The Hopewell Borough Planning Board’s January 8, 2025 meeting included reorganization and regular business. There was a public hearing on a home renovation at 20 Louellen Street, and approval of Evolve Sky, LLC moving its planned cannabis dispensary to 52 E. Broad Street, Unit 9, instead of the previously planned 57 Hamilton Avenue.
Evolve Sky’s application regarding 52 E. Broad St. was approved during the Planning Board’s December meeting, and January’s meeting confirmed that approval to move forward with next steps. Prior coverage by MercerMe on this issue can be found here, and application documents and site plans can be viewed on the Planning Board – Hopewell Borough website.
Business moved forward quickly to a public hearing on construction currently underway at 20 Louellen Street, with the homeowner, their attorney, contractor, and architect all present to give testimony.
“This address is a sort of gateway to the town,” Board Chair Peter Macholdt noted, referring to the home as seen by traffic entering the Borough via Louellen Street from points northwest such as Lambertville, Ringoes and Flemington.
Until recent renovations began, 20 Louellen Street was known to at least a few longtime residents as “the pink ranch on the corner,” on par with the unique local charm of “the purple house on Model” or “the Victorian on Lafayette with the Christmas lights.” It occupies a prominent lot across from the Hopewell Pump House and signage welcoming drivers to town.
Architect Dan Fortunato presented plans that were designed to keep the home’s footprint the same as before, while completing extensive renovation work to the roof and walls.One side of the home includes a mother-in-law suite that the homeowner wishes to use for elderly parents, making this a home of three generations in residence.
Jim Kyle, the homeowner’s attorney, spoke on the positive community impact of multi-generational living arrangements.
“According to the town’s 2007 Master Plan, one goal is more diverse housing for all income levels and ages.” Kyle also pointed out that increasing the inventory of structurally sound housing is another Master Plan goal, and this home had been vacant for a year and was in a state of disrepair.
Next-door neighbors on either side of the home spoke in favor of the homeowner’s renovation plans during public comment.
Taking into consideration the prominent location of the home and its proximity to the historic district, the Planning Board voted to approve the applicant’s use variance on the condition that the plans are first approved by the Historic Preservation Committee.
After public hearing and voting were concluded, Chairman Macholdt asked Borough Planner Joanne Slagle for an update on NJ COAH (Council on Affordable Housing) obligations. Slagle explained that the Borough’s current “unmet need” is 101 units, but what the means in reality for the borough remains uncertain as the COAH situation remains fluid.
The next Planning Board meeting will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 7 p.m. (Borough Hall, 88 E. Broad Street).
