A series of significant policy decisions moved forward at the Township Committee’s April 20 meeting, setting up a May 4 session that could continue to shape the township’s future on governance and development..
Although introduced at an earlier meeting, discussion continued about a potential charter study commission question on the November ballot, a new affordable housing zoning district tied to a proposed 70-unit development was introduced, and a native plant landscaping requirement. The committee also approved sending a letter to the county in support of a speed limit reduction on a stretch of Bear Tavern Road following resident concerns.
Governance review heads toward public hearing
The committee continued its discussion of a potential review of the township’s form of government, with a public hearing scheduled for May 4 on an ordinance that would allow voters to decide whether to create a charter study commission.
The move comes amid broader community conversation — including a petition effort led by former local officials called Chart New Course— about whether Hopewell Township should shift from its current committee form of government to another structure.
Deputy Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning said the proposed charter study commission would provide a structured, independent review rather than advancing a single proposed change.
“At our meeting last week, we introduced an ordinance to potentially put a charter study commission on the ballot,” Peters-Manning said, explaining that such a commission would “study all of the alternatives available” before making a recommendation to voters.
Committee members emphasized that no decision has been made to change the township’s form of government, and that the goal is to ensure a thorough, public process. The Township’s committee structure has been in place for more than 200 years since the Township was reincorporated in 1798. A charter review study would look to elect a handful of people in November that would serve on the committee to review the current and alternative forms of government for the municipality. The last time the Township had a charter review study was in 2004. At that time a change in government structure was recommended and voters turned down making any changes.
Committee member Michael Ruger said any change should not come from a narrow proposal.
“What we need to do is we need to have the right process where we have everybody who wants to participate,” Ruger said, adding that an independent review would help identify “what we’re doing right, what we’re doing wrong, and what we can do better.”
Township Attorney Steven Goodell outlined the parallel paths available under state law, noting that a petition could also force a referendum on a specific form of government — but that only one process can proceed at a time. So there could be a charter study commission or a specific plan on the ballot but not both.
If approved by voters, a charter study commission would spend time reviewing options and could place a recommendation on a future ballot.
Affordable housing district introduced for Weidel tract
The committee also introduced an ordinance creating a new AH-1 affordable housing district, tied to a proposed development on the Weidel tract.
According to the ordinance, the district would allow for a 100% affordable housing project of up to 70 units on approximately 10 acres. The measure also establishes zoning parameters including density, setbacks, and design standards.
Committee member Kevin Kuchinski said the ordinance is intended to move forward a project already envisioned as part of the township’s fourth-round affordable housing plan.
“They are proposing a 70-unit 100% affordable project on Weidel that they are working actively to get state funding,” Kuchinski said.
He added that the project is on an accelerated timeline, with an application expected by June 30, and described the ordinance as “an enabling ordinance to move forward with this project.”
The ordinance will be considered for adoption at the May 4 meeting.
Native plant ordinance moves forward
Also introduced was an ordinance requiring the use of native plant species in certain landscaping plans associated with development applications.
The measure, developed by the Environmental Commission, applies primarily to projects reviewed by the planning or zoning boards and is intended to promote ecological health by prioritizing native vegetation.
Officials noted the ordinance includes an exception process and allows for review by the Environmental Commission when non-native species are proposed.
The Planning Board previously reviewed the ordinance and found it consistent with the township’s master plan, according to meeting materials.
Discussion during the meeting focused in part on technical distinctions between plant types, including cultivars and genetically modified species, with committee members indicating additional clarification may be provided before final adoption.
Township backs speed limit reduction on Bear Tavern Road
In response to resident concerns, the committee approved a resolution supporting a request to Mercer County to lower the speed limit on a portion of County Route 579 (Bear Tavern Road) from 45 mph to 35 mph.
The request focuses on the stretch between Washington Crossing–Pennington Road (Route 546) and Pleasant Valley Road / Pennington-Harbourton Road, with additional consideration for reductions along the broader corridor.
Officials cited safety concerns, including limited shoulder space, pedestrian crossings, and the presence of school bus stops and equestrian traffic.
Kuchinski noted that the township has made recent safety improvements along the corridor and said further coordination with the county is needed.
“I think the data is clear on pedestrian vehicle incidents,” he said, adding that reduced speeds would improve reaction time for drivers and pedestrians.
The resolution authorizes Mayor David Chait to formally communicate the township’s support to the county.
Next steps
Several of the most consequential items — including the governance study ordinance, affordable housing district, and native plant requirements — are scheduled for public hearing and potential adoption at the May 4 Township Committee meeting, where additional public input is expected.
