The Hopewell 57 Redevelopment saga continues to dominate government meetings in the Borough as we head into fall, but it was the redevelopment plan on for townhouses on Model Avenue that commanded attention for much of the Planning Board meeting last Wednesday.
After no attendees came forward during the public comment period, discussion moved to the Model Ave developer’s request for more time to operate under the already approved-site plans.
“Typically, a developer has two years from the date of their site plan approval during which they are not subject to new scrutiny. If more time is needed, they can ask for up to three, one-year extensions,” explained a Board attorney, Anthony Todaro, counsel from the law firm of Faegre Drinker Biddle and Reath.
Despite some discussion among planning board members over the effects that dragging out the project might have on neighbors, several Planning Board members acknowledged that asking for and receiving such extensions was a normal part of its business. After more discussion, the Board granted the extension request.
Take a deeper dive! Here’s prior MercerMe coverage about the development on Model Avenue: Housing Planned for Hopewell Borough Lumberyard (2018), Redevelopment and Phone Company Litigation Discussed by Hopewell Borough Council (2018), Hopewell Borough Planning Board Discusses Redevelopment, Groundwater Remediation, Apartment Renovations (2018). Hopewell Borough Council Talks Redevelopment, Plastic Bag Ban, and New Purchases (2018) HB Planning Board approves lumberyard townhomes (2022)
Want to know the history of the lumberyard? Check out the Hopewell Valley History Project’s website!
Le Café, the new coffee shop planned for Seminary Avenue, received unanimous approval from the Planning Board to begin operation.
Several private residences in the Borough received approval for various projects and renovations ranging from garages to exterior stairs.
