Hopewell Township residents can expect a slight decrease in the municipal tax rate this year, as the Township Committee introduced its 2025 budget at its April 14 meeting. The proposed municipal tax rate will drop from $0.443 to $0.440 per $100 of assessed value—a 0.7% decrease.
Councilman Kevin Kuchinski, the Township’s finance liaison, said the Township is continuing to invest in services while holding the line on taxes. “We are expanding Township services, including an additional Public Works crew and extended seasonal staffing,” he said. “This comes on top of investments in our Police Department and Health Department in recent years.”
Kuchinski added that the Township is also reducing its debt load, helping to cut future carrying costs. “We’ll have more perspective on what this means for the average resident at our public hearing in May,” he said.
The proposed budget is currently under review by the State of New Jersey. A public hearing and final vote will follow once that process is complete. It is expected to take about 30 days.
Proclamations and Public Engagement
The Committee issued proclamations recognizing National Public Health Week, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in honor of 911 dispatchers, and Arbor Day. As part of the Township’s tree sapling initiative, about 1,000 seedlings were distributed to resident’s last weekend.
Infrastructure, Parks, and Film Ready Initiative
The Committee also approved several capital ordinances and infrastructure resolutions, including a paving grant for Denow Road ($526,000 from the NJ DOT) and a resolution to seek additional state funding for improvements at the Federal City and Bull Run intersection.
The Township is also pursuing official “Film Ready” certification from the New Jersey Motion Picture and Television Commission, a program that positions communities to host television and film productions. Councilman David Chait is leading the effort, which Township officials say could bring new visibility and economic activity to local neighborhoods and businesses.
Hopewell Township is encouraging homeowners, business owners, and property managers to list their sites in the state’s official location database at film.nj.gov. “From neighborhood eating spots to historic landmarks, newly built homes to rustic farmhouses,” the Township notes, “all properties are valuable in attracting productions.” Participation is free.
Councilman Michael Ruger also reported that the Township is exploring historic designation for additional properties.
Public Comment: Signs, Zoning, and Traffic
Residents raised concerns about sign clutter along the roadways. Township resident Richard Fletcher questioned enforcement of the Township’s sign ordinance and said signage was becoming a traffic hazard. Township officials acknowledged the issue and said their legal team is reviewing the ordinance. The council emphasized that when signs were impacting public safety they would be picked up.
Other residents asked about zoning, fencing near the BeiGene property, and PILOT-related questions, and several discussed the future use of Oldis property and the Timberlane equestrian property, across the street from the municipal building. The equestrian property is in the early stages of exploration to see if it could be a possible firehouse location.
Upcoming Events and Announcements
A public shredding event is scheduled for April 26 at 9 a.m. at the Public Works building. This event is open to residents in Hopewell Township, Pennington Borough and Hopewell Borough. Cultural Day will take place May 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The April 21 Township Committee meeting has been canceled. The next meeting is scheduled for May 5.
