At its June 2 meeting, the Hopewell Township Committee issued proclamations recognizing LGBTQ+ Pride Month and National Gun Violence Awareness Day, and heard updates from the Youth Advisory Board and the Hopewell Valley Arts Council.
The committee unanimously affirmed its support for LGBTQ+ residents by proclaiming June as Pride Month, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Uprising as a pivotal moment in the fight for gay rights. The proclamation honored the courage and accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community in advancing equality and combating discrimination.
“In three states, the raising of the Gay Pride Flag would be illegal,” said Committee member Michael Ruger, referencing the symbolic flag now flying above the Hopewell Township municipal building.
The committee also endorsed June 6 as National Gun Violence Awareness Day, an initiative started in 2015 by teenagers in Chicago to honor their friend Hadiya Pendleton, who was fatally shot just a week after marching in President Obama’s inaugural parade. The proclamation encouraged residents to wear orange in solidarity and remembrance.
Youth Voices and Mental Health Advocacy
Members of the Hopewell Township Youth Advisory Board addressed the committee with updates on their recent initiatives, including successful advocacy for library improvements and efforts to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
Their upcoming plans include expanding the mental health campaign to Timberlane Middle School and elementary schools, utilizing social media to reach more students, advocating for more frequent Community Nights Off, and boosting the visibility of the board itself.
“Students are an important voice,” said Deputy Mayor David Chait. “You are an important part of the community.”
Arts Council to Transform Vacant Storefronts
Hopewell Valley Arts Council Executive Director Carol Lipson shared a plan to enliven vacant commercial properties by turning them into rotating exhibitions of local artwork.
“Let’s bring life and vitality to these spaces,” Lipson said, noting that a pilot effort in Pennington had drawn positive community feedback. The Arts Council would curate the displays and ask property owners to contribute modestly to cover costs.
Environmental Purchasing and Stormwater Policies Advance
The committee adopted a new environmentally-friendly purchasing policy requiring Township staff to consider environmental impacts in procurement decisions. The policy aims to protect public health and conserve natural resources.
Two ordinances were also introduced: one to expand the range of developments subject to stormwater control requirements, and another to establish a conservation easement protecting approximately 8 acres at 85 Route 31 North, owned by General Sullivan Group. Both ordinances will return for discussion and potential adoption at the next committee meeting on June 16.
