In what has become a familiar refrain, the redevelopment project colloquially known as Hopewell 57 and the potential sale of the borough’s water system both dominated discussion at November’s Council meeting.
Borough resident Clark Reed addressed the Council regarding the increased water and sewer rates experienced by most residents and businesses in town. Indicating that he was representing a cohort of several business owners—though he himself is not a business owner—Reed read a statement agreed upon by those small businesses. After thanking members of council for meeting with him, Reed read the statement that read:
“The restaurant owners in town would like to express our extreme dissatisfaction with [how] this entire water business has been handled… The new rate simply is not distributed fairly [and] this is very simply unsustainable… We as a group, as of right now, are refusing to pay our water bills.”
WATER ISSUES
In later comments, Reed expressed concern that “something is going on with the water system,” before citing increases that, in his estimation, do not reflect actual usage. Reed and a second gentleman who joined him at the microphone, then raised the question of whether the meters were being read properly or, by implication, the meters themselves were faulty.
Mayor Ryan Kennedy and Councilman Dave Mackie were quick to respond. “It is mechanically impossible for a meter to overread,” Mackie said before continuing, “they can underread but not overread.” Mackie, other members of council, and the public continued to discuss not only the rate increases but also the concern that usage is not being accurately recorded. Things continued to get heated before Mackie asked, “Are you accusing the Borough of fudging the numbers to bring in more revenue?” The question went largely unanswered.
HOPEWELL 57
Hopewell 57, the redevelopment project near Lafayette and Hamilton streets, will continue despite repeated concerns voiced by residents of the borough. Council had previously approved amendments to the redevelopment language that centered around an increase in the maximum allowable height but also included revisions meant to address groundwater and stormwater management. On account of the approvals issued by the Planning Board and affirmed by the council, this evening’s vote was mostly procedural, although public comments continued.
Susan Bristol from The Watershed Institute, offered critiques on the revised ordinance, including concerns about the increase in the impervious surface area due to the planned taller buildings. Other residents continued to express concerns about the height of the buildings, the environmental impact, and traffic, among other issues.
After unanimously voting to approve the resolution with its revisions, Council next voted to appoint the redeveloper and the redeveloper’s agreement.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
- In the last department of health meeting of the year, Councilmember Samara McAuliffe commented on an epidemiological report which named mental health and obesity as two issues facing Hopewell Valley communities. Additionally, the Township has hired a community health nurse and a health secretary, both of whom will start soon.
- Councilmember Sheri Hook reported that Hopewell Borough Fire Department responded to 33 calls in October, while Emergency Services responded to 56 in the same time period.
- Councilmember Mackie continued to update everyone on the process for selling the water system, explaining that Council will soon release a request to solicit qualified bids for purchasing the water system. Nothing is finalized and a vote will still need to take place via referendum before any sale is approved. But the request for bids is the next step in the process approved by Council last spring.
- Mayor Kennedy updated attendees on the borough’s affordable housing responsibilities which, as of now, stands at just under 39 units. He also previewed December’s Planning Board meeting by saying that Borough Council is looking to initiate a plan for rehabilitation for downtown, a tool that will allow businesses to enjoy certain tax incentives and other remedies for setting up shop along Broad St.
- The Mayor also thanked the congregation of Hopewell Presbyterian Church who carried out a Day of Service, meeting some maintenance and other needs around town. He went on to thank leaders and participants of the Blood Drive and Chubby’s Walk before publicly acknowledging Second Baptist Church on Columbia Ave. on their 147th anniversary. Finally, Mayor Kennedy reported on the fruits of the speed limit crackdown, saying that public safety officials noticed significant improvement in compliance as drivers entered the downtown area.
