Hopewell Township is marking America’s 250th anniversary with a tradition rooted in military service.
During Monday night’s Township Committee meeting, Mayor David Chait unveiled a commemorative USA 250 challenge coin that will be presented throughout the coming year to township employees, volunteers, board and commission members, and residents in recognition of their service to the community.
One side of the challenge coin features Hopewell Township’s official seal, while the reverse highlights the America 250 theme with the inscription “Where Washington Changed the World,” surrounding a large “250” and the years 1776–2026.
The idea, Chait said, was first suggested by Committee Member Michael Ruger and draws on the long-standing military tradition of challenge coins, which are often presented to recognize service, achievement or membership. Police departments and other organizations have also adopted the tradition.
The commemorative coins recently arrived and will be distributed throughout the year. Chait said every township employee and volunteer serving on boards and commissions will receive one, while additional coins will be handed out at community events, including this weekend’s Independence Day fireworks celebration.
“They’re keepsakes,” Chait said. “It really highlights what a special year this is.”
The Committee members and Township staff attending Monday’s meeting each received one of the first coins distributed.
The coins are one of several initiatives Hopewell Township is planning as part of the nation’s semiquincentennial celebration, which also includes the groundbreaking of the pavilion at Woolsey Park on July 4.
The Hopewell Valley Veteran’s Association will host its annual “Evening Under the Stars” event on Saturday June 27 at Woolsey Park. The free event will feature a car show, live music, and fireworks. The car show starts at 4 p.m., music by Castle Lane at 6 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. If there is inclement weather any changes will be announced Saturday morning.
Affordable housing ordinance adopted
The committee also adopted an ordinance authorizing the township to pursue condemnation proceedings if negotiations fail to obtain access and stormwater easements needed for the planned 70-unit, 100% affordable housing development on the Weidel tract.
Township Attorney Steven Goodell emphasized that negotiations remain the preferred option and that the ordinance simply gives the township an additional legal tool should an agreement not be reached.
The action comes as developer Walters Group prepares to seek New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency tax credits, with applications due July 1. Township officials said the ordinance is part of a series of actions needed to keep the project on schedule.
Committee Member Michael Ruger acknowledged that the word “condemnation” can sound alarming and asked several questions about the process. Goodell explained that property owners would receive fair market value if eminent domain were ultimately required and noted that ongoing ownership litigation involving the adjacent Har Sinai property has complicated negotiations.
Committee Member Courtney Peters-Manning cast the lone dissenting vote.
While expressing support for the affordable housing project itself, Peters-Manning said she remained uncomfortable with using condemnation authority for a privately developed project, even one that would provide entirely affordable housing.
Mayor David Chait said he shared many of those concerns but supported the ordinance because of the project’s importance to the township’s affordable housing obligations and the tight state funding timeline.
Speed limits reduced near Federal City Road intersection
The committee also introduced an ordinance reducing speed limits on portions of Federal City Road and Blackwell Road from 45 mph to 35 mph.
The change is part of the township’s ongoing effort to install a four-way stop at the intersection, an issue residents have repeatedly raised because of safety concerns.
Peters-Manning thanked township staff for continuing to move the project forward.
The ordinance will return for a public hearing and final adoption on July 13.
Salary ordinance updated
The committee unanimously adopted amendments to the township’s salary and wage plan, updating salary ranges and classifications for numerous full-time, part-time and hourly positions.
The ordinance also establishes several new job classifications, including police captain and park ranger positions, reflecting changes in township staffing needs.
In other business
The committee also:
- Introduced a $1.73 million capital ordinance to fund roadway improvements, equipment purchases, municipal building upgrades and other capital projects.
- Approved the purchase of a new police patrol vehicle. Police Chief James Rosso said the vehicle is part of the department’s long-term fleet replacement. The Chevrolet Tahoe will replace an aging frontline patrol vehicle, while a Ford Explorer scheduled for delivery later this year will expand the department’s fleet in anticipation of increased staffing. Rosso said the department has gradually added patrol cars over the past several years to prepare for higher minimum staffing levels but does not anticipate adding additional vehicles beyond the current fleet.
- Approved Hopewell Township’s participation in the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient New Jersey Regional Assistance Program. Lambertville Mayor Andrew Nowick addressed the committee in support of the regional effort, which would bring together 11 municipalities and The Watershed Institute to develop coordinated climate resilience planning.
- Heard public comments regarding a proposed warehouse application currently before the Planning Board, traffic concerns on Bull Run Road and Federal City Road, and roadside litter.
