On Tuesday, December 17, when the all-volunteer Hopewell Borough Economic Development Committee met to discuss plans and projects for 2025, they drew inspiration from national non-profit Strong Towns, which hosts webinars, podcasts, and a website educating town leaders on strategies to spur responsible economic growth. Committee member Ethan Unick suggested that Hopewell Borough follow the Strong Towns model of taking small actions while waiting on state or federal authorities to move forward on larger, more complex actions.
One example of a small action the borough could tackle is the creation of public art. The committee discussed the painting of a large public mural, as well as other actions such as promoting more block parties to increase engagement among neighbors. “Learning from the webinars and podcasts offered by Strong Towns, I think we could create a renaissance of sorts, that people notice as they drive through town,” said Unick.
2025 GOALS
A major goal in 2025 is continued improvement for the town’s walkability, using initiatives that will entice drivers to park and create more foot traffic to local businesses. Committee member Heidi Wilenius pointed out that collaboration with the Pedestrian, Bicycle and Safety Advisory Committee (PBSAC) would be helpful. “The more walkable a town is, the easier it is to patronize local businesses,” Wilenius pointed out. During the meeting, Wilenius also announced that her role as Council liaison would be taken over by Committee member Sheri Hook.
The group resolved to create a sub-committee dedicated to identifying goals and project plans for 2025, to be presented to the Hopewell Borough Town Council in April. Collaborations with local groups like PBSAC and Downtown Hopewell were emphasized. Downtown Hopewell currently maintains a website at www.downtownhopewell.com with information on local businesses and events.
SUCCESS IN 2024
Successful initiatives in 2024 were also discussed, such as the decorative planters located throughout Hopewell Borough that beautify the town with native plants. The flowers and plants needing protection over the winter have been stored safely for the season and will be returned in spring. It was noted that a paid intern will be needed in 2025 to maintain the plants. The unusually long drought in late summer/early fall of this year created challenges for volunteers and business owners who were tasked with keeping the plants healthy. Thanks to local business owners and donors, a total of $5,130 was raised to fund the plantings and their maintenance.
The Economic Development Committee’s second annual Community Tree Decorating Contest is another successful initiative, currently underway. Thirty native red cedar trees will decorate downtown all winter long, and then will be planted in the nearby Sourland Woods with help from volunteers at the Sourland Conservancy. Residents and business owners are encouraged to sign up to decorate a tree. To learn more about the Community Tree Decorating Contest, click here. Registrations are accepted on a rolling basis until all 30 trees are decorated
