At its April 3 meeting, the Hopewell Borough Council tackled a range of community issues, including new traffic-calming initiatives aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety and ongoing concerns from local restaurant owners about a new grease trap ordinance.
Safer Streets Ahead on North Greenwood Avenue
Council member Krista Weaver shared a presentation outlining the next steps in the borough’s ongoing traffic-calming efforts. The initiative builds on successful changes last year—like lowering the speed limit on West Broad Street to 25 mph—and aims to make local roads safer for everyone.
Data from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC), which is supporting the project, shows that even small reductions in vehicle speed can significantly increase a pedestrian’s chance of survival if struck by a car. Weaver, who serves as the council’s liaison to the Hopewell Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Safety Advisory Committee (PBSAC), emphasized the importance of these changes.
Next up: two intersections on North Greenwood Avenue, where new safety measures will be installed in May. At the corner of North Greenwood and Hart Avenue, an upgraded crosswalk and additional improvements will enhance pedestrian visibility. At North Greenwood and Washington Avenue, a gateway median—typically a concrete structure with signage or plantings—will signal a transition into a lower-speed zone.
“This stretch of Greenwood, near Highland Cemetery as it approaches Washington, is a perfect place for a gateway median,” Weaver said. “It gives drivers the sense that they’re leaving a country road and entering town.”
Residents may see DVRPC workers in the area over the next two weeks conducting traffic counts and preparing for installation. Project details are available on the borough website.
Weaver also hinted at future improvements that could include upgraded sidewalks and new connections to places just beyond borough borders, such as the St. Michael’s Preserve.
Restaurants Still Frustrated by Grease Trap Ordinance
Concerns over a new grease trap maintenance ordinance (Ordinance 894) resurfaced at the meeting, following earlier pushback from local restaurant owners in March.
At last month’s meeting, Aunt Chubby’s Luncheonette owner Lyn Farrugia criticized the council for not alerting business owners ahead of time about the ordinance, which could bring costly new requirements—like annual certification of grease traps by licensed plumbers. Farrugia, along with borough resident Ethan Unick, urged more transparency and communication, especially given that some business owners don’t live in Hopewell and may not follow council agendas closely.
Mayor Ryan Kennedy had suggested a follow-up meeting outside of regular council sessions to address those concerns, but Farrugia and Unick returned this month, reporting that no such meeting had taken place.
This time, all parties agreed to schedule a conversation that includes a licensed plumber, with the goal of finding a path forward. Ordinance 894 has been tabled until the May 1 council meeting, when updates from the discussion may be shared. The ordinance is available on the borough website.
Borough Administrator to Step Down
Mayor Kennedy also announced that Borough Administrator Doug Walker will step down from his role in July. Kennedy praised Walker for going “above and beyond” expectations and thanked him for his “fantastic contributions” to the borough’s operations. The search for a new administrator will begin soon.
More News and Notes
- The 2025 Municipal Budget was introduced and can be reviewed in the April 3 Council Agenda Packet, available on the borough website.
- The Council passed a resolution supporting the designation of the Sourland Region, just outside the borough, as an Area of Critical State Concern (ACSC). This designation is expected to bring more resources to help preserve the “green belt” around Hopewell, in line with the borough’s master plan.
- Resident Marion Labos voiced support for the resolution and highlighted NJ Senate Bill S1029, the Invasive Species Management Act, which has passed the state Senate and is now under review in the Assembly. Labos urged residents to contact elected officials in support of the bill and shared that a talk on native plants and butterfly gardens by Kirsi Bhasin will be held Tuesday, April 9, from 7–8:30 p.m. at Hopewell Presbyterian Church.
Mark Your Calendars
- April 10: The mid-month Borough Council meeting is canceled. That evening, the Hopewell Valley Green Team will meet via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. To attend, email hvgreenteam@gmail.com for the link.
- May 4: The annual Gazebo Park Cleanup kicks off at 8 a.m. Volunteers are encouraged to help pick up trash, clear the stream, pull weeds, and plant trees and native species. Check the event’s Facebook page for updates.
The next Borough Council meeting will be Thursday, May 1st at 7:00pm at Borough Hall.
