Hopewell Township residents filled the municipal building to standing room-only capacity during The ARC Mercer’s October 1 town hall session. During the two-hour session, the nonprofit apologized for a rocky start with the homeowners and admitted to a lack of detail in its plans for a 32-acre farm and supportive housing near Mine Rd. and Route 31.
The ARC Mercer is 74-year-old Ewing-based nonprofit that provides support and resources to people with developmental disabilities. Its programs and services are aimed at integrating them into the community.
Earlier this year, Hopewell residents noticed a sign posted by the ARC reading ‘New Group Home Coming Soon.’ Some households received letters stating the group’s interest in buying their properties.
The nonprofit’s plans include building group homes, developing a farm, and creating a farm stand to sell local, organically grown produce. The initial phase includes redevelopment of the following properties:
- Colavita Farm – 200 Route 31 North
- Fox Run – 14 Fox Run Road
- Marshalls Corner – Woodsville Road (93 Acre farm) – Block 31, Lot 6.03
- Home under contract to buy – 214 Route 31 North
Some residents said the “Group Home” sign and letters announcing these plans were upsetting. The group’s executive director and CEO, Steve Cook, started his presentation with an apology about the sign. “The sign caused confusion and reaction. I did not want this to be forced and I take full responsibility for it,” said Cook.
One member of the public said he feels the sign was put up intentionally and was especially upsetting to those who received the letters. “There is a major trust issue,” the resident said.
Cook said The ARC Mercer initiated their ‘Good Neighbor Program’ to establish relationships with community residents and local organizations prior to building their group homes. Currently, the organization is engaged with local businesses such as Fairgrown Farm and Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette, he said.
The ARC Mercer’s initial step is the construction of a specialized six-bedroom group home designed to support individuals with behavioral challenges. Additionally, the organization aims to further develop the farmland and establish a farmer’s market showcasing locally and sustainably grown produce and artisanal goods.
Members of the public questioned the farm development logistics, including the water system they intend to implement, chemicals being used, and labor to farm several acres.
“We are on well water and worry about the soil and water contamination,” a resident said.
“You will need to bring in additional labor to farm all this land,” another added.
Cook did not have answers for these questions, and said he does not have a master plan in place or a five-year strategy. But he did address concerns about water contamination by explaining that because the ARC Mercer will be using the water for farming activities, “we have a vested interest in the water.”
Members of the public asked about the lack of planning for the project, with regard to farm development, traffic flow increase, property value and tax impact, and ways the new development could change the township’s character.
Cook said that the purpose of the meeting was to bring the community together, hear questions and concerns, and give residents a say in the group home project.
Despite the limited scope of information ARC Mercer provided, the town hall lasted roughly two hours.
The ARC Mercer encouraged residents to email the organization at [email protected] or call 609-649-9577, with additional questions.
