Hopewell Township is moving forward with a proposal that could reshape how the municipality is governed, advancing an ordinance that would ask voters in November whether to create a Charter Study Commission to review the Township’s form of government.
The ordinance, introduced at the Township Committee’s April 13 meeting, comes as a separate, citizen-led effort is also underway to place a different governance proposal on the ballot — setting up a potential race over which question voters may ultimately consider.
Under New Jersey law, only one governance question can appear on the ballot. If adopted on second reading May 4, the Township’s ordinance would secure that position, barring a competing petition from reaching the required signature threshold first, according to Mayor David Chait.
The proposed Charter Study Commission would consist of five members elected by voters and tasked with reviewing the Township’s current structure, gathering public input, and recommending potential changes. Any changes would still require voter approval before taking effect. The Township has had Charter Study Commissions in the past and ultimately the Township voters have decided to keep the current structure over the last 20 years.
Committee members emphasized that the process is intended as a deliberate, public-facing review rather than a predetermined outcome.
“The process is designed to be thoughtful. It allows for citizen input, as it should,” Committee member Michael Ruger said during the meeting. “Changing the form of government is not something to be undertaken lightly.”
Hopewell currently operates under the traditional township form, where legislative and executive authority rests with the Township Committee, which may appoint an administrator to handle day-to-day operations.
Township officials said the study would examine a range of alternatives, including different committee structures, the method of selecting a mayor, and how authority is distributed between elected officials and administrative staff.
The Township also plans to seek up to $60,000 in state funding through the Management Enhancement Review Program to support the effort.
Public hearing and final action on the ordinance are scheduled for May 4.
Competing proposal remains in play
The Township’s action comes as a group known as Chart New Course continues to gather signatures for its own referendum, which proposes one solution and would expand the Township Committee, establish direct election of the mayor, and create a stronger town manager position.
That effort would need to reach the required community signature threshold before the Township’s ordinance is adopted in order to appear on the ballot instead.
Township officials said the Charter Study Commission approach is intended to allow for a broader, independent review before any structural changes are proposed.
Bear Tavern Road concerns prompt next steps
Beyond governance, traffic safety concerns raised by residents of Bear Tavern and Harbourton-Rocktown roads are already prompting additional action.
At the April 13 meeting, residents described speeding, unsafe passing near school bus stops, and a series of accidents along the corridor.
In response, the Township has increased police enforcement in the area and is reviewing signage and broader traffic conditions.
Chait confirmed that a letter is expected to come before the Township Committee for approval at its next meeting on April 20, formally requesting that Mercer County lower the speed limit along a portion of Bear Tavern Road from 45 mph to 35 mph.
Because the roadway is under county jurisdiction, any change would require county approval, but Township officials said they are prepared to advocate for the reduction while continuing to pursue additional safety measures.
The Township is also evaluating traffic data and considering a more comprehensive review of conditions along Route 579 and connecting roadways.
Capital budget advances with infrastructure focus
The Committee also approved a $5.9 million capital budget, with roughly $2.5 million allocated to road repairs and improvements.
Additional funding will support upgrades to municipal buildings and improvements at Woolsey Park, Independence Park, and the Municipal Athletic Complex. The budget will be partially offset by grants and prior funding, with approximately $5.05 million to be financed through bonding.
A broader municipal budget presentation, including the Open Space Program, is scheduled for May 14.
YMCA timeline tied to Hopewell Collection development
A separate resolution addressed the timing of a planned community center and YMCA facility tied to the Hopewell Collection development.
As part of the original Planning Board approval, the developer of Hopewell Collection was required to meet certain occupancy benchmarks before moving forward with recreational amenities like a swimming pool and volleyball courts. Township officials agreed to adjust that timing as the Collection reaches those thresholds more quickly than anticipated.
“We’re not letting them off,” Kuchinski said. “We’re just aligning the timing from 50 percent to 75 percent occupancy.”
Officials said discussions around funding and planning for the community center and YMCA are ongoing, with the adjustment intended to maintain momentum while negotiations continue. Since the new YMCA/Community Center would be next to the Hopewell Collection development, the hope is that if it can be constructed then additional recreational facilities would not need to be built on the Collection property.
Chait said the broader goal is to ensure the facility is developed in a way that aligns with community needs and project timing.
Additional reporting by Seth Siditsky
