To the Editor:
As a longtime Hopewell resident, I respect the desire for community-driven solutions — but the idea that we can “hit pause” on the decision to sell our water system is unrealistic and risks doing real harm to our Borough.
Over the past two years, Hopewell Borough officials have done exactly what opponents are now asking for: they have studied every possible alternative. They looked at maintaining ownership, forming a Municipal Utility Authority, and even relying on grants. Each option was reviewed by financial, legal, and engineering experts — and each came back with the same result: it would require millions in new municipal debt and steep rate increases.
The recently mentioned $150,000 in matching funds might sound helpful, but it’s a fraction of what’s needed. Our system requires at least $7 million in repairs and modernization to replace lead service lines and address PFAS contamination in Well No. 4. Crowdsourcing may work for Little League fundraisers, but it is irresponsible to think it can deliver the sustained, long-term investment needed for our water system.
Voting YES will result in lower rates and a chance to clear our municipal debt, allowing us to invest in other important community needs. Voting “no” doesn’t keep our options open — it leaves us stuck in a deepening hole. The costs of delay will fall directly on residents through higher taxes and water rates, and every month we wait, our infrastructure continues to age.
Hopewell has studied, debated, and planned long enough. Now it’s time to act in the community’s best financial and environmental interest. That’s why I’m voting YES on the Hopewell Borough Water System Referendum.
Sincerely,
Sab Russo
Hopewell Borough Resident
