*Editor’s note: A correction/clarification was made to this story to better capture Councilwoman Angarone’s comments on lead service lines
Pennington Borough Council’s October 6 meeting centered on neighborhood preservation, environmental protection, and public safety. From housing concerns on Reading Street to ongoing water-quality initiatives and emergency medical partnerships, council members and residents engaged on issues shaping life in the borough.
Residents speak up for their neighborhood
Mayor Jim Davy acknowledged receipt of a community response letter objecting to a proposal to convert the Hopewell Valley Senior Center property at 2 Reading Street into a 31-unit residential property which would include five affordable units. Several of the 40-plus community members who signed the letter aired their concerns at the Council meeting.
Davy said that although the property is in the affordable housing development plan and being reviewed by Council and the Planning Board, nothing has been approved and no developers are involved.
Despite reassurance that there are no “shovel ready” plans in the works, residents wanted to be heard. They asked that the Reading Street property be removed from the plan.
Residents emphasized that they were in favor of affordable housing, but decisions on that matter should be carefully planned. They argued against high density housing on Reading Street because it is part of a small and quiet neighborhood that does not have the means to support the proposed development. They mentioned the lack of public transit, infrastructure and road space for emergency vehicles, among other matters.
“The volume, the high density, is what we’re concerned about,” said Veena Juroshek. She spoke about potential flooding and pollution caused by the loss of natural land. She added that most residents could get behind a plan for a smaller proposal for five affordable units.
Fire Commissioner John O’Connor pointed out that the streets around the Senior Center are narrow and there are no fire hydrants. Fire trucks would have only one way in and one way out and a limited turning radius. He expressed concern that building these housing units would cause a risk to residents and emergency personnel, and that a housing plan of this size would not meet the requirements of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
Pete Tierney spoke of his concerns about children getting to school if they didn’t have a ride and parents not afford the bus fee. He estimated that it would be a 34 minute walk, and children might be inclined to take unsafe short cuts over train tracks.
“Affordable housing is really about access, not just to schools, but jobs, healthcare, groceries, really opportunities in general,” said Molly O’Connor. “Our Pennington Housing Element and Fair Share Plan and the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan both are perfectly very clear that affordable housing should be developed near public transit and community services.”
She summed up her argument saying, “Transportation is not just a convenience, it is a lifeline,” and that “the Reading Street location creates isolation from opportunity.”
O’Connor and other speakers said that the Route 31 corridor would be better suited for new housing because it is near public transit and within walkable access to community and medical services, shopping and more. O’Connor also mentioned other reasons, such as wider streets and extra infrastructure that can safely support growth.
One of the residents spoke about the problems of artificial lighting associated with high density housing units. Referring to studies showing the negative effects of light pollution, she cited the disruption of circadian rhythm leading to poor health for humans, wildlife and plants, and also mentioned excessive shadows causing safety problems.
Pat Totaro, architect and co-owner of KVD + Architecture, Inc. spoke about the proposed development’s effect on existing infrastructure. “Stormwater runoff, water pressure, and sewer capacity could be strained, potentially causing costly upgrades that fall back on the tax payers,” she said.
Davy wrapped up the housing discussion thanking everyone and guaranteeing the residents they would be informed of future housing discussions so they could be present and provide their input during the process.
Guy Lanciano, owner of the previous Wells Fargo Bank property on Route 31, had been scheduled to speak but was not be present at the meeting.
Shared Services for Basic Life Support
Council approved a resolution to continue a shared services agreement with the Hopewell Township Fire District and Capital Health, which was initially formed in 2023. The current resolution includes an addendum approving disbursement of $40,000 to the Hopewell Township fire district.
Jason Read, Emergency Medical Services (EMS)Chief of the Hopewell Fire Department, gave a brief presentation about their services. “Year to date, we’ve had just under 50 calls in Pennington Borough,” he said. He described the volunteers from the Pennington, Hopewell, and Titusville as an incredible group of people who are mission focused.
“Last week we saved a life,” he said, referring to a man who had fallen off a horse and had stopped breathing. “We brought the man back,” Read said. The team supported his immediate needs until he was transported to Capital Health. “It was because of robust coordinated responses that we were able to do this,” Read said. He added they work very closely with Capital Health and the Pennington Fire Company, which has very strong leadership, is very respected and the essence of community.
Read said that since the previous Pennington first aid squad closed in 2023, they have recruited 40 new members, but there is still a need from more volunteers. Looking ahead, Read said the EMS team is hoping to buy another battery operated stretcher capable of lifting up to 600 pounds, which relieves volunteers from the strain of heavy lifting.
Communities of Light Day promotes peace in homes and communities
In times of family crisis, victims can turn to Younity for intervention, safety, comfort and services. In recognition of Younity, (formerly Womanspace) Davy read a proclamation announcing Pennington’s support for Communities of Light Day. On October 27, residents are encouraged to place luminaries on their porches or along their driveways and sidewalks as a symbol of support for Younity.
Reading from the proclamation, Davy said that Younity “has provided emergency shelter in secure locations and comprehensive services for victims of domestic violence since 1977, sexual assault since 2002 and strangulation since 2024, for more than 130,204 women, 17,782 children and 9,397 men. Additionally, Younity has assisted more than 332,296 hotline callers over the last 48 years.”
Davy thanked Pennington’s Younity coordinator Kieran John, chair of the Borough’s Environmental Commission. He also noted that this year’s date of October 27 is a change from previous years when the event occurred in early December.
Summarizing the proclamation, Davy read: “Peace begins at home. It shines through our communities.” Learn more: Younity website (24 hour hotline: 609-394-9000).
Focus on water quality
Funding for landfill water sampling: Council has authorized Excel Environmental Resources, Inc. to apply for a state grant for $57,492 to cover the cost of drilling two bedrock water sampling wells and perform related services at the Borough sanitary landfill on Delaware Avenue. The grant is funded by the Hazardous Discharge Site Remediation Fund.
Excel has agreed to proceed with the installation immediately rather than wait for official approval because it has already spoken to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and is confident that the grant will be awarded. Excel has assured the Borough that it will proceed at its own risk with no cost or exposure to the Borough. In a notice posted on the Borough website, Davy said these wells are necessary to finalize the remedial investigation of groundwater conditions associated with the landfill.
Lead Service Line Replacement: Council President Nadine Stern said the Borough will be communicating with other municipalities to learn how they have handled lead and galvanized line replacements and related costs. Councilwoman Kati Angarone said that the legislature provides the ability to socialize the cost. Later in the meeting, Public Works Superintendent Rick Smith said that ongoing sampling has not shown results of elevated lead levels.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) remediation: Stern said that an ion exchange system could be the best remediation system for the town, based on a report by engineering company Van Note-Harvey and research by Pennington Borough staff. Smith and Borough Administrator GP Caminiti are consulting with the Borough of Rocky Hill, which has installed a working system and can help Pennington identify grant opportunities.
Borough completes Best Practices Inventory
Chief Financial Officer Sandra Webb reviewed Pennington’s results of the Best Practices Inventory issued by the State Department of Community Affairs. Webb said the inventory includes 70 questions related to budgeting, capital projects, opportunity zones, and lead remediation. A municipality receives points based on its compliance with the practices. The highest number of achievable points is 43, and a municipality must receive at least 32 points to keep its full amount of state aid.
Webb said that Pennington earned 39 points, well within the acceptable range. Pennington did not receive points for some practices, including installing electric vehicle stations on municipal property, posting labor agreements on the website, and assessing $20 for lead inspections. However, council members said they are working on getting these projects done.
Grant offer accepted for Energy Plan
Council has accepted a grant offer for $10,000 from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The money will assist the Borough in developing a Community Energy Plan aligned with the New Jersey Energy Master Plan.
Sidewalk costs
In a discussion about sidewalk installation and repair, Councilman John Valenza brought up the homeowners’ responsibility in covering the cost. However, Councilman Dan Rubenstein pointed out that sidewalks benefit the public, and Councilman Charles Marciante adamantly expressed that homeowners should not have to pay the entire cost.
Later in the meeting, Smith said that Pennington does facilitate payment in some situations. More information on the topic will be available at the November or December Borough Council meeting.
In other business
Arboretum update: Thanks to the work of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and the Environmental Commission, progress continues. Bridges have been repaired, and tree labeling is in progress.
Resident speaks for public schools: During the second public session of the meeting, Kimberly Tew voiced her support for public schools and the referendum on the November voting ballot. She acknowledged the high cost of living and reluctance among residence to have their taxes increased but discussed her concern about overcrowded classrooms, saying that three area elementary schools are expanding at an alarming rate.
She encouraged residents “to be a front runner and show families that we support our public schools.” Talking about PILOT money (Payment in Lieu of Taxes), she said that public schools do not receive any PILOT monies in the state of New Jersey and asked council members and residents to include the school district in any future PILOT negotiations.
Senior Advisory updates: Marciante and Angarone encouraged seniors to take advantage of programs offered in the Hopewell Valley region:
Hopewell Valley Rides: Transportation to or from locations within Hopewell Township and the Boroughs of Pennington and Hopewell for $8 per ride.
GrandPals: an intergenerational reading initiative that brings older adults and elementary school students together.
Learn about more programs and services, including Birthday Breakfasts, at the Senior Programs web page.
Events and Programs recommended by Council members
Trunk or Treat at Trenton Cyrus Lodge: Saturday, October 18, 4-7 pm.
Trunk or Treat at Stony Brook Elementary School: Friday, October 24, 6-7:30 pm.
Greenscaping Community Conversation: Event hosted by the Environmental Commission, now online.
Library sponsored events: Several in-person and online events for adults and kids.
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 3, 7 pm. Check the Zoom meeting page for details.
