At its June 2 meeting, Pennington Borough Council reviewed potential sites for meeting state-mandated affordable housing requirements, honored key contributors to public safety, and joined communities nationwide in recognizing National Gun Violence Awareness Day.
Affordable Housing Plan Faces Tight Deadline
Borough Planner Jim Kyle briefed Council on Pennington’s obligation to meet its state-defined “fair share” of affordable housing. He outlined several potential development sites, including:
- 12 North Main Street
- 142 West Delaware Avenue (the former Levin Limousine site)
- Property near the Straube Center at West Franklin and Route 31
- 2 Reading Street, the current location of the Hopewell Valley Senior Center
These locations were presented as alternatives to the previously discussed Wells Fargo Bank property at Delaware Avenue and Route 31.
Kyle emphasized that the Borough must adopt an affordable housing ordinance by June 30 to maintain immunity from a builder’s remedy lawsuit. If that deadline is not met, developers could sue to override local zoning. Public objections would be accepted until August 28, and final adoption of the ordinance must occur by March 2026.
Several council members raised concerns about specific sites and the number of proposed units. Council President Nadine Stern and Councilwoman Kati Angarone expressed concern about the limited time to review newly added properties.
“I support affordable housing,” Angarone said, “but I don’t think the Wells Fargo site is safe. We should focus on existing residential areas.” She and Councilman Charles Marciante both backed the inclusion of the Senior Center site on the list of possibilities.
Councilman Dan Rubenstein suggested reducing the number of new housing units to the minimum required, while Councilwoman Kit Chandler asked whether 12 North Main Street alone could fulfill the obligation.
Councilman John Valenza stressed the need to act quickly. “We need a realistic plan that will hold up in court,” he said.
Kyle agreed to summarize the proposed locations and provide additional context for a joint Planning Board and Council meeting scheduled for June 24.
Fire Company Auxiliary Receives Public Service Award
Mayor Jim Davy honored the Pennington Fire Company Auxiliary with an Excellence in Public Service Award for its contributions during the March forest fire along Poor Farm Road, the largest wildfire in recent Mercer County history.
Throughout the three-day event, which burned approximately 300 acres and required assistance from hundreds of firefighters in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the auxiliary provided food, water, rest space, and equipment support. The all-volunteer group includes more than 20 members — including spouses and partners of firefighters, active-duty responders, and community supporters.
Davy praised the auxiliary’s commitment: “Your dedication and selflessness embody your motto, ‘Whatever You Need.’”
Police Officer-in-Charge Recognized for Leadership
Sergeant First Class Daryl Burroughs Jr. received the Mayor’s Award for Excellence in Public Service for his leadership as Officer-in-Charge of the Pennington Borough Police Department.
Burroughs was promoted to Sergeant in November 2021 and to Sergeant First Class in 2022. Following Chief Douglas Pinelli’s retirement on Feb. 1, 2025, Burroughs assumed command of the department, taking over operational leadership and administrative responsibilities.
Borough Marks Gun Violence Awareness Day
Davy also read a proclamation declaring the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day in Pennington.
The resolution cited stark statistics: 125 people are killed by gun violence each day in the U.S., and more than 260 are wounded. In New Jersey, there are an average of 437 gun deaths annually, costing the state $5.3 billion per year — $168.9 million of which is borne by taxpayers.
The proclamation emphasized that support for the Second Amendment can coexist with common-sense measures to keep guns out of dangerous hands. Observers are encouraged to wear orange in memory of Hadiya Pendleton, a 15-year-old who was shot and killed in 2013. Orange was chosen because it symbolizes the value of human life and is worn by hunters for safety.
“I encourage all citizens to support their local communities’ efforts to prevent the tragic effects of gun violence and to honor and value human lives,” Davy said.
Next Meeting
The next Pennington Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 7, at 7 p.m. For the agenda and Zoom access information, visit the Borough’s website.
