At its June 5 meeting, the Hopewell Borough Council discussed a packed calendar of summer events, welcomed the nearing completion of the Elizabethtown Gasworks project, and advanced plans to put the potential sale of the municipal water system before voters in November.
Council members noted that construction and road closures related to the gas project should wrap up in the coming weeks.
A full list of summer events is available on the Borough’s website. Some of the highlights include live music at Gazebo Park and the train station, the sold-out Hopewell Block Party on June 14, and the annual Town-Wide Yard Sale on June 14 and 15.
Council member Heidi Wilenius reminded residents that items set out for the post-yard-sale “dump day” trash pickup will end up in a landfill — and encouraged the community to reduce waste when possible. She urged residents to place items at the curb early in the weekend so others might claim and reuse them before they’re hauled away. Covering items with a tarp in the event of rain can help minimize weight and strain on the public works department. Additional waste-reduction tips can be found on the Hopewell Valley Green Team website.
The Council unanimously approved a series of ordinances and resolutions, including:
- Funding for improvements in the Eaton Place neighborhood;
- A revised grease trap ordinance developed in consultation with local business owners;
- A proposal to temporarily close Columbia Avenue to vehicle traffic on Halloween due to the street’s increasing popularity.
The Council also voted unanimously to send a ballot question to the Mercer County Clerk regarding the proposed sale of the Borough’s water system to American Water. The question — to appear on the November general election ballot — will ask voters to approve or reject the sale, accompanied by an Interpretive Statement explaining the measure.
Following a May 29 public information session, the Council announced a second session scheduled for Wednesday, July 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Borough Hall (88 West Broad Street). Residents are encouraged to attend or visit the Borough website for details on the proposed sale and possible alternatives.
During the meeting, the Council issued a proclamation recognizing the first Friday in June as National Gun Violence Awareness Day and Wear Orange Day. Representatives from Moms Demand Action were in attendance and took a group photo with Council members, several of whom wore orange in support of gun violence prevention efforts.
“We appreciate that you support these efforts and help us raise awareness of gun violence,” said a Moms Demand Action representative. “Other cities and towns across the U.S. are also sharing similar proclamations.”
A period of public comment followed, much of it echoing concerns raised at the previous night’s Planning Board meeting regarding the stalled renovation of 45 East Broad Street. Property owner Tom Farmer spoke about the complexity and cost of the three-year process he and his wife, Jill, have faced. (Coverage of the June 4 Planning Board meeting can be found [here].)
Borough attorney Lisa Maddox addressed the issue, stating that she had advised the Council not to intervene.
“This is not to say they shouldn’t listen, or care — because they do,” Maddox said. “This is simply a function of how local government works. Council does not have the legal authority to address how a construction official does their job.”
Frustration over half-finished buildings, vacant storefronts, and underused properties was once again a recurring theme. In response, one Council member shared that a conversation with Carol Lipson of the Hopewell Valley Arts Council had sparked an idea to display local artwork in the windows of vacant businesses, beautifying the area and promoting local artists.
The Council also discussed ways to improve communication and streamline processes, including adding more user-friendly information to the Borough website. Residents are encouraged to reach out to Council members or attend one of the Mayor’s “Drop-In Coffee Hours,” listed on the Borough events page.
Meeting videos, including the May 29 Water Sale Information Session, are available on the Borough’s YouTube channel. The July 17 session will also be posted following the event.
The next Hopewell Borough Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 10 at 7:00 p.m. at Borough Hall.
