Hopewell Township officials are pressing for answers after widespread power outages over the Fourth of July weekend left some residents without electricity for days, while also taking steps to improve traffic safety on several township roads.
At its July 13 meeting, the Township Committee approved a strongly worded letter asking the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to review Jersey Central Power & Light’s response to the storm-related outages and voted to reduce speed limits on portions of Federal City, Blackwell and Bear Tavern roads.
Township seeks state review of JCP&L response
In a letter to the Board of Public Utilities, Mayor David Chait called the prolonged outages that followed the severe storms “unacceptable” and urged state regulators to examine the utility’s restoration efforts, customer communications and the reliability of its electric infrastructure.
“Reliable electric service is a fundamental necessity that directly impacts public safety, public health, economic stability, and the overall quality of life in our community,” Chait wrote.
The township is also asking the BPU to use its oversight authority to strengthen the electrical system, improve emergency response measures and require better communication with customers during future outages.
Residents may also have an opportunity to hear directly from the utility. A representative from JCP&L is expected to attend the Township Committee’s Sept. 14 meeting.
Crossings residents seek answers on promised amenities
About a dozen residents from The Crossings development addressed the committee with concerns ranging from recycling collection and street lighting to road maintenance.
Much of the discussion, however, centered on the delayed construction of the neighborhood’s promised swimming pool and recreation facilities.
The project’s developer, Lennar, previously received an extension to complete those amenities while the township continues planning for a proposed community and senior center that officials have said would provide similar recreational opportunities.
Mayor Chait said the township remains committed to the project but did not offer a construction timeline.
“We’re actively working with all stakeholders to build on the design plans shared last year, finalizing designs and financial plans before moving to bid and construction,” Chait said.
Speed limits lowered on township roads
As part of its ongoing traffic safety efforts, the committee approved lower speed limits on several township roads.
The speed limit on Federal City Road was reduced to 35 mph between Pennington-Lawrenceville Road and Blackwell Road. Blackwell Road was also set at 35 mph.
The committee also reduced the speed limit to 35 mph on Bear Tavern Road (Route 579) between Pennington-Washington Crossing Road and Pleasant Valley-Pennington-Harbourton Road.
Chait said township officials continue to work with stakeholders on additional safety improvements along the Route 579 corridor.
In other business
The committee also:
- Approved ordinances authorizing approximately $1.73 million in previously budgeted capital spending, including road improvements, municipal building maintenance, public works equipment and design work for a cricket pitch.
- Set the township’s deer hunting season from Sept. 12, 2026, through Feb. 20, 2027, designating 14 municipal properties for managed hunting.
