Pennington Borough Council voted May 5 to designate the vacant Wells Fargo property along Route 31 as an area in need of redevelopment—setting the stage for potential housing, including affordable units. The meeting also included a proclamation honoring resident Kieran John for his work preventing domestic violence, and updates on environmental, health, and community initiatives.
Wells Fargo property identified for redevelopment
Council accepted the Planning Board’s recommendation to designate the Wells Fargo property—approximately 2.8 acres on the northwest corner of Route 31 and West Delaware Avenue—as an area in need of redevelopment. The property includes two parcels (Block 201, Lots 6 and 7), one with a vacant brick office building and bank drive-through, and the other a wooded lot with drainage features.
In a report by Kyle McManus Associates that was prepared for the Borough, the site meets the state’s redevelopment criteria due to over two years of vacancy. The report suggests the location could help Pennington meet its affordable housing obligations while also providing market-rate, handicap-accessible apartments.
The report states: “In this case, that planning process will greatly aid the Borough in addressing its constitutional obligation to provide its fair share of the region’s required affordable housing while also providing the opportunity for market-rate, handicap-accessible rental apartments. This aids in diversifying the Borough’s housing stock, which is predominately comprised of single-family detached dwellings with limited townhome and apartment options.”
“There was a lot of discussion about storm water, flooding, and road safety,” said Borough Planner Jim Kyle, referring to an April 30 public discussion of the property at the Planning Board. Councilwoman Kati Angarone noted that some residents expressed concern about the proximity of affordable housing to Route 31.
Council President Nadine Stern and Councilwoman Kit Chandler emphasized that the property is privately owned and any redevelopment will need to reflect the owner’s and developer’s interests.
In a separate feedback report on Borough redevelopment projects, resident Andrew Jackson recommended that redevelopment of the Wells Fargo property should be coordinated with Pennington’s other redevelopment projects: the Landfill and Blackwell sites.
“The common element to all,” his report says, “is that they lie in the Lewis Brook stormwater catchment area and are critical for stormwater management.”
Jackson noted that although he is a member of the Planning Board, the Master Plan Committee, and the Environmental Commission, he was not speaking on behalf of these groups but as a concerned citizen with an engineering background.
Kieran John honored for anti-violence advocacy
Mayor Jim Davy read a proclamation honoring Environmental Commission Chair Kieran John for his leadership with Younity (formerly Womanspace), a Mercer County nonprofit serving victims of domestic and sexual violence.
John led Pennington’s 2023 Communities of Light campaign, encouraging residents to display luminaries to show solidarity with survivors.
“His leadership with Communities of Light in Pennington and his work to involve the next generation in community service reflect the values we cherish and aspire to uphold,” said Davy.
John will receive the Edwin W. Schmierer Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service at Younity’s 29th Annual Awards Dinner on May 15.
Environmental Commission updates: eagles, native plants, and climate goals
Councilman Dan Rubenstein, liaison to the Environmental Commission, shared updates including:
- Encouraging residents to pursue Certified Wildlife Habitat recognition through the National Wildlife Federation by using native plants and sustainable gardening practices
- Coordinating a planting project with The Pennington School
- Exploring a bald eagle monitoring station
- Expanding the Commission’s community conversation series, with a fall session focused on “greenscaping”
- Continuing work to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions
Community health initiatives
Board of Health Chair Steve Papenberg presented information about the Mercer County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP), a countywide effort led by the Department of Health & Human Services in partnership with hospitals and community organizations.
The plan focuses on health equity, mental health, food security, chronic disease prevention, safe transportation and recreation, and maternal and child health. More information can be found on the Board of Health web page.
Historic preservation funding opportunity
Stern announced that the Historic Preservation Commission is applying for Certified Local Government status. The designation would make Pennington eligible for grants and technical support from the National Park Service and state agencies.
Upcoming events
Council members highlighted several community events:
- Pennington Day – Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., South Main Street and East Curlis Avenue. PenningtonDay.org
- Memorial Day Concert – Sunday, May 25, 5 p.m., Howe Commons
- Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 26, 9 a.m., Main Street
- Eileen M. Heinzel Memorial Arboretum Celebration – Saturday, June 7, 12 noon, Curlis Avenue
- Library & Senior Center Programs – See respective web pages for ongoing May and June events
The next Pennington Borough Council meeting is scheduled for June 2 at 7 p.m. For access information, visit the Borough’s Zoom meeting page.
