The Hopewell Township Committee introduced a $6.18 million bond ordinance for 2025 capital improvements during its latest meetings this past week, authorizing $5.4 million in bonds to be issued. The remaining $775,332 will come from state grants and down payments made in prior years.
Officials said the new bonds would not significantly impact the Township’s overall debt, as debt from previous years has been steadily reduced.
Approximately half of the capital budget will go toward street and road improvements. Other major items include work on the Brandon Road West project, swale cleaning, drainage and stormwater compliance at Nelson Ridge, and replacement of the tennis courts at Independence Park. A full list of projects is available on the Township’s website.
The ordinance is scheduled for discussion at the April 14 Township Committee meeting.
Joint Watershed Plan Moves Forward
The Committee also approved a $100,967 contract with One Water Consulting, LLC to develop a Watershed Management Plan for the Stony Brook watershed. The plan, a joint initiative with Pennington Borough, Princeton, and Lawrence Township, carries a total cost of $249,300, to be shared proportionally among the municipalities.
Mike Pisauro, policy director of The Watershed Institute, thanked the Township for its leadership since 2022 and expressed hope the collaborative approach could serve as a model for the rest of the state.
Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning praised the Watershed coordination, saying, “When we look at the watershed in a more holistic manner, we get better results.”
Cannabis Dispensary Proposal Draws Mixed Reaction
Representatives from Jersey Meds cannabis dispensary on Route 31 presented a proposal to replace the existing Holistic Hub at 2566 Pennington Road, near the traffic circle, with a newly licensed cannabis store at the same location.
Peters-Manning noted the Township’s current moratorium on new licenses but said the Committee would consider whether to reopen the proposal process.
Three members of the public, including the manager of Pure Blossom Dispensary located just south of the proposed site, spoke in opposition during the public comment portion of the meeting.
Other public comments addressed the deteriorating condition of Maddock Road, potential septic issues on Orchard Road, and concerns with the Township’s tax assessment compliance plan.
Food Pantry, Local Couple Recognized
The Hopewell Valley Mobile Food Pantry was honored for its fifth anniversary and service to the community. Director Joe Lawver noted the Pantry has expanded its outreach from 35 individuals to more than 235.
“In over 20 years in Hopewell Valley, being involved with the Hopewell Valley Food Pantry is the single most unifying activity I’ve experienced,” Lawver said, thanking the volunteers, organizations and businesses that support the effort.
He announced plans to continue services on a more permanent basis, inviting the public to an open house on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Pantry’s base in the School District Administration Building at 425 South Main Street in Pennington.
The Committee also honored Blanche and Albert Segal for their lasting contributions to the community. Married nearly 77 years, the couple now resides at Four Seasons in Pennington.
