Hopewell Borough is beginning work on what could become its first ordinance specifically allowing accessory dwelling units, one of several initiatives discussed by Borough Council at its Oct. 1 meeting.
Councilman Paul Buda said a working group held its first meeting Sept. 8 to begin considering how the Borough could allow accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs, while developing standards appropriate for the community.
ADUs are smaller, independent living spaces located on the same property as a primary residence, such as an apartment within a house or a separate backyard structure.
Buda said about 10 people attended the first meeting and reviewed approaches used by other New Jersey municipalities. The group is scheduled to meet again Oct. 13.
The goal, he said, is to develop an ordinance that would allow residents to create ADUs under established rules rather than requiring individual property owners to seek variances.
Buda said the group hopes to have something ready for consideration by the end of the year, although he cautioned that the process is still in its early stages.
Utility work continues on Broad Street
Mayor Ryan Kennedy also provided an update on utility work that has been affecting West Broad Street.
Kennedy said New Jersey American Water was nearing completion of its current work, with Elizabethtown Gas expected to follow with its own project.
He said Mercer County had initially considered closing West Broad Street during the gas work but that Borough officials pushed to keep the road open. The plan instead calls for flaggers and a truck detour while allowing local traffic to continue using the road.
Kennedy also discussed recently approved New Jersey American Water rates and a temporary credit related to PFAS treatment costs. The credit, which is expected to last for 12 months, will more than offset the underlying rate increase for many Borough customers during that period.
Borough looks at sewer grease problems
Council also discussed recurring problems with grease entering the Borough’s sewer system and what additional steps may be needed to address them.
Officials discussed inspections, sewer cleaning and whether existing Borough regulations governing grease traps and interceptors are sufficient.
Kennedy said the Borough may need to consider stronger requirements for larger grease interceptors and a mechanism for assigning costs when a particular source can be identified.
He was cautious, however, about attributing recent problems to any particular business before the Borough has established responsibility.
The discussion followed additional cleaning of sewer lines and efforts to determine where grease entering the system is coming from. Council did not take formal action on a new ordinance at the meeting.
More pedestrian improvements sought
Councilwoman Krista Weaver said the Borough is preparing another application for funding through the state’s Safe Routes to School program.
The Borough is looking at additional sidewalks and crosswalk improvements intended to close gaps in the pedestrian network and improve connections around town.
Officials are also considering a smaller safety improvement at Model and Hart avenues, where Weaver said repainting no-parking areas could improve visibility for drivers approaching the intersection.
The Borough has been pursuing a series of pedestrian and traffic-calming improvements, including work around North Greenwood Avenue discussed at previous Council meetings.
Celebration Tree program moves forward
Council took two actions related to trees during the meeting.
One resolution established a dedicated account for tree-removal fees collected by the Borough. Under the resolution, that money can be used for tree replanting, forestry management and environmental mitigation.
A second resolution established a similar financial mechanism for the Borough’s new Celebration Tree Program.
The program will allow residents to pay for a tree to be planted on public property or in a public right-of-way to celebrate or commemorate someone. Donations collected through the program will be dedicated to purchasing and planting those trees.
Road project gets more time
Council also authorized the Borough to seek a six-month extension from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for improvements planned on Eaton Place, Ege Avenue and North Lanning Avenue.
The project is being funded through a state Local Aid grant. The resolution authorizes the mayor and clerk to formally request the additional six months from NJDOT.
Council did not discuss major changes to the project as part of the resolution.
New land use secretary appointed
Council appointed Christine Witt as the Borough’s municipal land use secretary at a prorated annual salary of $15,000, effective Sept. 21.
The position supports the Borough’s land-use functions, including work associated with the Planning Board.
Kennedy said the appointment is also part of an effort to better connect residents and businesses navigating land-use matters with Borough Hall.
Council also recognized longtime volunteer Eric Hendrickson for his service to the Borough, including work with the Historic Preservation Commission, Recreation Committee, summer concert series and other community activities. Hendrickson has served on the Historic Preservation Commission since 2009.
