Three new traffic roundabouts are being considered by Mercer County to improve safety at busy Hopewell Township intersections.
Matthew Lawson, assistant planning director for the county, appeared before the Township Committee on Monday seeking a resolution of support to advance the projects to preliminary engineering and final design.
The proposed roundabouts would be located at Federal City Road (CR 546) and Blackwell Road, Federal City Road and Stephenson Road, and Federal City Road at Keefe Road.
Citing Federal Highway Administration data, Lawson said roundabouts reduce fatal and serious-injury crashes by 82% compared with intersections controlled by two-way stop signs and by 78% compared with intersections controlled by traffic lights. The projects are part of the county’s Mission Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate fatal and serious-injury crashes by 2050.
Lawson explained that roundabouts differ from traffic circles such as the Pennington Circle. In roundabouts, vehicles already inside the circle have the right of way and entering traffic must yield. In traffic circles, oncoming vehicles have the right of way—at Pennington Circle, for example, Route 31 traffic has priority.
Committee member Kevin Kuchinski said the community has not been sufficiently involved in the planning and proposed a 60-day pause for outreach. Deputy Mayor David Chait supported the pause, noting the projects are on a five- to 10-year horizon. Lawson said only two informational events had been held so far and welcomed more participation, adding that a short delay would not cause problems.
Yard Waste Collection After Storms
The committee introduced an ordinance to expand yard waste collection after storms. Residents would be able to request additional collections for a fee: $50 for the first 4x4x15-foot pile per property and $35 for each additional pile. Fees could be waived if a disaster is declared.
Public discussion and a vote are scheduled for the Sept. 8 meeting.
Diverty Road Sewer Hookups
Homeowners along Diverty Road and nearby areas may soon connect to the Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority (ELSA) under a proposed ordinance that memorializes a 2021 agreement between the township and ELSA.
Kuchinski noted the long delay in implementing the agreement and the difficulties residents have faced. The regulations require an inspection of existing septic systems before connection. Property owners have been notified and forms are available on the township website. A public hearing and vote are planned for Sept. 8.
Township Supports Regional Water Authority
The committee voted to support creation of a regional water authority to replace Trenton Water Works as the township’s main water supplier. Officials cited TWW’s aging infrastructure, delayed capital improvements, staffing shortages and repeated water quality violations.
Chait said more than 60% of TWW customers live outside Trenton and called the resolution “a matter of safety and practicality.” Forming the authority with Ewing, Lawrence and Hamilton is expected to take 18 to 24 months.
Other Business
Several ordinances will be up for comment Sept. 8, including:
- Fee increases for most licenses, permits and services, including construction, towing and bulk pickup. The bulk pickup fee would rise to $50.
- Higher sewer fees in the Stony Brook service district. Non-metered water connections would be billed $495 quarterly, up from $310 plus a $100 capital improvement fee.
The committee also ratified three public-health agreements:
- Capital Health will collaborate on community health education.
- Wegmans will provide flu shots to township employees and eligible residents.
- The City of Trenton will provide case management for children with lead poisoning.
Public Concerns
Several residents raised concerns about a Sunoco pipeline running through a new Lennar development. Officials said the Planning Board is reviewing the issue as part of development plans.
Residents of Flower Hill Terrace and Bull Run Road objected to a new American Properties development tied to the township’s 2025–2035 affordable housing obligation, citing habitat loss, traffic impacts and road conditions. Chait said environmental and traffic studies will address these issues.
Students from the Youth Environmental Society at Hopewell Valley Central High School urged the committee to support the Climate Superfund Act, which would fund rebuilding of climate-damaged infrastructure. Chait thanked them for their advocacy and said he wanted to learn more about the proposal.
