century, the first sight of land for the many hundreds of thousands of immigrants and visitors to our shores was the rugged and thickly wooded hills of the Highlands of Navesink. The highest point in Highlands is 260 feet above sea level making it the highest point on the U.S. Eastern Seaboard.

On February 13, 1900, Legislation is introduced in the N.J. Assembly to create the Borough of Highlands and on March 22, 1900, Highlands becomes a borough having separated from Middletown Township. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our founding forefathers for their vision and wisdom and to the mayors and council men and women that have followed in their footsteps of dedication and service to the community. In its infancy, Highlands was primarily a clamming community that had strong ties to the fishing and boating industries. Over the years the fishing and marine industries slowly gave way to the needs of summer visitors in search of the comforts afforded by the cool breezes and beaches. Now, more than 100 years into its incorporated life, the adaptability, and the quaint heritage of Highlands continues. Local businesses and residents alike work together and take pride in building our community.

As the current mayor and a resident of Highlands, I encourage you to explore our website and take advantage of all its features. Come visit our friendly town and experience the pleasures and opportunities that await you.

If I may be of assistance please contact Borough Hall at 732-872-1224. We will help you, guide you, and assist you in anyway possible.