Hopewell Borough Council postponed a vote last week on a proposed all-way stop near Hopewell Elementary School after members of the Hopewell Fire Department raised concerns that the change could slow emergency response times.
The discussion surrounding Ordinance 915 — which would establish an all-way stop at the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Seminary Avenue — dominated the May 7 Council meeting.
The proposed stop signs, first introduced during the April Council meeting, are intended to improve pedestrian safety near Hopewell Elementary School. But several members of the Hopewell Fire Department urged Council to consider alternative traffic calming measures instead.
The firehouse is located less than a block from the intersection, and firefighters said the additional stop signs could create backups on the already narrow roadway, potentially delaying emergency vehicles responding to calls. One firefighter expressed concern that traffic could queue back toward the traffic light at South Greenwood Avenue and Broad Street.
Council Member Krista Weaver presented information supporting the proposal, citing evaluations conducted by the Greater Mercer Transportation Management Association and the borough’s Pedestrian and Play Safety Advisory Committee. According to Weaver, the studies found traffic volumes at the intersection were not expected to create significant congestion or queuing.
Supporters of the ordinance also pointed to the principles of the Vision Zero Alliance, which advocates for eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries. Residents and committee members in favor of the all-way stop said they did not want to wait for an accident before taking action to improve safety.
After more than an hour of public discussion, Council voted to continue the public hearing on Ordinance 915 at its June 4 meeting rather than bring the ordinance to an immediate vote.
“It is a nuanced potential concern,” Mayor Ryan Kennedy said.
Budget adopted
Council also unanimously approved Ordinance 916, allowing the borough to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits by up to 3.5% within state-mandated caps and establish a cap bank.
Borough Administrator Jerry Giaimis presented the 2026 municipal budget, describing it as a “responsible budget” that maintains current service levels while remaining fiscally stable.
The 2026 annual budget totals approximately $4.67 million and uses $590,000 in surplus funds to offset costs while maintaining what Giaimis described as a strong financial position.
Local property taxes account for 53% of the annual budget, with the remaining 47% funded through miscellaneous revenues including sewer fees, court fees, fines, and investment interest. The borough tax rate will remain at 0.774%.
The borough’s police contract increased by $69,000 this year. Officials noted that Hopewell Borough continues to participate in several shared service agreements, including partnerships with Hopewell Township related to public health, animal control regulations, and EMS dispatch services. Kennedy shared figures that the borough is spending less on policing than Pennington and Hopewell Twp.
Giaimis also noted that the borough’s total debt service for 2026 is budgeted at $972,640. He said the figure could eventually be affected by revenue from the sale of the borough water system, though the municipality could not account for those funds in advance under state budget regulations.
Council also unanimously approved resolutions 2026-56 through 2026-59 in a single vote.
In other business, borough officials announced upcoming Green Team events. The Green Team’s next meeting is scheduled for May 12 at Gazebo Park, weather permitting, with the Little Red Library serving as an alternate location in the event of rain.
The next Hopewell Borough Council meeting is scheduled for June 4 at 7 p.m.
