New ordinances aimed at addressing vacant properties and improving property maintenance standards were introduced at the August 7 Hopewell Borough Council meeting. Council members also advanced funding plans for renovations to the Department of Public Works facility and announced a 9/11 steel beam transfer ceremony.
Tackling Vacant Properties and Property Maintenance
To address growing concerns over abandoned and vacant properties in the borough, council introduced Ordinance 903, which would require property owners to register such buildings, post signage, and actively market them for sale or rent.
“This is giving us tools that we didn’t have before to manage these things, and that’s really important,” said Councilman David Mackie. “There was a lot of frustration expressed by residents… Our hands were tied.”
In tandem, Ordinance 904 was introduced to strengthen property maintenance rules. However, during public comment, resident Marian Labos raised concerns about the ordinance’s wording. She noted that her front yard, a managed native meadow that supports pollinators and mitigates runoff, could be unfairly categorized as “overgrown.”
The ordinance currently states: “The owner or tenant shall also be responsible for maintaining ground to ensure or prevent overgrown or neglected vegetation of the premises.”
Council members acknowledged Labos’s point. Mackie suggested the ordinance be revised to explicitly recognize native and rain gardens as beneficial. Mayor Ryan Kennedy said the council would consult with Labos on refining the language.
DPW Renovation Funding Moves Forward
The council introduced Ordinance 905 to advance plans for renovating the Department of Public Works facility. The ordinance allows preliminary steps to proceed, but no bonds will be issued until the project reaches a later stage.
Water Sale Meeting Rescheduled
Council confirmed that the public presentation regarding the proposed sale of the Borough’s water system—postponed due to weather—has been rescheduled for September 11. The meeting will include a presentation on the referendum measure heading to the November ballot.
Honoring First Responders and Former Leadership
Councilmember Sheri Hook commended Hopewell Borough EMTs for saving three lives in recent months. The council also recognized former Borough Administrator Doug Walker for his service and welcomed his successor, Jerry Giaimis. An informal reception was held following the meeting to introduce Giaimis to residents.
Upcoming Events
- Dark Sky Light Demo: A demonstration of dark sky compliant lighting will take place at 52 East Broad Street on August 15 (rain date: August 16).
- Farmers Market Recycling: On Sunday, August 10, the Hopewell Farmers Market will include a collection for hard-to-recycle items, now expanded to accept used cashmere and batteries, according to Councilmember Heidi Wilenius.
- 9/11 Memorial Transfer Ceremony: On the morning of September 11, the borough will hold a ceremony to transfer a 10-ton steel beam recovered from the World Trade Center to Borough Hall. The beam was originally retrieved by Hopewell volunteers in 2011.
“I’m honored that they will be bringing it here for our residents to reflect on,” said Mayor Kennedy.
