Hopewell Township’s affordable housing future took a major step at the January 27 meeting. The Committee certified Hopewell Township’s fair-share commitment for affordable housing for 2025-2035 at 348 units, down from the 543 units proposed by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Every 10 years, New Jersey establishes calculations of low- and moderate-income housing obligations for each of its 564 municipalities in accordance with the State’s Fair Housing Act and the New Jersey Supreme Court’s Mount Laurel ruling. This year begins the fourth round of affordable housing obligations in New Jersey.
In his presentation to the Committee, Township Affordable Housing Engineer Mark Kataryniak indicated that much of the data used in DCA’s calculations comes from state-wide sources and is developed on a regional basis. This year, DCA identified an obligation for an additional 543 units for Hopewell Township over the next 10 years.
However, legislation signed by Governor Murphy in March, 2024 gives local governments a vehicle for greater participation in determining their fair-share quota based on local land use, environmental, and other factors.Township planners and consultants reviewed the DCA analysis on a parcel-by-parcel basis and concluded that only about 37% of the land identified by DCA as being developable would actually qualify as such, reducing the Township’s commitment to 348 units over 10 years, rather than the 543 designated by the State.
Township Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning reminded the Committee that the required number of units would be further reduced by the renewal of affordable housing controls in Brandon Farms and other areas, a process that is now underway.
“We in the Township believe in building affordable housing, as long as it is our fair share,” Manning said.
Looking for a deep dive into MercerMe’s affordable housing archives? Look no further.
Committee member Kevin Kuchinski commented that these numbers were not yet set in stone.
“Future legislative changes could change these numbers,” he said. Kuchinski also talked about the importance of maintaining a “defensible position” in setting the Township’s obligation, one that is supported by data and developed in accordance with the State’s formula. Failure to do so could subject the Township to extensive lawsuits or the so-called “Builder’s Remedy,” which would allow developers significant leeway in dictating the density and location of developments.
Regarding the conditions for future development, “It is important that Hopewell Township remains in control,” he said.
The Township has until the end of the month to file its certified obligation number with the State, and is required to file its development plan by June 30.
Scotch Road Traffic Changes, Conservation Easement and Other Business
The Township Committee voted to adopt changes previously proposed to lower traffic speeds near the intersection of Scotch Road and Pennington-Titusville Road and to add stop signs to make that intersection a four-way stop. The road signs have been prepared and will be installed after the ground thaws.
The Committee also introduced an ordinance to accept a conservation easement to preserve a portion of Jay C.S. Neary’s property at 115 Lewis Brook Road. The easement would preserve a portion of the property while allowing agricultural activity and meadow maintenance. The ordinance will be discussed at the Committee’s meeting on February 18.
The Committee also approved a resolution approving transfer of Super Buy Rite’s liquor license from its location on the Pennington Circle to its new, adjacent building with entrance Washington-Crossing Pennington- Road.
Township Honors Photo Contest Winners
Sixteen winners of the 2024 Hopewell Township Photo Contest were honored by the Hopewell Township Committee. More than 200 members of the community selected the winning photos from the 126 submitted.
The contest winners are Anita Bhala, Ranajit Bhal, Laura Bowen, Michael Chipowsky, Sari DeCesare, Rebecca Deporte, Andrea Fereshteh, Stacey Gennace, Nirmal Siyaal Jain, Amanda Janack, Ramesh Kumar, Marisa McGilliard, Craig Reed, Daniel Robinson, David Van Selous, and Sharie Verdu.
The winning photos are on display in the Township Municipal Building Auditorium, and will be featured in the 2025 Township Calendar.
Mayor Peters-Manning congratulated the winners and thanked all of the contest entrants for appreciating and sharing the beauty of Hopewell Valley. “For Committee members, this is one of our favorite things to do all year,” Peters-Manning said.
The next Township Committee meeting will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025 at 6:30pm. For agenda and details, click this link.
