The Hopewell Valley Democratic Club

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 07/07/2011: Officials OK tax settlement pact - Attorney hired to handle bridge issues

By John Tredrea

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - A settlement agreement of a tax dispute with Capital Health System was approved by the Hopewell Township Committee on Monday night.

Capital Health is building a new hospital, due to open later this year, in the southern section of the township near I-95 and Scotch Road.

The committee’s vote authorizes submission of the settlement agreement to the state tax court.

Township officials say — now that an agreement with the hospital has been reached — the township will collect $4 million in taxes from Capital once the settlement has cleared the court.

The $4 million amount was calculated from the value of the hospital building while under construction for the past three years.

Those values are $14,774,000 in 2009, $63,220,000 in 2010 and $107,162,000 this year. Once the hospital is operating, it will be tax-exempt under state law, because it will be a nonprofit entity.

However, a 300,000-square-foot office building adjacent to the hospital will continue to be taxed after that building is opened along with the hospital, officials said.

The settlement ends a tax dispute that lasted about two years.

ALSO at Monday night’s meeting, the committee voted to hire Willingboro-based attorney William John Kearns to represent the township on matters pertaining to the Jacobs Creek bridge. He can be paid a maximum of $3,500 for those services under a contract approved by the committee.

Asked why officials had decided to hire Mr. Kearns, Mayor Jim Burd said Wednesday, “If we need any legal counsel on the Jacobs Creek bridge, this is the attorney that will be at our disposal.”

The mayor said no decision has been made yet for such use.

Mercer County closed Jacobs Creek bridge, in the western section of the township, in September 2009, citing safety concerns.

Several months ago, the county freeholders voted to spend more than $700,000 on a replacement bridge.

That county plan has been vigorously opposed by township residents, who say it will unacceptably affect the “Victory Trail” George Washington and the Continental Army followed on the way to the Battle of Trenton during the Revolutionary War.

In a companion measure, the committee voted to reduce, by the same $3,500 it will pay Mr. Kearns, the annual salary of Township Attorney Steve Goodell. That brings his annual salary to $115,000. Mr. Goodell said he cannot represent the township on the bridge due to a conflict of interest.

Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec and other committee members praised township Chief Financial Officer Elaine Cruikshank Borges for her job performance after noting no corrective recommendations were made in the latest independent annual audit of the township’s finances.  [Congratulations, Ms. Borges, for your fine work on behalf of Hopewell Township. Well done! ED]

Under state law, every municipality in New Jersey must be audited annually by a firm independent of that municipality. Many of those audits make recommendations for corrective action.

Garnering an audit that makes no such recommendations is “a great accomplishment,” Mr. Markulec said.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, the committee voted to adopt a $109,000 bond ordinance that will fund repairs to municipal buildings, including mold remediation, elevator repairs, window replacement, roof repairs, improved accessibility for the handicapped and other work.

TRENTON TIMES - 07/07/2011: Capital Health agrees to pay $4M in taxes to Hopewell during construction of new hospital complex

By Lisa Coryell

 

Capital Health Medical Center, Hopewell, under construction off Scotch Road on Thursday, December 9, 2010. The 237-bed, 924,000-square-foot hospital is scheduled to open in the fall of 2011. The new hospital, situated on 165 acres, will cost $530 million.

 

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — A controversial agreement to waive tax liability on the new Capital Health hospital for nearly 20 years has been scrapped under a new agreement requiring the health facility to pay its fair share of taxes.

The new deal, revealed Monday night by the township committee, calls for Capital Health to pay $4 million in taxes while the Scotch Road medical complex is under construction and to pay for all taxable portions of the complex when it becomes occupied in 2012.

“Given the controversy over the first agreement we decided it made good sense for Hopewell Township to review and renegotiate its settlement with Capital Health,” said Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom.

“What’s taxable on Capital Health’s campus will be taxed and we’ll have a world-class health facility in Hopewell Township,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec.

Capital Health officials did not return a call seeking comment on the settlement, which is subject to the approval of a tax court judge.

The new deal replaces a settlement that allowed a 20-year tax exempt status for the entire hospital campus — not just the nonprofit parts — in exchange for annual payments of $813,000 to $1.6 million that would have gone directly to the township in lieu of taxes.

That deal was roundly criticized by the Mercer County Board of Taxation and Hopewell and Pennington boroughs because it denied the county and the Hopewell Valley Regional School District, which includes the boroughs, their fair share of the taxes collected from the hospital.

County Tax Administrator Marty Guhl, who called the former agreement illegal, said the new agreement is fundamentally fair.

“At least they’re following the law,” Guhl said. “They’re paying taxes as they should be.”

Guhl said the new deal has a much better shot at getting approved by a judge than the old one.

“I think all the parties realized that the judge would never have accepted that agreement because it was illegal,” Guhl added. “So they decided to negotiate a new one.”

The original settlement was negotiated to end a dispute between the town and Capital Health over tax issues surrounding the $530 million hospital project that got under way in 2008. The major issue was whether the entire hospital campus would be subject to property taxes for the years before it became operational. Capital Health maintained that treating the hospital as commercial taxable property while it was under construction was not permitted under New Jersey law while Hopewell officials claimed that such treatment is permissible.

Under the first settlement, Capital Health agreed to pay almost $1 million for three years’ worth of rollback taxes on land that has been taken out of the tax-discounted farmland assessment to allow for development of the new health care facility. But it also provided for a tax-exempt status for 20 years that exempted Capital Health from paying taxes for the commercial space it leased within the 165.5 acre campus, most notably a 150,000-square foot medical office building that will be leased, at least in part, to doctors.

Markulec said the new deal allows for the proper apportionment of Capital Health’s tax revenues.

“We’re satisfied that the settlement protects the interests of the county and the two boroughs,” he said.

TRENTON TIMES - 07/05/2011: Hopewell Township objects to state plan that would raze dam, drain large lake

By Lisa Coryell

 

Hopewell Township resident John Maguire looks out from his backyard over Honey Lake.

 

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — News that the state and federal government are planning to pull the plug on scenic Honey Lake, even as the township and area homeowners work to save it, has elected officials here issuing an edict: Leave the dam thing alone!

In a resolution adopted by the township committee last week, members formally objected to plans to decommission the lake’s dam, which has been deemed hazardous by the state Department of Environmental Protection. The vast water body is home to plants and animals, improves local property values and helps recharge area wells, the committee said.

“We want the state to know that we, as well as the homeowners around Honey Lake, are very sincere about not wanting this lake to be decommissioned,” said Mayor Jim Burd. “We think the funds they’re planning to use to decommission the dam should be used instead to restore it.”

A hydrologist report solicited by the township recently asserted that losing the lake could cause big problems for the local aquifer and the wells that tap into it.

“We can’t afford to take any risks with that lake,” said Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom. “We really need to do what we can to preserve the dam and the lake.”

Township Administrator Paul Pogorzelski says the resolution is designed to send a frank message to the DEP and the federal National Resource Conservation Service, which oversees funding for such projects.

“We want them to stop them from considering a removal of the dam because that’s the path they’re on now,” he said. “We’re working with the neighbors to find a way to restore the dam and save the lake and they keep saying ‘Decommission the dam, decommission the dam, decommission the dam’ and it’s frustrating.”

Honey Lake dam, built in 1964, is one of six small dams on Stony Brook constructed to halt the flow of silt into Carnegie Lake in Princeton. While the dam is in no imminent danger of collapsing, it recently was designated a “high hazard dam” by the state Department of Environmental Protection due to construction of homes in its downstream flood plain in the decades since it was built.

An original sponsor of the dam was the Mercer County Soil Conservation District, but that sponsorship is set to expire in 2013, leaving the dam orphaned.

Last winter the state told the township that if the dam isn’t shored up soon, the state will decommission it and drain the lake, leaving the once beautiful lake a running brook amid marshland. The cost has been estimated at between $2 million and $4 million.

Since then the town and the homeowners have been trying to figure out a way to fund the project. Months ago they were told that federal funds were available if a public entity like the township or the county would take ownership of the dam. But last month the township was told that Honey Lake no longer qualifies for funding to restore the dam, only to decommission it. The state told the township months ago that it had $1 million to put toward the project but that amount has since been reduced to $500,000 Pogorzelski said.

“Every time we start talking about a potential solution we’re told there’s no money or less money than we believed,” he said. “They indicate that they’re seeking to decommission the dam and take it down in the next fiscal year. We’re working toward finding a way to keep the lake with the homeowners funding it and these guys keep throwing hurdles in our way.”

TRENTON TIMES - 07/03/2011: Hospital's redevelopment flatlining — Efforts are coming up empty so far to find new uses for Capital Health’s 16-acre Bellevue Avenue site

By Joshua Rosenau

TRENTON — Capital Health announced almost five years ago that it would move the services of its Mercer Campus to a new facility in Hopewell Township, but with just a few months left until the Bellevue Avenue hospital is closed, redevelopment efforts have yet to yield any new uses for the site.

“We have engaged an individual for the past two years who has reached out to and toured a couple of dozen interested parties through the Mercer County Regional Campus, looking at redevelopment,” Capital Health vice president Dennis Dooley said last week.

“Unfortunately, none of those in this current economic climate really panned out to be financially sustainable unto themselves. We quickly came to the conclusion some months back that this was clearly a property that required far more than just a single redeveloper,” he said.

Still, efforts to find a new use for the 16-acre site continue. Capital Health is paying for a redevelopment zone study to determine “what uses of the building will fit zoning requirements and meet community needs,” as well as which surrounding areas could be part of the zone, Dooley said.

A redevelopment zone designation would allow the city to borrow money and receive grants to fund redevelopment or housing projects.

The city has contracted with the Trenton architecture and development firm Clark Caton Hintz to provide planning services. The firm held a meeting last week where it fielded suggestions from residents.

Octavia Sutphin, a property owner in the area who co-founded the Rutherford Heights Revitalization Group, noted that the new study follows an earlier round of planning for the site.

“When the first planners started, they did a comprehensive plan, and we thought of low to moderate and workforce housing,” she recalled. “Then we thought it would be better if we could find a tenant such as part of Rutgers, or some entity part of higher education. It would really bring the community up.”

Sutphin said she and Ed Hill of the Rutherford Heights Civic Association have tried to voice the concerns of residents near the Mercer Campus who are bracing for the loss of jobs and commercial traffic provided by the hospital. Hill said he is pushing for Capital Health to help market the area.

“One of the things we believe will help get developers in is a façade program done in and around the neighborhood to increase the value,” Hill said.

Capital Health has indicated it would support such a program, he said. Hill also supported the idea of having a college or university such as Rutgers take over the property eventually.

“We are still waiting for them to finish their study and to decide on the designation, and then to market the site to see who would be interested,” Hill said.

The redevelopment plan should be completed within six months, though actual redevelopment will depend “on numerous variables,” said Tamaria Green, a city planning staffer.

Dooley said the Mercer Campus’ acute care services and most outpatient services will move to Hopewell, but a satellite emergency department will remain and parts of the building will be used for office space.

Capital Health is awaiting final approval from the state to transfer its operating license to the new hospital on a 165-acre parcel of property on the east side of Scotch Road in Hopewell Township, between the Interstate 95 interchange and the Merrill Lynch complex.

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services required Capital Health to maintain the satellite emergency after the agency assessed the community’s health care needs.

Capital Health expects to receive approval of the transfer this summer and open the Hopewell facility in the fall, Dooley said.

TRENTON TIMES - 07/01/2011: Hopewell authorizes $250,000 in funding to develop Pennytown site

By Lisa Coryell & Martin Griff

Part of the Pennytown Shopping Center in Hopewell Township on Wednesday, October 15, 2008.

 

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — The township this week introduced an ordinance authorizing up to $250,000 to explore further an ambitious proposal to transform the former Pennytown site and surrounding area into a walkable village and community hub.

The township committee voted unanimously to move forward with plans to fund the next steps in the redevelopment process, which include hiring consultants to create ordinances, conduct more specific testing of soils for wastewater disposal, evaluate the water supply and do legal work.

“We need these services done to make an educated decision whether to go ahead with the Marshall’s Corner/Pennytown redevelopment plan,” said Mayor Jim Burd.

On Monday night the Marshall’s Corner-Pennytown Task Force gave the committee its final recommendations for what should be included in the redevelopment of the 105-acre site on Route 31 — a main street suitable for parades, a community center, lots of green space and affordable and market-rate housing intermixed with retail space.

The project would be the first of its kind in the township — a joint effort between the municipality, which owns the 25-acre former Pennytown site, and Kooltronic Inc., which owns an adjacent 80-acre site. One developer would likely be hired to build the project.

The task force told the committee that the professionals who volunteered to serve on the panel had taken the planning as far as they could and moving the project forward was now up to the township.

In another act that affects the Marshall’s Corner area, the committee approved the sale of the Marshall’s Corner School House, which sits just outside the redevelopment area. Under the ordinance adopted on Monday, anyone buying the historic one-room building must abide by a deed restriction that requires the outside of the building to remain historically intact.

Paul Pogorzelski, township administrator, said the township will put together specs for the project, including a minimum bid amount, and solicit bids from the public within the next couple of weeks. The sealed bids will then be opened and the highest bidder will get the property, he said. Interested parties have already contacted the township to say they’re interested in participating in the bidding process, he said.

TRENTON TIMES - 07/01/2011: Debate over Jacobs Creek Bridge in Hopewell stirs support for Mercer County Executive candidate Jonathan Savage

By Carmen Cusido

 

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — Beth Kerr is a lifelong Democrat who once supported Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, but she said she will vote for Jonathan Savage, the Republican candidate for the county executive office, because of his views on Jacobs Creek Bridge.

Kerr, who has led efforts to protect the existing bridge on Bear Tavern Road, drew applause from the more than two dozen residents gathered at the bridge yesterday when she told Savage at his press conference: “I hope you continue to listen to the people,” Kerr said, adding that for two years since the county closed the bridge, she and other residents have felt Hughes hasn’t listened to them.

The Jacobs Creek Bridge site, which features a late 19th century iron bridge, is [thought to be] the site where Gen. George Washington led his troops across the creek en route to the Battle of Trenton in 1776.

Hughes and the county freeholder board are moving ahead with a bridge replacement and road realignment project that, opponents say, would cut into the historic vista. In May, the Jacobs Creek bridge site in Hopewell Township and the Petty’s Run archeological dig near the capital were named to Preservation New Jersey’s list of 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in New Jersey.

[It is estimated that George Washington crossed tens of thousands of creeks throughout the thirteen colonies and Canada during his tenure as General. Indeed, there is no definitive evidence that Washington crossed Jacobs Creek in the location of the modern Jacobs Creek Bridge on his way to the Battle of Trenton. ED]

“Due to a lack of leadership and indecision, the current county executive has kept the current bridge closed for almost two years, hurting local businesses and increasing traffic in neighborhoods along the detour route,” Savage said yesterday.

The county has proposed moving the bridge to a park and replacing it with a new structure, but some township residents and officials have said the township should take ownership of the bridge so it can be preserved and upgraded.

“The county purchased the right of way to accommodate the new bridge alignment in 1966, when Brian Hughes was 10 years old. In 2009 the state of New Jersey’s bridge inspection consultant gave the bridge the worst sufficiency rating in the entire County,” said Elizabeth Maher Muoio, the county’s Democratic chair, in an e-mail message. She added that there have been numerous public meetings and hearings held on this subject over the several decades.

Savage said the more than $700,000 spent for the design project could be spent on other structurally deficient bridges in the county.

Yesterday’s press conference at the bridge kicked off a Summer Leadership Tour that Savage, a former Ewing school board member, is planning. He will visit seven other places throughout the county that have yet to be determined.

Savage said he is running for county executive because he wants to work to create jobs and reduce county debt and taxes.

An unaffiliated voter in past years, Savage registered as a Republican this year. He has described himself as a fiscal conservative and a political centrist. He said he has heard residents say taxes are too high and jobs aren’t being created.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 06/30/2011: Pennytown plan funding ordinance introduced

By John Tredrea

 

A proposed $250,000 bond ordinance — which would pay for planners, architects, lawyers, wastewater engineers and fiscal consultants — was introduced by the Hopewell Township Committee Monday night.

The funding, if OK’d, would allow these people to devise a formal proposal for a new village centered around the 25-acre Pennytown tract.

Voting in favor of the measure were Mayor Jim Burd and Committee members Vanessa Sandom and John Murphy. Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec and Committeewoman Kim Johnson were absent.

The township purchased the Pennytown tract two years ago. The purchase was paid for with affordable housing fees paid over the years by developers, not with tax revenues.

The proposed bond measure is scheduled for an adoption vote at the committee’s July 25 meeting. A public hearing will precede the adoption vote.

Talking with township officials Monday night were members of the committee-appointed Pennytown Task Force, which has proposed creating a new village on the Pennytown tract and two nearby tracts of land — 100 vacant acres owned by Kooltronic, across Route 654 from Pennytown, and the township-owned Else tract, about 70 acres in size and just south of the Kooltronic land. The Else tract also is vacant, having been a farm until the township bought it a number of years ago.

The task force believes a small, mixed-use village, about a half-mile wide, would be the best use of the three parcels of land. The village also could include retail outlets, small parks, a senior center and teen center.

The township already has adopted an ordinance designating the three tracts a redevelopment zone. Under state law, noted township bond counsel, Ed McManimon, and township administrator, Paul Pogorzelski, that gives the township much more flexibility in dealing with prospective developers of the land than the township would have otherwise. “There’s tremendous value in the place,” Mr. McManimon has said of the area proposed for the new village. He has confidently predicted that, if the township proceeded with a redevelopment plan for the village, it would recoup all the money it spent on consultants needed to get the project off the ground as well as significantly replenishing its affordable housing funds.

Noting that the township owns both Pennytown and the Esle tract, Mr. McManimon said: “The township has all the leverage because the property is in its possession.” He added that Kooltronic has indicated it is amenable to proceeding with the redevelopment plan. “Several developers have already expressed interest” in participating in the construction of the proposed village, Mr. Pogorzelski said recently.

If the township decides to move ahead with the venture, the “first shovel could go in the ground” by 2013, according to Mr. Pogorzelski.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 06/30/2011: Murphy opts out, Sandom is back

By Ruth Luse

 

Following the recent announcement that Hopewell Township Committeeman John Murphy had decided not to seek re-election in November, the Hopewell Township Democratic Committee endorsed Vanessa Sandom, committeewoman and former mayor, to run in his place.

Had he chosen to remain on the ballot, Mr. Murphy would have been seeking his third term.

Explaining the reason for his decision, Mr. Murphy, in an e-mail message, said: “Despite my deep desire to seek another term and continue to serve the residents of Hopewell Township, the travel demands of my other job require me to withdraw my candidacy. It was a personally difficult decision to make, but you cannot run a successful campaign long distance.”

Mr. Murphy has served on the Township Committee since 2006, including two years as deputy mayor. He will serve out his current term, which expires at the end of 2011.

“Serving the residents of Hopewell Township has been an honor and a humbling experience,” said Mr. Murphy. “It is a special town with special people who care deeply about their community and have the talent and determination to preserve and enhance that which is best about Hopewell; our history, our natural resources and our sense of community. It was the works of other residents that inspired me to first run for the Township Committee and their enduring efforts while I have been in office have continued to inspire me.”

 Committeewoman Sandom — who had decided prior to the April primary election filing deadline not to seek re-election — has served on the Township Committee for nearly a decade, since September 2001. She now will run again — this time on the ticket with Allen Cannon, of Titusville.

“It’s been a great privilege and pleasure to have worked with John on the Township Committee for these past six years. I know how strong his dedication and commitment is to our community. We will all miss his vision and keen insights, and most importantly his terrific sense of humor, which have proven invaluable when working on the many difficult issues before us,” Ms. Sandom said last week.

“We wish John success in his career and are grateful for his inspired leadership as member of the committee over the last five and a half years, including as deputy mayor,” said Carol Kleis, chairwoman of the Hopewell Township Democratic Party.

TRENTON TIMES - 06/26/2011: Historic schoolhouse to be sold to save it

By Lisa Coryell

The Marshalls Corner School House at 95 Pennington-Hopewell Road in Hopewell Township. Now local officials are considering selling the historic site to a private buyer as the only way to save it.  Once the den of the local Lion's Club, the one-room structure went on to serve as the headquarters for the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association before being vacated and falling into disrepair. Now, local preservationists say selling the township-owned historic site to a private buyer is the only financially feasible way to save it from further dilapidation.

 

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — It’s been more than 80 years since the Marshalls Corner School House functioned as a learning hub for local students, but its value to the Hopewell Valley community has endured.

Once the den of the local Lion’s Club, the one-room structure went on to serve as the headquarters for the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association before being vacated and falling into disrepair.

Now, local preservationists say selling the township-owned historic site to a private buyer is the only financially feasible way to save it from further dilapidation.

“It’s a historic structure that represents the history of the township,” said Betsy Ackerman, co-chair of the township Historic Preservation Commission. “And it’s in really bad shape. We want to see this building saved, and right now the township doesn’t have the funds to do it.”

She said selling it to a private owner with funds to restore it would “bring it back to life and protect its purpose and integrity.”

With urging from the preservation commission, the township committee has taken the first step toward putting the building on the market. An ordinance introduced by the committee this month would authorize the sale by public bidding.

“That school house is very historic and very near and dear to everyone’s heart,” said Mayor Jim Burd. “But it’s fallen into great disrepair. It would be more beneficial to the building as well as the general area for it to be sold. Otherwise, we’ll have a completely dilapidated building because we don’t have the money to fix it.”

Under the terms of the proposal, the building would be sold with a deed restriction designed to preserve the historic character of the outside. The inside, which includes a large open area and a small foyer with a bathroom, could be renovated for home or office space, Ackerman said.

“It’s a very pure and simple form,” Ackerman said. “It wouldn’t take a lot of money to bring it back. It would make a wonderful law office or private library.”

Built in 1825, the building sits in a residential zone, but zoning variances could be sought, especially if someone were willing to protect its historic integrity, she said.

“The zoning board looks favorably on that type of commitment to restoration and it helps with the variance process,” she said.

Ackerman says the historic commission isn’t anxious for the township to let go of a piece of history but the alternatives are even worse. The building is now threatened by a leaking roof and a rotting foundation. It will come to worse if nothing is done, she said.

“We couldn’t even afford to mothball it at this point,” she said. “It’s with great reluctance that we came to the conclusion to sell but that’s where we are at this point.”

The township committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed sale next month.

 

 

TRENTON TIMES - 06/22/2011: Vanessa Sandom to replace John Murphy in Hopewell's general election race after his withdrawal

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - Democratic Committeeman John Murphy announced yesterday that he is withdrawing from the general election race, citing the increasing demands of his job.

The Hopewell Township Democratic Committee has unanimously endorsed Vanessa Sandom to run in his place.

“John expressed his regret that the increasing time and travel demands of his job force him to withdraw from the coming election,” said Carol Kleis, chairwoman of the local Democrats. “We wish John success in his career and are grateful for his inspired leadership as member of the Committee and past deputy mayor.”

Sandom, who earlier this year announced she would not seek re-election to a fourth term, will join Democrat Allen Cannon on the November ticket.

“I had planned on taking a hiatus from local government but John’s withdrawal from the race would have left the Democrats without a seasoned voice on the committee,” Sandom said.

“I felt it was my duty to continue the good work the Democrats have done for the township and I look forward to working with Allen next year.”

Murphy has served on the township committee since 2006, including two years as deputy mayor. He will serve out his current term, which expires in December.

TRENTON TIMES - 05/28/2011: A Pennytown for their thoughts

Letter to the Editor,

An inspirational group of citizens, the Pennytown Task Force, has forged a path toward finding a plaza where area residents can live, congregate and conduct business -- an opportunity born from grass-roots participatory democracy ("Committee members praise design for Hopewell's Pennytown," May 26).

The task force's vision of redeveloping Pennytown will include affordable and market-rate housing; senior citizen, teen and community centers; retail, office and professional space; health centers; as well as walking trails, athletic fields, green space, and more. This concept can become reality through the confluence of private, public and nonprofit partnerships, with the township calling the shots.

Now is the time for the township committee to take longer strides and demonstrate that it is capable of great achievements. This is the right project at the right time and an opportunity for the township committee to leave a legacy.

Aram Boranian,

Pennington

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 05/26/2011: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: Bridge supporters applaud 'endangered' status

By John Tredrea   HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - Local opponents of Mercer County’s plan to replace the Jacob’s Creek bridge with a much larger span in a different alignment are feeling fortified by Preservation New Jersey’s putting the bridge on its “10 Most Endangered Historic Sites in New Jersey” list.    Preservation New Jersey is a nonprofit organization that works to protect what its members believe are historic sites in the state.    “Preservation New Jersey urges Mercer County to reconsider the proposed realignment of Bear Tavern Road and replacement of Bear Tavern Road bridge,” Preservation New Jersey says on its website. “This complex rural landscape is endangered” by the county’s plan “to realign the intersection of Bear Tavern Road (with Jacobs Creek Road) and construct a new, significantly larger modern bridge downstream from the location of the current Bear Tavern Road bridge. The project would significantly undermine the landscape’s historic integrity.”    Closed more than a year ago due to safety concerns, the Jacobs Creek bridge was built in the late 19th century. It had a 3-ton weight limit when it was closed. It crosses the creek on county Route 579, or Bear Tavern Road, just north of Jacobs Creek Road.    The county recently has authorized spending more than $700,000 on design and engineering work on a bridge with no weight limit and a road re-alignment.    Opponents of that plan say it would unacceptably impact what has become known locally as the Victory Trail. George Washington and the Continental Army followed that trail, which included a difficult of fording Jacobs Creek with heavy cannon, on their way to the Battle of Trenton, a turning point of the Revolutionary War.    Hopewell Township resident Kim Robinson, a leading opponent of the county plan, said Preservation New Jersey’s putting the bridge on its Top 10 list gives a big boost to those against the county plan.    “Given the county’s march forward with its destructive plan, this could not have come at a better time,” Ms. Robinson said. “Not only will this recognition vastly increase public awareness and incredulity of that plan, it may well open up the funding avenues necessary to save this nationally storical site.”

 

TRENTON TIMES - 05/26/2011: Hopewell Twp. unveils conceptual plans for former Pennytown, Kooltronic area

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — The township’s commitment to developing the former Pennytown site and surrounding area into a walkable community deepened this week as committee members lauded a conceptual design of the project and said they’re willing to finance the next step in moving it forward.

On Monday night the Marshall’s Corner-Pennytown Task Force gave the committee a peek at its ideas for what should be included in the redevelopment of the 105-acre site — a main street suitable for parades, a community center, lots of green space and affordable and market-rate housing intermixed with retail space.

The project would be the first of its kind in the township — a joint effort between the municipality, which owns the 25-acre former Pennytown site, and Kooltronic Inc., which owns an adjacent 80-acre site. One developer would likely be hired to build the project.

“This is an exciting and unique opportunity for the township to build something that has the potential to become the heart of Hopewell Township,” said Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom. “The site is centrally located and could incorporate active and passive recreation opportunities, small retail boutiques and housing for all ages and income levels.”

With the task force’s final recommendations due next month, the township committee agreed it’s time to plan for the next step — establishing the redevelopment zone that would dictate what gets built on the site and how. The task will require the expertise of planners, engineers and other professionals and could cost up to $250,000.

Township committee members said it makes sense that the governing body pony up the funds.

“By taking this initial step, the township has control of what this whole area will look like,” said Mayor Jim Burd. “That’s very important to us. We’ll be the leaders not only in the initial steps of getting the project started but we’ll be involved in every step of the development of the area.”

The township would recoup the money spent on the studies from the developer that ultimately takes on the project.

The professional study would examine the financial impact such a development would have on the township, the traffic impact it would have on the area and the impact it would have on local water supplies. If the project seems doable, the planning board would craft the redevelopment plan and the project would go out to bid.

“This is a big first step on a project like this,” said Paul Pogorzelski.

“There were plans to build something like this south of the Pennington Circle but the project fell apart.”

That project, slated for a tract of land behind the ShopRite, was proposed by a private developer.

The Pennytown/Kooltronic project would be a collaborative effort of public and private entities operating within a redevelopment zone.

Under New Jersey’s Local Redevelopment and Housing Law, municipalities are empowered to determine whether an area is in need of rehabilitation or redevelopment, to adopt a redevelopment plan that supersedes existing zoning ordinances, and to implement redevelopment projects.

If the experts’ analysis indicates that the redevelopment project is unfeasible, the township could opt to go ahead with its plans to build 70 units of affordable housing on the Pennytown tract and Kooltronic could go forward with its own development project for 250 housing units and retail space.

But the prospect of building something bigger and better on one large tract is more attractive to the township.

“I’ve said more than once that we have a need for affordable housing in the Valley and this is a way to get affordable housing and a community project all in the same mix,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec.

Proponents of the project say the site would be an ideal place to locate a community center, a long-awaited senior citizen center and a teen center.

“Through the collaborative efforts of public private and non-profit entities, as well as township residents; we can create a legacy that reflects our vision for a model community,” Sandom said.

Pogorzelski laid out a possible time line for the project, estimating that shovels could be in the ground as early as mid-2013.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 05/26/2011: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: Pennytown tract mulled for new village

By John Tredrea

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — The Hopewell Township Committee is considering hiring a professional planner and other consultants to devise a formal proposal for a new village centered around the 25-acre Pennytown tract, which the township purchased two years ago.

   The purchase was paid for with affordable housing fees paid over the years by developers, not with tax revenues.

   A decision on whether to move ahead with drawing up the redevelopment plan for the village, which would include affordable housing as well as other residences, is expected to be made next month.

   Conferring with the Township Committee Monday night was the committee-appointed Pennytown Task Force. It proposed creating a new village on the Pennytown tract and two nearby tracts of land — 100 vacant acres owned by Kooltronic, across county Route 654 from Pennytown, and the township-owned Else tract, about 70 acres in size and just south of the Kooltronic land.

   The Else tract also is vacant, having been a farm until the township bought it a number of years ago.

   Ed Truscelli and Betsy Ackerman, of the Pennytown Task Force, told the committee the task force believes a small, mixed-use village, about a half-mile wide, would be the best use of the three parcels of land. The village could include retail outlets, small parks, a senior center and teen center.

   The township already has passed an ordinance designating the three tracts a redevelopment zone. Under state law, noted township bond counsel Ed McManimon and township administrator Paul Pogorzelski, that gives the township much more flexibility in dealing with prospective developers of the land than the township would have otherwise.

   “There’s tremendous value in the place,” Mr. McManimon said of the area proposed for the new village.

   He confidently predicted, if the township proceeded with a redevelopment plan for the village, it would recoup all the money it spent on consultants needed to get the project off the ground as well as significantly replenishing its affordable housing funds.

   Noting the township owns both Pennytown and the Esle tract, Mr. McManimon said, “The township has all the leverage because the property is in its possession.”

   He added Kooltronic has indicated it is amenable to proceeding with the redevelopment plan.

   “Several developers have already expressed interest” in participating in the construction of the proposed village, Mr. Pogorzelski said.

   Mayor Jim Burd sounded a cautionary note, saying the plan may “not seem so great for those who live in the Marshall’s Corner area” of the township, which is where the new village would go.

   “I’ve talked to some of them about this, and they feel like they’re being bowled over and rolled over,” the mayor said.

   Mr. Pogorzelski said, if the township decides to move ahead on the venture, the “first shovel could go in the ground” by 2013. 

The Hopewell Township Committee is considering hiring a professional planner and other consultants to devise a formal proposal for a new village centered around the 25-acre Pennytown tract, which the township purchased two years ago.

   The purchase was paid for with affordable housing fees paid over the years by developers, not with tax revenues.

   A decision on whether to move ahead with drawing up the redevelopment plan for the village, which would include affordable housing as well as other residences, is expected to be made next month.

   Conferring with the Township Committee Monday night was the committee-appointed Pennytown Task Force. It proposed creating a new village on the Pennytown tract and two nearby tracts of land — 100 vacant acres owned by Kooltronic, across county Route 654 from Pennytown, and the township-owned Else tract, about 70 acres in size and just south of the Kooltronic land.

   The Else tract also is vacant, having been a farm until the township bought it a number of years ago.

   Ed Truscelli and Betsy Ackerman, of the Pennytown Task Force, told the committee the task force believes a small, mixed-use village, about a half-mile wide, would be the best use of the three parcels of land. The village could include retail outlets, small parks, a senior center and teen center.

   The township already has passed an ordinance designating the three tracts a redevelopment zone. Under state law, noted township bond counsel Ed McManimon and township administrator Paul Pogorzelski, that gives the township much more flexibility in dealing with prospective developers of the land than the township would have otherwise.

  “There’s tremendous value in the place,” Mr. McManimon said of the area proposed for the new village.

   He confidently predicted, if the township proceeded with a redevelopment plan for the village, it would recoup all the money it spent on consultants needed to get the project off the ground as well as significantly replenishing its affordable housing funds.

   Noting the township owns both Pennytown and the Esle tract, Mr. McManimon said, “The township has all the leverage because the property is in its possession.”

   He added Kooltronic has indicated it is amenable to proceeding with the redevelopment plan.

   “Several developers have already expressed interest” in participating in the construction of the proposed village, Mr. Pogorzelski said.

   Mayor Jim Burd sounded a cautionary note, saying the plan may “not seem so great for those who live in the Marshall’s Corner area” of the township, which is where the new village would go.

   “I’ve talked to some of them about this, and they feel like they’re being bowled over and rolled over,” the mayor said.

   Mr. Pogorzelski said, if the township decides to move ahead on the venture, the “first shovel could go in the ground” by 2013.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 05/26/2011: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: Seniors favor Pennytown tract for center

By John Tredrea

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP - The many-years-long effort to land a full-service senior center somewhere in Hopewell Valley rolled on at Monday night’s Hopewell Township Committee meeting.

   Noting Mercer County has offered $500,000 matching grants to each of the Hopewell Valley’s three constituent towns for building such a center, Paul Pogorzelski, township administrator and engineer, summarized three possibilities for building the facility.

   Backed by the Valley’s Senior Advisory Board, which had several members at the meeting, was establishing a senior center on or near the 25-acre Pennytown tract, bought by the township several years ago. Pennytown is at the junction of state Route 31 and county Route 654.

   Other options addressed by Mr. Pogorzelski were continued use of the senior center on Reading Street in Pennington, an idea the SAB has frowned upon. That facility is about 2,500 square feet in size. The SAB says 10,000 square feet is needed for a center.

   Mr. Pogorzelski said, without building a second story — which could incur the opposition of neighboring residents, he said — the building on Reading Street could be feasibly doubled in size to 5,000 square feet with parking improvements added. That would cost about $1.5 million, he estimated.

   Mr. Pogorzelski added the construction of a new senior center building, on Pennytown or elsewhere would cost about $3 million for a 10,000-square-foot structure. Possible locations other than Pennytown he addressed included a 13-acre tract of land in northwest Pennington, just south of the Pennington Pointe residential development on the northbound side of Route 31.

   He mentioned talks with Pennington Borough officials have indicated they could support only a 5,000-square-foot building there, however.

   The third option addressed by Mr. Pogorzelski seemed the least feasible. It would be to build the senior center on land known locally as the Westrum tract, just north of Tree Farm Road on the southbound side of Route 31. The township owns the land, but its development potential is limited due to the proximity of a stream. State law sets strict boundaries on how close construction may take place to streams.

   SAB Chairman Larry Mansier backed the Pennytown site and said expanding the senior center at Pennington was not a good idea.

   "That would be sending $1.5 million down the drain,” he said.

   He said the SAB’s extensive researches on the issue show a 10,000-square-foot building is needed.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 05/26/2011: Old schoohouse sale measure gets OK

By John Tredrea, Special Writer

 

The sale by public bidding of the Marshall’s Corner Schoolhouse has been OK’d by the Hopewell Township Committee.

The committee voted 3-0 Monday night to adopt an ordinance needed for the sale to take place.

Voting in favor were Mayor Jim Burd and committee members Vanessa Sandom and John Murphy.

Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec and Committeewoman Kim Johnson were absent.

The only public comment on the measure before the adoption vote came from Jim Waltman, executive director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association.

Mr. Waltman noted that the schoolhouse building was, for a time, the association’s headquarters. It moved into much larger quarters, off Titus Mill Road, decades ago. The building also was the headquarters of the Hopewell Valley Lions Club for many years as well.

Located at 95 Pennington-Hopewell Road (Route 654), the schoolhouse dates to the early 19th century, when the township was an almost totally agricultural entity dotted with one-room schoolhouses.

Under the ordinance, a buyer of the one-story, stone and wood-frame schoolhouse will be subject to a deed restriction intended to ensure that the historic character of the building is kept intact.

Guidelines to aid its proper use have been set up by the township’s Historic Preservation Commission.

The commission has recommended that the schoolhouse’s future use be restricted to that of a single-family home. However, the proposed ordinance states that another use might be acceptable, provided it meets with the formal approval of the township Planning Board or Zoning Board of Adjustment.
 

Still standing is a former one-room schoolhouse on the other side of the township, on Bear Tavern Road at Pleasant Valley Road. Also still standing is a similar former school at Woosamonsa and Poor Farm roads.

According to Elizabeth Ackerman and Ed Truscelli, co-chairs of the Pennytown Task Force, “Marshall’s Corner was settled in the early 18th century. It was originally known as Furman’s Corner, and was founded at the intersection of two Indian paths, one connecting Hopewell and Pennington and the other connecting the Millstone River Valley to Pennington and Trenton beyond. During the Colonial period, these paths became public byways, and at this time, a lesser-used Indian path heading over the Sourland ridge to Ringoes was opened as a public byway as well.

“Like many of Hopewell Valley’s early settlers, the Furmans came west from Long Island. The original Furman farmhouse still stands today, in the northwest corner of Pennington-Hopewell Road and Woodsville-Marshall’s Corner Road. This stone and frame structure has been nominated by the Hopewell Township Historic Preservation Commission for designation to the register of local landmarks.

“Marshall’s Corner, as we know it today, got its name from its brief, but famous resident, James Marshall, who discovered gold in California in 1848. His father, William Marshall, had settled in the Furman house in the 1830s and took over as the proprietor of the village store. Today, the village is primarily comprised of frame dwellings and their modest outbuildings, dating from the mid-1800s to early 20th century, and sitting on lots ranging in size from .25 acre to 1.2 acres.”

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 04/28/2011: State: Little or no money for bridge. Township mulls Jacobs Creek ownership

By John Tredrea

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — The state Department of Transportation told Hopewell Township officials Tuesday that, if the township takes over ownership of the Jacobs Creek bridge, limited state grant money would be available to the township to build a replacement bridge, and no state money would be available to the township to repair, maintain or inspect the bridge.

   Township Mayor Jim Burd, township Administrator/Engineer Paul Pogorzelski and township resident Mary Jane Cooper met recently with Deputy DOT Commissioner Joseph Mrozek and DOT Assistant Commissioner Robert DeSando to discuss the bridge.

   Ms. Cooper has been one of many outspoken opponents of Mercer County’s replacement plan for the Jacobs Creek bridge, which was closed 15 months ago due to safety concerns.

   The opponents of the county plan say it would have too great an impact on the “Victory Trail” George Washington and the Continental Army followed on their way to the Battle of Trenton, a turning point of the Revolutionary War. That army, historians say, forded Jacobs Creek near the site of the current bridge, which was built in the late 19th century.

   In a memo to Township Committee members, Mr. Pogorzelski reported that Deputy Commissioner Mrozek said the following grants are available:

   — Local aid grants, which are typically in the amount of $150,000-$400,000 (with some exceptions as high as $500,000). These grants are for construction only. Six hundred and sixty-seven applications for these grants were received by the state from municipalities in 2011; only 370 grants were awarded. No more 2011 grants are available. Applications for 2012 grants may be made.

   — Discretionary local aid — Some money may be left for fiscal year 2011, but it is going fast, and many applications have been received, Mr. Pogorzelski said.

   The township would either have to own the bridge or have an agreement with Mercer County for ownership at the time of a grant application, Mr. Pogorzelski said. He added that, in a key stipulation, the township would have to certify in the grant application that it would pay for a bridge replacement project regardless of the amount of the DOT grant. The intent of this rule is to prevent municipalities from cobbling grant money year after year for one specific project. The cost of replacing the bridge has been estimated at several million dollars.

   Deputy Commissioner Mrozek said there is no state money available for maintenance or design engineering, and the township, if it takes over the bridge, would be obligated to perform routine inspections and any repairs required by those inspections, the Pogorzelski memo said.

   Ms. Cooper and other opponents of the county plan asked township officials to investigate taking over the bridge so the township could replace it with a structure that would have less impact on the “Victory Trail” than would the county plan.

   Therefore, township officials met with DOT officials to find out how much state help would be available if Hopewell Township did take over the bridge.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 04/28/2011: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: Three decide fate of budget

By John Tredrea

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — A 2011 Hopewell Township budget that will bring a small increase in the municipal tax rate was adopted by a 3-2 Township Committee vote Monday night.

   The budget brings with it the first increase in the township’s tax rate in four years.

   Adoption of the $20.5 million spending plan will increase the rate 1.6 cents per $100 of assessed property value to 28.6 cents.

   For the owner of a property assessed at $500,000, which is close to the township average, that would mean $80 more in municipal taxes than in 2010.

   The committee vote on the budget followed party lines. Mayor Jim Burd, Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec and Committeewoman Kim Johnson, all Republicans, voted in favor the spending plan.

   Democrats Vanessa Sandom and John Murphy voted no.

   Mr. Markulec said the budget “strikes the right balance between maintaining services and controlling taxes.”

   Mayor Burd and Ms. Johnson made similar comments.

   Ms. Sandom disagreed, saying, “We should have spent more time evaluating services and our municipal structure.”

   She said that, due to the pervasive economic downtown and its resulting devaluation of township properties, “we can’t continue doing what we’ve been doing.”

   Mr. Murphy said he voted against the spending plan because he felt capital improvements, such as work on township roads, buildings and grounds, should be left out of the budget this year.

    “Our goal was to exhaust every option in achieving a zero increase this year because we understand many residents are still struggling to make ends meet in today’s economy,” he said.

   “With that goal in mind, during our budget discussions, I voted no to approving our capital budget because I did not think this year’s capital improvements were critical to the services we seek to provide . . . given the capital budget’s inclusion, I voted no on the overall budget,” Mr. Murphy explained.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 04/21/2011: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: They’re coming: Twin Pines fields

By John Tredrea

Hopewell Township - Monday at noon was a big moment for Hopewell Valley’s active recreation community and youth sports leagues.

   Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes was joined by local officials, including ones from neighboring Lawrence Township, at a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the beginning of construction of athletic fields at the former 40-acre Twin Pines Airport site.

   “The Twin Pines fields are a perfect example of how shared services and municipal cooperation can provide recreational opportunities for a large number of participants,” said Pennington Councilman Weed Tucker at the groundbreaking. “It’s a wonderful project for all concerned.”

   Hopewell Township Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom, who was township mayor back in 2005, said in an e-mail message Tuesday: “Back in 2005, both Mayor (Pam) Mount of Lawrence Township and I went to the county, hat in hand, asking the county for land and funds to build active recreation fields in this area.

   “Instead of cutting the baby in half, County Executive (Brian) Hughes and his excellent staff led by Donna Lewis, Mercer County planning director, urged us to work together, along with Pennington and Hopewell boroughs, to apply for the Mercer at Play grant in 2008.

   “We broke ground (Monday) on one turf field and two sod fields. But we also broke ground on walking trails and a picnic area. We’re creating this park aware that we’re thereby celebrating our local intrepid pioneers in aviation — the Weasner family.

   “Together with the four municipalities, the county and countless other citizen volunteers, we will truly build our fields of dreams for generations to come.”

   The Twin Pines Athletic Complex will have three athletic fields, two of grass and one of artificial turf, along with lighting and other park amenities. An advantage of a turf field is that it can be used much more frequently than a grass field. The site is off Pennington-Lawrenceville Road, near Federal City Road in eastern Hopewell Township, near the Lawrence Township border.

   In 2008, Hopewell and Lawrence townships and Pennington and Hopewell boroughs applied jointly for a Mercer at Play matching grant from Mercer County. The application to create new athletic fields was approved, and Mercer County allocated $1.97 million in county matching funds toward the project. The county also contributed $1.2 million to acquire the land.

   “Mercer at Play” is a matching-grant program that encourages municipalities to join together to rehabilitate or create athletic fields or facilities.

   An airstrip and hangar operated on the Twin Pines Airport property from 1945 to 2008, when the airport owners — the Weasners — sold the land to the four municipalities and the county to pave the way for creation of needed athletic fields.

   Hopewell and Lawrence officials have said the fields will be used by youth soccer, lacrosse and field hockey teams.

   The grass-strip airport was one of the oldest in the nation and was once used by aviator Charles Lindbergh, whose family maintained a residence, known as “Highfields,” north and east of Hopewell Borough in the early 1930s, during which period their baby son was kidnapped.

   IN APRIL 2008, a New Beginnings celebration was held at the site.

   County Executive Hughes joined local mayors, youth sports teams, airplane enthusiasts and supporters of the airport to watch the final flight take off and to celebrate its new use as athletic fields.

   Speakers included then Hopewell Township Mayor Vanessa Sandom, Lawrence Township Mayor Mark Holmes, Hopewell Mayor Paul Anzano and Pennington Mayor Anthony Persichilli.

   A thank-you banner was presented to airport owners Bill and Jean Weasner by Hopewell and Lawrence townships’ recreation departments and youth sports participants.

   Music was provided by Hopewell Valley resident Mike Aucott and the “Mountain View” group.

TRENTON TIMES - 04/02/2011: Hopewell officials reconsider offer to take control of Jacobs Creek Bridge

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — As the county moves into the design and engineering phase of the controversial Jacobs Creek Bridge replacement project, the township committee is reconsidering the idea of taking ownership of the aging span to halt the project.

At a meeting this week committee members said they will reach out to Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes to see if his offer to deed the 129-year bridge to the township still stands.

“We’d certainly like to evaluate that option and find out whether it’s feasible,” Mayor Jim Burd said in an interview yesterday.

Hughes, who has been frustrated by the committee’s 11th hour opposition to the plan to replace the structurally unsound iron truss bridge, offered to hand over the bridge to the township last October.

He gave the committee until the end of that month to accept the offer and refused the township’s request for a year to consider the offer. The deadline came and went.

Yesterday he said the offer is still on the table but said time is of the essence.

“The clock is ticking,” Hughes said. “They had close to six months to evaluate this offer and we haven’t heard from them. Now that they see the county and the freeholders aren’t going to back down from this project, all of sudden they want to act. We aren’t going to sit around and wait another six months for the committee to take action.”

The county-owned bridge, closed as structurally unsound since the fall of 2009, is slated to be replaced with a bigger modern span to accommodate today’s traffic and allow emergency vehicles to cross it. The road leading to the bridge would be realigned to improve the flow of traffic across the creek.

In years past, the argument against the bridge replacement project has centered on the historic value of the bridge itself. But in the last two years, the focus has shifted to the historic value of the creek vista as one of the only remaining undeveloped segments of Washington’s so-called Victory Trail march to the Battle of Trenton in 1776. The creek sits in an idyllic woodsy corridor with houses tucked away here and there on higher ground.

Efforts to prevent disturbance to the neighborhood have focused on obtaining historic status for the zone, thereby obtaining certain protections from projects such as the county is contemplating. That process will take months.

The township committee, which had once reluctantly signed off on the county project out of concern for motorists’ safety, withdrew their support as concerns for the historic value of the Revolutionary War crossing site grew.

Three weeks ago, a group applying for historic status for the site found a 1700s coin and a metal stirrup during an archeological dig there.

Burd said the find has fueled his determination to preserve the site. So has the freeholder board’s decision to release funds for the design and engineering phase of the bridge project, he said.

“They decided to take the next step and we want to see what we can do to preserve the area,” he said.

The issue of taking possession of the bridge was raised by residents Monday night. Once the design of the bridge is completed the county can apply for wetlands permits it needs to begin construction, an issue that worries resident Kim Robinson.

“It is clearly now a race as to what occurs first, the county’s filing of project permits or the historic application review and designation,” she said. “While we are all hopeful a historic designation would change the course of the project, it is not a guarantee. The only guarantee Hopewell Township can protect the area the way it wishes would be for the township to take ownership of the bridge and roadway. I think it’s time for the township to once again consider this option.”

Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec said he had asked Hughes months ago about possible funding sources to repair and maintain the bridge but had not gotten an answer.

Burd said he will once again seek those answers.

Committeewoman Kim Johnson said the township must proceed cautiously with regard to taking ownership of the bridge.

“I thought it was a dead issue,” said Committeewoman Kim Johnson. “If it’s not we should explore this. But to me it’s too much money and there are too many unknowns.”

Hughes himself said he told Markulec there would be no funds coming from the county, state or federal government to repair the bridge if the township takes possession of it.

“The reason we want to build a new bridge is that it’s too expensive to keep repairing the old one,” he said. “If the township wants to take over this bridge they’ll assume responsibility for funding the repairs every two years.”

Hughes said the state funds that would be used to build the new bridge are only available if the bridge is built to federal standards — meaning unlimited weight capacities.

Those who hope to ultimately prevent the county from building a new bridge where Washington and his troops slogged across an icy creek with horses and cannons in tow are pinning their hopes on the county freeholders.

They said they were heartened by the freeholder board’s promise to thoroughly review the bridge design and make sure it fits into the area’s character before approving more funding for the project.

“I really believe them when they say they want to see the design plan to understand what everyone is so fearful of,” Johnson said. “I’m hoping when they see it, they’ll understand what (those pushing to preserve the area) are talking about.”

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 03/31/2011: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: Officials won’t sell local water system

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer

  Hopewell Township has decided not to sell the public water system that serves Washington Crossing Estates, Mayor Jim Burd said.

   Township officials were considering the sale of the system, which has had leaks and other problems.

   Residents of Washington Crossing estates, a 100-home development in the western section of the township, were adamantly opposed to the sale.

   “The Township Committee feels it would be better for the township and residents not to sell the system,” Mayor Burd said. “We’ve met with the residents of Washington Crossing Estates, and they understand that, if there are any problems with the system, they’ll be responsible for the cost.”

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 03/31/2011: Compelled to respond

To the editor:

I had the opportunity to read Mark Iorio’s recent letter where he expressed his concern for what he viewed as a lack of “respect and good manners” toward Mayor James Burd during the Township Committee meeting on Feb. 28. I was one of the residents who expressed my dismay at Mr. Burd’s handling of the new Municipal Court judge appointment at that meeting and assume some of Mr. Iorio’s comments were directed toward me. As such, I feel compelled to respond.

What frustrated me at the Feb. 28 meeting was not only the Municipal Court judge selection process that was utilized, but the mayor’s complete lack of interest in considering or even responding to those who expressed concerns over the process. Time and time again, whether it was from interested township citizens or other Township Committee members such as Vanessa Sandom or John Murphy, concerns were raised and calls were made to modify the process. Time and time again, all of those concerns and comments were met with a deer-in-the-headlights-like silence and complete lack of response, other than a curt “thank you” (I should also point out, to comment on Todd Brant’s related letter (“Political theater?”) that “thank you” was the mayor’s singular response to not only Ms. Sandom, but to everyone who commented on this issue.

And Ms. Sandom was not the first to comment. So what she had to say or how she said it had no impact on Mayor Burd’s inability to respond. He had plenty of opportunity prior to Ms. Sandom’s comments and it was clear that he had no interest in having “a real discussion” on the issue. No explanation was offered with regards to the chosen selection process’ merits or rationale, nor any valid reasons provided as to why the chosen process was appropriate or an improvement over that which had been utilized in the past. It was only after Mayor Burd was pressed in a manner in which Mr. Iorio seems to view as inappropriate that he finally responded with something other than “thank you.”

Though the mayor’s attempted explanations at that point were woefully inadequate, at least there was a response. While it is unfortunate that Mayor Burd required the township residents to go to such a length to warrant his attention, that was his decision. Mr. Iorio stated in his letter that it is his goal to “raise the debate bar to a higher level.” That is a noble goal and one that I wholeheartedly support. However, a debate involves a two-way discussion, which, at the very least, requires an acknowledgement of, and response to, the opposing party’s views and concerns.

I have no doubt that Mayor Burd is a gentleman and I respect the fact that he has chosen to spend a considerable amount of his personal time and effort to serve his community. However, with regards to the Feb. 28 Township Committee meeting, if there was any lack of respect demonstrated at the meeting, it was on the part of the mayor and his complete disregard for the opinions of his fellow committee members and township citizens. We are not talking about filling some minor township-related position. Selecting the Municipal Court judge is one of the most important appointments the Township Committee will make this year. All citizens should view it as their obligation to hold their elected officials accountable when making such important decisions. If the mayor (regardless whether that mayor is Mr. Burd or anyone else) chooses to ignore Hopewell Township citizens’ concerns, there isn’t much anyone can do to stop him. But neither the mayor nor Mr. Iorio should act surprised or upset when that chosen course of action elicits an “acerbic” or “caustic” reaction. That’s how democracy works.

Spencer Cutter, Hopewell Township

TRENTON TIMES - 03/30/2011: Tax hike for Hopewell Township under $20.5M spending plan

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP -- Residents would see the first municipal tax increase in four years under a $20.5 million budget introduced by the township committee this week.

The proposed spending plan calls for a 1.6 cent increase on the tax rate, which means $80 more next year for a home assessed at the township average of $500,000.

"It's a sound budget," said Mayor Jim Burd. "I think we made sure all the belts were as tight as could be in every municipal department while continuing to provide the necessary services to the public."

The committee introduced the budget Monday night in a 4-1 vote with Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom casting the lone vote against the introduction.

Sandom said she felt the committee could have worked harder to make cuts that would have avoided increasing the tax rate.

"I still think we need to look deeper into holding taxes flat this year because the economy hasn't gotten any better," Sandom said. "We should not be raising taxes in this tough economy."

Burd disagreed.

"I feel that the tax increase in minimal," he said. "I know there's nothing minimal in the economy today but this is the first time in four years that our residents are seeing a tax increase from the municipality. I think they can live with it."

Sandom wanted the committee to take a hard look at municipal staffing to see if savings could be found through layoffs or forced furlough days.

That proposal drew sharp criticism from union members and other township workers who said they're already working at a bare bones staffing level and could not function with fewer employees.

Sandom's colleagues on the committee did not support layoffs or furloughs.

"It was evaluated and evaluated and we felt there was no way to justify layoffs," Burd said. "The services that the staff provides are necessary."

The $20.5 million proposed budget is up from $19.9 million in 2010.

The municipal tax rate would increase to 28.6 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Committee members say deflating real estate values and tax appeals hit the township hard this year, resulting in 1 penny of that proposed increase.

During budget workshops committee members reviewed more than $300,000 in possible savings, including reductions in operating costs and cuts in services.

The committee approved almost all of them, including eliminating free bulky waste pickup for residents, estimated to bring $30,000 a year, increasing fees for liquor license renewals which would bring another $5,000, delaying the hiring of a deputy clerk and a police officer until the end of the year for a combined savings of $80,000, and eliminating a planned roadway striping for a savings of $65,000.

The committee chose not to cut items from roadway capital improvement program, saying delaying the investment in the roads would have long-term consequences.

The committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2011 budget at its meeting on April 25.

TRENTON TIMES EDITORIAL - 03/29/2011: Replace Hopewell's Jacobs Creek Bridge with historic preservation concerns addressed

By Times of Trenton Editorial Board

After countless hours of debate and argument, the Mercer County Freeholders last week authorized steps toward replacement of the Jacobs Creek Bridge in Hopewell Township.

The unanimous decision comes in the face of fractured community concerns over the 129-year-old iron truss bridge, now closed because of its instability.

Some concur with the need to install a sturdy span capable of supporting the weight of modern traffic. They see economic benefits in terms of jobs.

Many others fret that a sleek new span will invite more traffic to the area, disturbing the bucolic charm of their community. They fear construction will imperil the historic integrity of the area surrounding the bridge.

A recent archaeological dig in the creek bed yielded artifacts that included a stirrup and an 18th century coin. The finds lend credence to the claims that the bridge area was a popular crossing for travelers of that time. They bolster the theory that the creek was once forded by Gen. George Washington and his Continental Army on their way to battle the Hessians in Trenton.

The creek area is replete with history, as are so many other locales throughout this region. And the bridge itself, an unobtrusive and quaintly simple structure, fits right in with the leafy stillness that is punctuated from time to time as “the wind whispers in the hillside forest and the sun dapples the ground (while) the bridge rattles as each car crosses it,” as a group dedicated to preserving the bridge and its peaceful surroundings put it.

This area is rich with historical significance; the ground we tread on is a vault of treasures from the lives and deeds of heroes and ordinary people. However, framing every argument against progress as an infringement on the past seems as shortsighted as disregarding history altogether.

We believe the freeholders have made the stronger case. A bridge that cannot bear fire trucks or emergency vehicles is less than useless — it is dangerous. Closed since 2009 to traffic because of it deplorable condition, the bridge must be replaced.

But the freeholders are also sensitive to the concerns of residents who clearly care about preservation of a rare example of part of the Washington Victory Trail, which remains essentially as it was when traversed by Washington and his troops almost 235 years ago.

Freeholder Lucy Walter said last week the bridge and realignment of Bear Tavern Road don’t have to leave a big footprint on the area. The project, she said, can be designed in a way that “saves all the pieces.”

As the design phase of the project begins, we urge county officials to keep that objective in mind and insist on a bridge that is not an abrupt departure from the iconic style of the present span. We suggest it incorporate some acknowledgment and explanation of the crossing’s significance.

We also ask that any excavations in the area as part of the project be conducted carefully to preserve the artifacts so long consigned to the creek bed. They will help tell the story no one wants to forget.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 03/28/2011: TRENTON: Jacobs Creek bridge contract awarded

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer

 

Nearly three-quarters of a million dollars will be spent on design and engineering work on a bridge to replace the Jacobs Creek bridge in western Hopewell Township, realign Bear Tavern Road as it approaches the bridge and replace a smaller nearby bridge over Ewing Creek.

   After nearly four hours of discussion and debate March 24, which came on the heels of an even longer session on the same subject March 22, the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders voted 7-0 to approve a $721,032 contract with PB Americas Inc., of Lawrence, to do the work.

   The contract was backed by County Executive Brian Hughes, who said March 22 that “it’s time” to begin replacing the Jacobs Creek bridge, which has been closed for 15 months due to safety concerns. It had a 3-ton weight limit when it was closed.

   The new bridge, county officials say, will have no weight limit. Because of that, the state will pay for the job, which the county engineer, Greg Sandusky, has estimated at more than $4 million. If the new bridge were to have a weight limit, the county would have to pay for it, Mr. Sandusky said.

   The freeholders voted late March 24 after hours of public comment from Hopewell Township residents adamantly opposed to any plan that would realign the road in a way that impacts what is known as the Victory Trail, near the existing bridge. George Washington and the Continental Army, historians say, forded Jacobs Creek near where the bridge now stands on their way to the Battle of Trenton.

 

   Several township residents again implored the county to wait until a decision is made by the federal government on designating the area near the bridge a national historic site.

 
   Mary Jane Cooper said she expected that decision in six months. 
 

   “History is a feeling,” Ms. Walter said. “Even with all the noise of the city, fire trucks and everything else, I was still overwhelmed to be at Independence Hall. When I stood on Jacobs Creek bridge, I had that same feeling.”

   She predicted a new bridge project would be able to leave that feeling intact.

   “After a lot of thought, I am going to support” the contract to get the design done, she said. “I think it can be done in a way that will preserve all the pieces and will give us something that is safe.”

   After the meeting adjourned, Bear Tavern Road resident Beth Kerr, a leader of the opponents to the county’s plans, said, “I’m sad. I thought they understood.”

   Afraid any road realignment must inevitably have a drastic impact on the Victory Trail, she said, “We’re changing the face of Mercer County.”

 

   Like residents Sara Cooper and Kim Robinson, Ms. Kerr said the county should rebuild the existing bridge to the point where it would have no weight limit for vehicles and leave the road itself alone.

   In a statement she read to the freeholders, Ms. Robinson said, “I have heard no logical justification for the expansive project proposed when a much smaller project, in the same footprint, would meet the project needs for a much lower cost.”

   For his part, Mr. Sandusky, county engineer, continued to maintain the realignment was needed.

 

 

  “I don’t know why we can’t wait six months,” she said. “Don’t start the design now. Let’s give the veterans who gave their lives to start this country six more months.”

   Several other residents made similar comments.

   Aaron Watson, county transportation and infrastructure director, said that, based on conversations he had had earlier in the day with state and federal officials, a decision on naming the area a national historic site is at least a year away.

   He said, “We can’t delay starting work on the bridge project that long. We have a job to do. We have an unsafe situation out there, and we need to move forward.”

   Before the freeholders voted, each made a statement.

   “I’m taking the approach of a county official who has responsibility for a county road. It’s a regional arterial road that carries traffic for the greater region. The county administration’s responsibility is to ensure the road is safe. It’s an unsafe condition. We need a design so we’ll have details,” Andrew Koontz said.

   Freeholder Lucylle Walter visited the bridge and Independence Hall in Philadelphia on March 24, she said. She noted she nearly was rear-ended on Maddock Road as she approached the bridge and was nearly hit by another car, again on Maddock Road, as she left it.

   Maddock Road intersects Bear Tavern Road near the bridge and, like Jacobs Creek Road, has gotten more traffic since the bridge was closed.



TRENTON TIMES - 03/26/2011: Hopewell Township abandons plan to sell water supply system

By Lisa Coryell

HOPWELL TOWNSHIP -- Yielding to residents' pleas, the township committee has abandoned plans to sell a water supply system in Washington Crossing Park Estates to a private company.

Instead, the governing body will work with residents on a plan to build a capital projects fund that would pay for future upgrades and repairs to the township-operated system.

"I think it's an excellent plan and a whole lot better than selling the system," said Councilwoman Vanessa Sandom.

Residents who feared a rate increase under a privately owned system appeared relieved by the decision.

"Thank you for taking us from a discussion of a sale to a discussion of making this a workable system for everyone," said Donna Danna.

Still, residents questioned how much money the township would collect for the capital projects fund.

Finance director Elaine Borges suggested collecting $15,000 annually, with each of the 105 user homes contributing a flat fee each year.

Some residents balked at that amount. Others suggested waiting until the need arises before assessing users.

Nathaniel Green Road resident Wendy Worringer said the current $30,000 in the township's surplus account is enough of a cushion, and that a separate capital projects fund is not necessary.

"When the time comes that we need more money, let's go for it," she said. "We all don't like our money going to the government unless it has to."

But Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec said the surplus fund is needed to give the township flexibility in managing cash flow within the account.

He said a separate capital fee must be set aside for upgrades and emergency repairs. And the account should have enough in it to cover unforeseen costs. It's the only way to build a long-term viable system, he said.

"One reason we were talking about selling the system is that we were on a path to insolvency," Markulec said. "Together with you we're taking the steps to get out of that."

The committee agreed to meet with neighborhood representatives to determine the best way to build a fund to prepare for the system's future needs.

The township operates the water utility system and manages its $571,000 operating budget, which is largely sustained through user rates. The township hasn't raised rates for the neighbors in 15 years.

Recently a combination of factors, including a major water main break that cost thousands to fix plus a hefty fine from the state Department of Environmental Protection, prompted officials to re-evaluate the financial viability of the system.

But talk of selling the system prompted outrage from residents who feared their rates would be jacked up as soon as a private company took over.

TRENTON TIMES - 03/25/2011: Mercer freeholders approve engineering-design contract for Jacobs Creek Bridge project

By Carmen Cusido

Mercer County freeholders Thursday night voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve a controversial $721,032 contract for engineering and design work for the reconstruction of portions of Bear Tavern Road and two bridges in Hopewell Township, including Jacobs Creek Bridge.

The decision capped dozens of meetings at which the subject was discussed, fought over and debated with a public contingent that feared the reconstruction project would destroy the charm and historic character of the woodsy area and invite a heavier flow of traffic.

In making their decision last night, the freeholders stressed that it was essential to move ahead with the project in light of the extremely rickety condition of the popular Jacobs Creek Bridge, which has been closed due to structural unsoundness.

Freeholder Lucy Walter said the bridge and road project doesn’t have to leave a big footprint on the area. "History is a feeling more than anything else," Walter said. The project, she said, can be designed in a way that "saves all the pieces."

The engineering and design work could take a year to complete before any construction work might begin, county spokeswoman Julie Willmot has said.

Closed to traffic since September 2009, Jacobs Creek Bridge is rated the lowest in the county on a "structurally deficient" list at 6.5 points out of a possible 100 points.

Despite public fears of heavier traffic that stronger bridges might bring to Bear Tavern Road, Freeholder Andrew Koontz Thursday night said county roads should not be limited to local traffic alone.

Koontz said the county’s responsibility is to ensure the road is safe. He said he was also comfortable going ahead with the engineering-design work because "there is a great deal of flexibility in the contract," and the county can adjust if circumstances change.

Freeholder John Cimino argued in favor of the project, saying it wasn’t an easy decision but that he had been elected to make difficult decisions. "The time to move is now," Cimino said.

About 50 people, half the number that showed up at a similarly meeting Tuesday, were at Thursday night’s gathering. Some brought paintings and posters of Jacobs Creek and other documents. More than a dozen people spoke during the public comments section.

Among them was Nancy Weinstein of Titusville, who said people on her side agree that Jacobs Creek Bridge is unsound but want the new bridge to conform to the area.

"I don’t think anyone is disputing that bridge is structurally deficient. We are disputing the type of bridge," said Weinstein.

At one point, Greg Sandusky, the county engineer, said he felt he was being cross-examined by the public.

Closed to traffic since September 2009, Jacobs Creek Bridge is rated the lowest in the county on a "structurally deficient" list at 6.5 points out of a possible 100 points.

The county would replace the 129-year-old iron truss bridge with a bigger, modern span built to accommodate "unlimited weight," a standard that is required by the federal government, according to Willmot.

In years past, the argument against the county bridge project has centered on the historic value of the bridge itself. But in the last two years, the focus has shifted to the historic value of the creek vista as one of the only remaining undeveloped segments of Washington’s so-called Victory Trail.

Efforts to prevent disturbance to the neighborhood have focused on obtaining historic status for the zone, thereby obtaining certain protections from projects such as the county is contemplating.

In a dialogue with a couple of the residents, Aaron Watson, director of transportation and infrastructure for the county, said a response from the federal government on historic status might not come for a long time.

"We cannot afford to leave this bridge open until 2012," said Watson.

TRENTON TIMES - 03/24/2011: Hopewell Township land owners threaten legal challenge over sewer service denials

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP — As the township negotiates to reduce the number of properties that would get sewer service in the southern end of town, the owners of two large tracts are hinting they will sue the town if they’re denied service.

The battle over extending sewer service and how to pay for it could trigger significant housing development in the Pennington Circle/Route 31 area of town, and township officials are wrangling to keep the growth in check.

Lawyers for the Zaitz and Hutchinson families, who own two adjacent parcels behind ShopRite on the circle, have warned that the township’s attempts to remove them from the sewer service area for fear of sparking development on their land would not withstand legal challenge.

Under current zoning laws their land could yield 159 single family homes combined if sewer service were available.

“Be advised that Zaitz Trust will take any actions necessary to prevent the removal of the Zaitz parcel from the sewer service area,” said attorney Michelle Lamar, reading from a letter her law firm sent to the township committee. “Accordingly, before making any decisions that will adversely impact the development potential of the Zaitz parcel, we request that each of you reconsider the consequences of the vote.”

Township officials are seeking a way to bring sewer service into the southern tier without sparking development that many fear will increase traffic, tax municipal services and increase the demand for school services.

The township needs the service for 180 homes it intends to build near I-95 as part of its affordable housing plan. The service would also replace failing septic systems that plague homes and businesses around the Pennington Circle and along Route 31.

To that end, the township has hammered out a deal with the Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority to provide more than 260,000 gallons of capacity a day for service to some 150 homes and businesses.

But in a loud and prolonged outcry, residents have protested the $40,000 cost per home of buying into the sewer service, which includes buying the capacity from ELSA, paying for the construction of the sewer lines and hooking into the service.

Although the Zaitz Hutchinson tracts weren’t originally included in the area slated for service under the proposed ELSA contract, they are in a sewer service area delineated on the county’s map. Township officials proposed extending sewers to the Zaitz and Hutchinson tracts as a way to offset costs to the homeowners.

But residents protested even louder, saying the cost of sewers would still be prohibitive and the added development would unfairly burden the most densely populated area of town and crowd schools.

So the township agreed to renegotiate with ELSA for less capacity that would serve just the affordable housing site and the businesses around the circle, who have all agreed to pay the price.

ELSA has said it would be willing to reopen contract talks with the township.

But the owners of the 78-acre Zaitz and Hutchinson land aren’t about to be denied a chance at the sewer service that would pave the way for a lucrative development deal.

“The township’s sudden change in position regarding the suitability of the Zaitz parcel for development is motivated by irrational and illegal considerations and not legitimate planning and zoning reasons,” Lamar said.

An attorney for the Hutchinson family expressed the same sentiments and added that the family would be willing to sell its own tract back to the township for open space at a price that reflected its value as developable land with sewer service.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 03/24/2011: Represent us all!

To the Editor:

I am a member of the public who took the time to attend the March 28 Hopewell Township Committee meeting. I was greatly disappointed and offended in reading the letters that appeared in a recent Hopewell Valley News by Mark Iorio, Hopewell Township’s GOP municipal chairman, and Todd Brant, who has served as treasurer for the campaigns of Republican Committee members James Burd (our current mayor), Michael Markulec (our former mayor before Mr. Burd) and Kim Johnson.

While both Mr. Iorio and Mr. Brant do seem to acknowledge that Mayor Burd could have been more inclusive in the way in which he handled the hiring of the township’s new judge, they spend the majority of their time chiding the two Democrats on the committee for complaining too stridently about Mayor Burd’s handling of this issue.

Mr. Iorio further states: “It is one thing to argue an issue in earnest and yet another to allow a meeting to dissolve into a scolding session.” I contend that frustration often creates tension. I am left to wonder how many times a member of the committee should have to express concerns. At what point does the behavior concerned become an obvious ethical violation? Our current committee seems to be aligned by party. The minority might as well just be dismissed as their objections fall on deaf ears. What is worse is that the mayor, knowing full well that his selection would be approved, did not hear the pleas to evaluate the process further.

Mr. Iorio also states: “There were also several residents who came up to the podium to discuss their displeasure with the process. Some were civil and others were not.” Well, I was one of those people.

It seems to me that any time our political leaders (and their backers) chide the public for voicing their concerns, they do a disservice to democracy. I am a veteran of 25 years of voluntary service to our nation. In that time I have willfully defended democracy and freedom in Grenada, Korea, Europe, New York, Washington D.C., Afghanistan and Iraq. The enemies of democracy are both foreign and domestic. I am blessed to have made this Valley my home. My criticisms of local politicians and their policies were referred to as “uncivil,” or “bickering” or “insulting.” As anyone can see by looking at the footage of my statement (at www.HVDemClub.com), there was nothing rude in my comments to the mayor nor in my plea that he would at least reconsider his process before the vote took place.

On the contrary, I find their mischaracterization of my exercise of my fundamental political rights to be “insulting.” I find the policy of excluding committee members from the selection process of our new judge to be “uncivil.” I find the appointment of this new magistrate in our community, without adequate debate or analysis or plain old neighborly discussion, to be exactly what I fought against while serving my country at home and abroad.

Mr. Brant says: “The work of the members of the Hopewell Township Committee is to address the concerns confronting Hopewell Township, and not turn the committee meetings into a political theatrical event.” On the surface, this seems reasonable enough. Of course, the concerns confronting Hopewell Township are what the Township Committee should be concerned with! But when the majority bulldozes the minority party’s representatives on the committee, when it prevents them from even being a part of the process of choosing our township’s new judge, there is little left for them to do but voice their concerns and dissatisfaction with the process.

Mr. Brant calls this creating a “political theatrical event.” I call it representing the interest of the entire community. Both Mr. Iorio and Mr. Brant feel free to exercise the rights that our Armed Services protect with their lives. The Constitution is historically reaffirmed by those who give their lives to ensure all have equal rights. Mr. Iorio and Mr. Brant insist that some respect should be shown to those who disrespect the office and the community they are sworn to serve. That suggestion is as insulting as ignoring the community one swears under oath to serve.

The democratic process is too valuable to good order and peace to be selfishly pushed aside on an egotistical whim unless, you are one who does nothing to contribute to its protection. Politicians should see their representation of the people as an honor. It is disheartening to have proof in the mayor that we are not all represented and there is no interest in the concerns of the community. While you gentlemen may applaud the mayor’s lack of response, I contend that it was not civility that held his tongue, but his inability to explain his process’ link to the Constitution and democracy.

You gentlemen should highlight the process and examine it. All of us are not blessed to be eloquent in our conveyance of our perspective. We are, however, protected in our right to express our perspective. I think we all agree that we should expect our representatives to represent us all, not merely themselves.

 

Allen Cannon, Titusville

TRENTON TIMES - 03/17/2011: N.J. town proposes limiting mating of roosters, chickens in backyard farms to 10 days a year

By Lisa Coryell

SPECIAL TO THE TIMES - HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP

It might not make the chickens happy, but the township committee hopes to keep the peace in neighborhoods by limiting conjugal visits between roosters and hens in backyard farms.

Male fowls would be allowed into the henhouses 10 days a year under an ordinance introduced by the township committee Monday night. No rooster would be allowed to stay more than five consecutive nights and any crowing would be strictly prohibited.

"You can bet if you have one rooster in there with six hens, he’s going to be crowing," chuckled John Hart, a beef farmer who sits on the town Agricultural Advisory Committee that helped draft the ordinance. "Only in Hopewell Township would we waste the time and money on chicken legislation. Other towns are laughing at us."

Hopewell began working on the law several years ago when a father came to town hall to inquire about rules for keeping chickens in the backyard to teach his children about the cycle of life. That ruffled feathers among the town officials, who decided the laws on chickens were ambiguous and needed to be clarified.

Three years and countless legal hours later the ordinance was unveiled for consideration.

The draft ordinance lays out the rules for keeping backyard fowl; the only livestock permitted on township properties less than five acres.

Under the law, up to six hens would be allowed on half-acre lots; but mature roosters would be forbidden.

"They make too much noise," Hart said. "They’ll be out there crowing at a full moon."

The male fowls would be allowed limited time on the property "for purposes of fertilization" but they’d have to keep quiet while they were there. Any rooster caught crowing for a prolonged period of time would subject the property to a two-year moratorium on all rooster visits.

Hens do not need roosters around to lay the unfertilized eggs used for eating. Each hen will lay an egg a day on average.

The law also regulates how to shelter chickens, store their feed and dispose of their waste.

Proponents say the ordinance is needed to prevent any squabbling among neighbors in places where suburbanites want to try their hand at chicken farming.

Hart, who owns the Rosedale Mills feed store on Route 31, says it’s a growing trend among people looking for a healthier diet of homegrown food.

"Most people keep the chickens so they can have fresh eggs," Hart said. "We used to sell 1,000 chicks a year. Last year we sold more than 3,000."

Hart also sells chicken coops to people all over the state. One couple comes in from New York to buy supplies for a pair of chickens they keep on an outside deck, he said.

He also hosts a Chicken Chat in the spring and the fall for people to share ideas about raising poultry.

He recounted a conversation last spring between a little girl and an old-time farmer who attended the gathering. The child was asking for advice on what to do with a hen that pecked and broke the eggs laid by other hens.

"The guy said, ‘I just wring their necks,’" Hart recalled. "I told him ‘No, no, no, you can’t tell people that. These people think of their chickens as pets!’"

Mayor Jim Burd said the ordinance is a good balance between the town’s suburban lifestyle and rich farming history.

"Our agrarian roots are the backbone of the township and we want to do what we can to keep that going," Burd said.

HOPEWELL VALLEY NEWS - 03/17/2011: HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP: Officials to chart new sewer course

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer

The Hopewell Township Committee has decided to reduce significantly the scale of an effort to bring public sewer service to the southeastern section of the township.

   The committee made that decision Monday night after enduring two hours of blistering criticism from scores of residents of the southeastern area. Many said they don’t need sewers and are nowhere near able to pay the kind of money the committee had told them it would take to get them.

   The residents also were up in arms about the fact that the scrapped plan had enough treatment capacity for hundreds of new homes and commercial space equivalent to half the size of Merrill Lynch’s large Southfields office park, located off Scotch Road, between I-95 and Route 546.

   Under the new plan it agreed to pursue at the end of the grueling session, the committee will propose to the Ewing-Lawrence Sewerage Authority (ELSA) that it only provide the township with enough treatment capacity for the businesses on and near the Pennington Circle that want sewer service, plus enough capacity for 180 affordable housing units on the Weidel tract, off the western side of Route 31, between I-95 and the circle.

   “We’ll see what type of reaction we get from ELSA on just getting enough capacity for the businesses at the circle and the affordable units,” township Mayor Jim Burd said by telephone Tuesday morning. “We’re taking that approach because a lot of residents told us they don’t want the sewers and can’t afford them.”

   The mayor predicted that, if the township decides to go back to ELSA at a later date to seek treatment capacity for residential areas that don’t want the treatment now, “it’ll cost more” than it would have this time around.

   In an e-mail Tuesday morning, Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom said: “It is clear that the overwhelming number of residents in the proposed sewer service area are emphatically opposed” to the plan the township has decided to discard.

   “It would be financially devastating to many of them, most don’t want the sewer service, and it would be completely inappropriate for the committee to impose that burden on them. We must go back to ELSA and obtain only the capacity we absolutely need, and no more,” she added.

   The affordable housing units on the Weidel tract would help the township satisfy its state mandate to provide housing for low- and moderate-income residents.

   The discarded plan called for ELSA bringing 266,000 gallons a day of sewage treatment capacity to the southeastern section. Given that 300 gallons per day of sewage treatment is considered adequate for one dwelling, the 266,000 gallons is enough for 888 dwelling units. In sewer parlance, those units are known as Equivalent Dwelling Units (EDUs).

   The residential areas in line for sewer service under the scrapped plan included Indian Village, Diverty Road, and the streets on the eastern side of Route 31 between I-95 and the circle — Orchard and Crest avenues, Plymouth Street and Beech Street.

   The EDU concept is an important one on this issue. There are 320 existing residences in the portion of the township that would have gotten sewers under the discarded plan and 16 existing non-residential structures. The residences account for one EDU each. The 16 existing non-residential structures account for 49 EDUs, since, on average, they each use would use considerably more than 300 gallons per day.

   The grand total of existing residential and existing non-residential EDUs is only 369 EDUs. That means 519 EDUs in the southeastern section would be used by new development — 266 residences, including 180 affordable housing units on the Weidel Tract, and 243 EDUs for new non-residential development. Those 243 EDUs translate to enough sewage treatment for about 700,000 square feet of non-residential development, or about half the size of Merrill Lynch’s Southfields office park.

   The EDU concept was key, because the concept would have been used to pay off the debt incurred by bringing in the sewers. The total cost of bringing them in under the scrapped plan was estimated at $22,550,000. The township would have borrowed that money. That debt would have been paid off, over a period of 18, years, by levying an annual special assessment, or tax, of $1,905 per EDU.

   An illustrative example of what this could mean to some property owners is a lot, currently with just one house on it, that could hold four houses if the sewers were brought in (sewers permit much greater density of development than septic systems). Since that lot could have held four houses instead of one if the sewers were brought in, the owner of the lot would have to pay four times $1,905, or $7,620, in the special assessment each year for 18 years, unless he or she were given an exception of some kind. Important to note is that they would have to pay that amount regardless of whether they built any more houses on the lot or not.

   That’s all on top of the thousands of dollars it would cost anyone to physically connect into the sewer system, and public water system that would come with it, plus about $1,000 annually per home for water and sewer bills.

   Relieved that the Township Committee had changed its mind, Plymouth Street resident Paul Kiss said in an e-mail to the committee after adjournment Monday night: “Thank you for listening to us and making the effort to work with us on this vitally important decision. After the meeting, I heard many previously cynical people express hope that maybe their voices can be heard, and that maybe their committee does care. Please continue down the path you started on at the end of the meeting. Explore alternatives. Don’t be held hostage by ELSA, don’t be afraid to say no to sewers and development! We stand behind you, and are depending on you.”

   The municipal auditorium was packed to standing-room-only capacity by about 100 people Monday night. Scores of speakers told the committee the now-scrapped plan was unfair and unreasonable, would be a financial disaster to many them and would bring a flood of unwanted residential and commercial development.

   All the speakers had their say before the committee decided, at the very end of the marathon meeting, to reduce the plan to one seeking sewers only for businesses at the circle and the affordable housing units.

   Orchard Avenue resident Eric Wells said he did a door-to-door survey of his neighborhood. He got 52 responses. “Fifty said they didn’t want sewers, one did, and one didn’t respond,” he told the HVN.

   “The community basically doesn’t want sewers,” added Plymouth Street resident John Connor. “It’s not broke, don’t fix it.” His statement against the scrapped plan, like many other statements made Monday night, was followed by loud applause and vigorous cheering from the gallery.

   “It seems funny we’re being lassoed into this picture when we don’t want sewers,” said Joseph Dutko, who lives on Route 31 between the circle and I-95. “If the township as a whole needs it (for the affordable units), then the township as a whole should be assessed to pay for it.”

   “I’m against it. I can’t afford it,” said Daniel Marina of Indian Village. “We’ll probably have to sell our house if you do it.””This is a very hard time economically for people,” said Geri Estren Brown of Diverty Road. “Gas is going up. The real estate market is depressed. It would be imposing a hardship on working people. We’re not rich people. We are the affordable housing of Hopewell Township. More development would further deteriorate our quality of life.”

March 15, 2011, HVDemClub.com Editorial -- Bickering and Insults by Liberty Bell

I was flabbergasted by the letter of Mark Iorio, Hopewell Township GOP municipal chairman, which appeared in the March 10 issue of the Hopewell Valley News, and which comments upon the February 29 Hopewell Township Committee Meeting.

Iorio begins by admitting, “It is clearly the case that Vanessa Sandom and John Murphy had a valid point as to the way in which the (new municipal judge) interview process unfolded. It could have and should have been more inclusive. Ms. Sandom and Mr. Murphy were not involved in the interview process for each candidate and should have been.”

So, this is the true Republican line. What Mayor Burd did wasn’t sanctioned. It was an error.  A booboo.  Made with the best of intentions, but still a mistake.

Then, as soon as Iorio announces the inadequacy of Mayor Burd’s approach to this judicial appointment, he goes on the attack.

He first downplays the Mayor’s Forest-Gump-like, bumbling mishandling of the affair, and labels him “Gentleman Jim Burd,” a kind of verbal pat on the head designed to contrast him against the venomous harpy across the aisle – Democrat Vanessa Sandom.

Then, he recasts Mayor Burd’s abject refusal to be inclusive during this judicial review as a well-intentioned, but not-quite-so-successful political stumble, while Ms. Sandom’s criticism of Mayor Burd’s judicial policies is painted as “unnecessary bickering and insults.”

Iorio adds, “In this case, Mr. Burd made it clear that it was not his intent to exclude anyone.”  No, despite numerous strident warnings by Ms. Sandom and Mr. Murphy beforehand, Mayor Burd excluded the minority party from all substantive involvement concerning this judge replacement by . . . by, what exactly?  By accident?  Is that it?  It was just an accident?

Mr. Iorio is drawing the party line here:  We’re standing behind our Mayor.  And we’d rather paint him as a bumbling, but at least not mean-spirited bobble-head than some autocrat intentionally excluding his fellow Township Committee Members from key decisions.  After all, autocrats aren't faring particularly well these days – at least not in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya.

The trouble is, this "Gee, I didn't really mean to exclude anyone" routine simply doesn’t add up.

One only has to examine the taped sessions of previous Township Committee Meetings to see Ms. Sandom warning Mayor Burd that his policy was exclusionary and dictatorial before he went ahead and codified it, and before he selected the one candidate that he and the rest of the Republicans propped up before the minority Democrats on the Committee and said, “See.  Here’s the guy.  Vote for him (and him only).  Or don’t.  But, as the minority, it doesn’t really matter what you think.  We’re going to ‘vote’ in this new judge regardless.”

It is disingenuous to paint Mayor Burd as an incompetent leader versus the bully that he’s become because the facts speak otherwise. He was warned again and again and chose to pursue this course.  He didn’t stumble upon it.  To imply that he did insults not only Mr. Burd, but the intelligence of the concerned citizens of this valley.

And to blame the minority for speaking out against this perceived injustice is like complaining of someone’s accent or choice of words when they rush into a room yelling, “Fire.”  Who cares if he doesn’t have an upper crust, old school accent, if he isn’t lifting his pinky finger in exactly the right way as he picks up his tea cup?  Instead of simply running away, or putting their heads in the sand, Sandom and Murphy came back into the room just to warn Mayor Burd, Mr. Marculek and Ms. Johnson.  They yelled, “Fire,” and are continuing to yell Fire, and all that they’re getting back in return is, “Hush, stop that yelling.  It’s rude.”

When I hear Mr. Iorio describe the opposition’s dissent as “bickering and insults,” I am reminded of King George speaking of his “traitorous” subjects over there, in the new world.  Those damned bickering and insulting Colonists in Boston, dumping all that taxable tea in the harbor.  Really, have they no manners?  But when you can’t beat them on substance, the old debating maxim tells us, try and beat them – or beat them up – on style.  Perhaps that will distract the masses from seeing the truth.

To top it all off, King Mayor Burd didn’t even have the courtesy to debate with, or respond to the members of the community who came out the evening of February 28 to voice their dissatisfaction about the judge selection process.  No, wait.  He did respond.  He said, “Thank you,” and then moved on to close the discussion.  Were these citizens satisfied with Mayor Burd’s response?  Click here to see for yourself.

My advice to you is, Mr. Iorio, the next time someone rushes in yelling “Fire,” whether he's a Committee Member or ordinary citizen voicing his opinion, don’t tell him to shut up, sit down, and be quiet. Don’t tell him he’s rude, or ill-mannered, or prone to “bickering and insults.” Stop and actually listen to him. You never know.  He might actually be trying to help this town, and you in the process.

 

Liberty Bell

TRENTON TIMES - 03/12/2011: Hopewell faces deadline on sewer service contract

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP -- Faced with overwhelming opposition to a plan that would force homeowners in the southern end of town to pay for new sewer lines, the township committee must decide how to fund the infrastructure that is integral to the town's affordable housing plan.

At a meeting Monday night, residents who live along Route 31 turned out in droves to protest a plan that calls for them to pay more than $25,000 for sewers that would alleviate failing septic systems in the area, even if the residents don't connect to the lines.

"This proposal will impose a severe financial hardship for every family and even be life changing, especially for senior citizens on fixed incomes," said Dean Harrison, who lives on Orchard Avenue. "This is an unfair burden on the shoulders of our community."

Some residents said the cost of the sewer service, which would include an additional $18,000 to connect to the service lines, is double what it would cost them to build and maintain new septic systems.

Township officials have explained that the costs, to be borne by the homeowners and businesses eligible for the new service, would help pay the $22.5 million it will cost the township to purchase the sewer capacity from Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority, build the infrastructure needed to bring in the service and finance the bonds to pay for it all.

Township committee members acknowledged that most residents don't like the price tag associated with the service.

"I think if the service cost $5,000 everyone would be in favor of it. The trouble is it just costs too much money, said Paul Pogorzelski, township business administrator. "The majority of people are clearly in opposition to it."

But the township needs the sewer lines, not just to address the failing septic problems but to provide sewer service to 180 affordable housing units planned for a tract of land near the Ewing border. The units are a key piece of the township's affordable housing plan.

Without the service, the state-mandated housing plan would be incomplete, leaving the township vulnerable to a court-ordered "builder's remedy" that would foist unwanted development on the town.

Adding to the pressure is the fact that the township has until April 19 to enter into a contract with ELSA, a move that requires adopting an ordinance authorizing the deal. To meet the tight deadline, the committee must decide the fate of the sewer lines at its meeting on Monday.

Residents say the township is rushing the decision.

"If you want to pursue the issue of sewers, a great deal more time, effort and research needs to be done," said Billie Moore, a resident who does not live in the area slated for sewers. "Right now this proposal is being rammed through."

Mayor Jim Burd said he believes the best way to tackle the matter is to separate the affordable housing needs from the residential dilemma. The town could purchase the capacity from ELSA and spread the cost over all the taxpayers because the housing issue is a township-wide responsibility. As long as the capacity was in place, the housing plan would be valid, he said. Later, the committee could decide how to finance the cost of laying the lines and allotting capacity to homeowners and businesses that need service.

"I think that's the way to go," Burd said. "If we don't keep up with our affordable housing plan, we have a very, very significant exposure to a builder's remedy."

Committeeman John Murphy agreed.

"The decision we have before us is whether or not we pay $4 million to ELSA," Murphy said, adding that the decision regarding the residents could be dealt with later. Despite the fact that many of them say their septic systems are working and they don't need service now, the capacity would be reserved for them.

"You might not want it today, but you want to have the option later," he said.

Other solutions include letting business owners around the Pennington Circle, who are desperately clamoring for the service, pay the $4 million for service and charge them to build lines to their establishments. Later, homeowners could pay to hook into the systems if they want.

"That would give us the breathing room to do all the necessary research to understand the expectations of each neighborhood," Murphy said.

TRENTON TIMES - 03/02/2011: Hopewell Township appoints judge amid controversy

Hopewell Township appoints judge amid controversy

By Lisa Coryell
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES - HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP

In a contentious meeting fraught with accusations of political patronage and backroom deals, the township committee hired a new judge to sit on the municipal bench for the next three years.

Charles Ouslander, a retired Hunterdon County assistant prosecutor with no judicial experience, will replace Roger T. Haley, whose appointment is up this year.

Ouslander, who lives in the Brandon Farms development, was selected from a pool of six candidates, including Haley, who sought a third term on the bench.

But angry committee Democrats, who cast the dissenting votes in the 3-2 decision Monday night, accused their Republican counterparts of shutting them out of the hiring process.

Vanessa Sandom and John Murphy, the two Democrats on the committee, criticized Mayor Jim Burd for allowing himself and Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec to serve as a screening committee that interviewed the six candidates before presenting Ouslander as a finalist for review by the entire committee.

"There are three Republicans and two Democrats who serve on this committee," Murphy said. "The fact that we weren't in a position to participate fully in that decision, I don't understand."

An irate Sandom accused the Republicans of shunning the Democrats. She said the process is so flawed it prevents anyone hired from being a credible judge.

"You didn't ask for our input. You haven't even provided us with any information on the other candidates," she fumed.

She asked why Burd was even going through the motion of having the committee interview Ouslander in a closed session.

"Why put us through this whole process, it's a sham," she said. "Just vote. You made up your mind. You have the votes. Go ahead and do it."

Burd defended his position, saying the hiring process he used is one followed by his church in selecting a pastor. The township attorney sanctioned the method as a legal and acceptable way to screen applicants, he said.

Some residents were not satisfied with that explanation. Spencer Cutter said the township should not follow the business model of a religious organization.

"Churches are not known for being the most democratic or transparent organizations around," he said. "You have to admit, it looks like you're hiding something."

Allen Cannon said each member of the committee represents a unique group of constituents who elected him or her.

"When you stop a committee member from being part of the process, you alienate a part of the community that has ties to that committee member," he said.

Ouslander himself would not comment on the controversy surrounding his hire or on the vote that ultimately gave him the job.

Burd yesterday named the other individuals who had applied for the job: Doug Hoffman, a judge in Hamilton and Robbinsville; former municipal judge Francis Batcha and attorneys Russ Wojtenko and James Schragger.

Burd said Sandom and Murphy had had an opportunity to submit questions to be asked of all the candidates and to interview the final candidate.

"If he did not get the proper number of votes we would have gone back to the drawing board to evaluate other candidates," he said.

TRENTON TIMES - 03/02/2011: Layoffs aren't an option, Hopewell Township employees tell Committee

Layoffs aren't an option, Hopewell Township employees tell committee

By Lisa Coryell 
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES - HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP

We work hard. We are the backbone of the township. And we make you look good.

That was the message dozens of municipal employees delivered to the township committee Friday as the governing body pondered whether layoffs, furloughs or benefit cuts would be necessary to avoid a tax increase this year.

After weeks of silence, union members and unaffiliated workers alike expressed anger that the township would even consider taking those steps to avoid the 1.5 cent tax rate increase now facing them. The township has not said how many layoffs, if any, would happen.

"I ask myself if you know your employees," said Nancy Canto, shop steward for the CWA Local 1036, which represents 32 white collar employees in the township. "I wonder if you know how dedicated these people are. How admirably they are working under great stress."

There's no place to make staff cuts, they said.

"I believe we are down to bare bones," said Judy Niederer, a former committeewoman who now works as township recreation director. "There are people here who have assumed duties of others (who have left the departments and were not replaced.) I do believe that everyone here is giving 100 percent, if not more."

With state aid coming in flat for next year's proposed $20.4 million, a tax hike seems inevitable unless the township committee comes up with more ways to make reductions in spending.

For weeks the threat of layoffs, cuts and givebacks has cast a pall over budget talks, as Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom stressed the need to analyze the municipal township's staffing paradigm for possible savings.

Employees have sat silently through these meetings until Friday when Sandom presented the committee with a point by point presentation charting the amount of time employees were off each year for vacation, holidays, sick days, personal time and comp time taken in lieu of overtime pay.

"Our analysis showed that on average, the time off for each employee ranged from 15 percent to over 25 percent each year," Sandom said. "To me this says our benefits are too rich and we need to reevaluate them."

Particularly troubling to Sandom is the comp time, which represented a significant chunk of time off used by police and public works employees. Comp time, which cannot be built into a schedule with any degree of certainty, makes it hard for department heads to determine staffing needs, she said. And it makes it hard for the committee to analyze manpower to determine if a department is overstaffed, she said.

"Should our employees be taking comp time at all?" Sandom asked. "Are we overstaffed? Should we consider the elimination of staff?"

The presentation brought an angry reaction from the employees, who shifted restlessly, murmured among themselves and catcalled during her explanation of the data.

Stewart Schwab, a public works employee and member of the local AFSCME union, said comp time is a negotiated part of the union contract.

"Most of you sitting (on the committee) already agreed to it," he said. "If it's going to be an issue, bring it up at contract time."

Jackie Kenny, who works in the recreation department, said many employees prefer comp time off to overtime pay.

"It's not always about the money," Kenny said. "You need to spend time with your family. And if we don't mind covering for each other, what do you care?"

Police Chief George Meyer and CJ Snook, head of the township's AFSCME union, both said they believed the township preferred that employees take comp time instead of overtime pay because it saves money.

Some employees questioned the need to cut staff to avoid a 1.5 cent tax rate increase, a hike that would translate to an additional $75 a year for a home assessed at the township average of $500,000.

"That's less than $10 a month," said Anne Moore, the township's municipal housing liaison. "Residents would have to give up a couple of double lattes a month at Starbucks to save these people's jobs."

In response to the employee feedback, two committee members -- Mayor Jim Burd and Committeeman John Murphy -- said they would not support layoffs or forced furlough days as a way to cut the budget.

"I'm not interested in making any staff reductions," Murphy said.

"I agree there should be no job cuts," Burd said, adding that he believed taxpayers would accept the modest tax increase.

Sandom and Committeewoman Kim Johnson did not express an opinion. Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec was absent from the budget workshop.

As she left the meeting, Canto said she was not mollified by Burd and Murphy's promise to avoid layoffs.

"It means nothing," she said. "Two is not a majority."

She said she left the meeting with a feeling of uncertainty and a sense that committee members don't understand how the township departments are run.

"They're talking about organizational changes but they haven't done any research on how the departments are run," she said. "In 13 years nobody's ever come into the purchasing office to see what I do, how I do it or if there's a better way to do it. And I don't see that happening in any other department, either."

TRENTON TIMES - 03/01/2011: Residents in Hopewell neighborhood object to sale of water system to private company

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP – Patrons of a township-operated neighborhood water system in Washington Crossing Park Estates have come out in droves to fight a proposal to sell the aging system to a private company.

In a dispute that’s been gathering momentum over the last two months, neighbors of the upscale neighborhood are accusing the township of selling them out by trying to find a buyer for the water supply system installed by a developer in 1966.

“This committee would be more than happy to give this system away to anyone,” said resident Harvey Lester. “I think every one of you thinks if you abandon the system, you’re off the hook. But some water conglomerate will take over and charge us what they want.”

Some 105 homes are served by a public well maintained and operated by the township since the development was completed.

The township has been making plans in the fall to put the system up for sale, but when neighbors got wind of the plan, they quickly mounted a protest that has grown in strength. About 75 residents showed up at a committee meeting to discuss the matter last week.

Township officials explained that the system has been plagued with leaks and there is no budget to cover repairs. A serious problem with the system could be financially catastrophic, they said.

“We have an aging system. We’ve been seeing breaks,” said Deputy Mayor Michael Markulec. “I’m just concerned that we’ll get to the point where we have no surplus, where we’ll be living hand-to-mouth on this and not be able to respond to an emergency.”

If the township doesn’t sell the system, upgrades could cost about $800,000, officials said.

Some residents disagreed with the assessment that the water system is in trouble.

“The water’s good. Everything’s fine,” said Kris Kley. “Can we just leave it be? Just leave it the way it is.”

Some point out that the water supply system, like the housing development it serves, was built in phases. While some sections of the pipe were installed in 1966, others came decades later.

“I think we have a lot of years left in those pipes,” said Mary Gialella. “You’re talking about throwing money away. I don’t know why we’re putting this out to bid.”

The township had considered selling to system to American Water Company, the company slated to buy the pipes and tanks in Hopewell, Ewing, Lawrence and Hamilton from Trenton Water Works. When that sale fell through, the township asked if the company was still interested in buying or taking over the Washington Crossing Estates system.

But before that sale could go out to bid, residents began protesting. They argued that talk of selling the system, or raising rates to prepare for a catastrophe, is premature because the township has not done a thorough evaluation of the system.

“It worries me that we don’t know what’s going on,” said neighbor Wendy Warner. “We don’t know if there’s anything wrong with the system.”

Neighbors said the township should first determine the amount of surplus necessary to handle future problems. Currently, the surplus stands at about $21,000.

Resident Ed Conjura said rather than a rate increase, it would be better for all 105 users to pay a $100 or $200 fee to build up the surplus.

“If the pipes don’t break, that surplus will be there next year,” he said. “If the pipes do break and you need to spend that surplus, I’ll throw in another $100 bucks.”

The committee agreed to meet with the neighbors next month after researching the breakage history of the system and doing some financial assessments.

TRENTON TIMES - 02/10/2011: Hopewell's hope ~ Trim sewer cost with development

By Lisa Coryell

HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP -- In an effort to lower the cost of bringing sewers to homes in the southern end of town, the township is considering allowing high-density housing to be built behind the ShopRite near Pennington Circle in exchange for developers' money to help build the sewer lines.

Zoning laws allow for 159 single family homes to be built on the 78 acres that lie between Reed Road and the ShopRite, if sewer service ever becomes available.

The land, owned by two local families, is not among the properties slated to receive sewer service under a proposal being considered by the town.

But faced with public opposition to the costs facing homeowners who want to hook into the proposed sewer service, the township is considering adding that tract of land to the "sewer contract area."

The move would open the land up for development but the tradeoff would be that residents would pay about $7,000 less each for the cost of bringing the sewers into the area, officials said.

"We're going through iterations of ways to reduce costs to homeowners," said Paul Pogorzelski, township administrator. "One way to make it more affordable is to target vacant land that would be prime for development once sewers come in."

It's a problem that many who oppose the sewer project proposal have warned about. They say bringing sewer service to the township's most densely developed area would only attract more development.

"Sewers are the greatest drivers of development there is," said Billie Moore, a local realtor. "Once sewers are in the southern tier will have intense development."

But township officials are still trying to figure out how to address the widespread problem of failing septic systems plaguing homes and businesses located between the Pennington Circle and the Ewing and Lawrence borders.

Bringing sewers to the area would cost about $22.5 million -- $4 million to purchase sewer capacity from the Ewing-Lawrence Sewerage Authority (ELSA) and about $18.5 million more to build the infrastructure needed to bring in the service and finance the bonds to pay for it all.

The township is now searching for ways to spread those costs among the 369 residential property owners and one dozen businesses in the "sewer contract area" slated for the service.

Under the current proposal, a $25,000 assessment fee would be levied on those property owners regardless of whether they wanted to use the new service or not. Long-term loans -- about $1,900 a year for 18 years -- would be available under the proposal. For residents whose properties are large enough to be subdivided into additional building lots, additional $25,000 fees would be assessed for each buildable lot to pay for the capacity allocated and reserved for that future development.

On top of those assessments, residents who connect into the sewer lines to receive service would pay an estimated $18,000 more in hook-up costs.

The proposal was met with widespread criticism from residents, especially those who said it was unfair to homeowners whose septic systems were working fine and didn't need the service. Moreover, many people with large properties said they had no intention of subdividing them and shouldn't be charged additional assessments.

So now the township is considering something a little different.

The latest plan, discussed this week by the township committee, calls for requiring businesses around the Pennington Circle, who have been clamoring for sewers for years "" to pick up the lion's share of an initial $4 million charge to secure service from the Ewing Lawrence Sewerage Authority.

That would offset the assessment fees to homeowners by about $7,000, Pogorzelski said.

Those with larger lots who have no intention of building more homes on them could turn their reserved capacity over to the township which would then allow developers to purchase them for use in other undeveloped areas in the contract area.

First up to buy the extra capacity, no doubt, would be a developer looking to build the 159 housing units that zoning would permit on the 78 acres behind Shop Rite if sewers were available.

Some residents objected to being forced to bear the brunt of the sewer service they say is being driven less by their failing septic systems and more by the township's need to build 180 affordable housing units in the southern tier.

Those units are crucial to the township meeting its affordable housing obligation set by law. Without sewers, those units could not be built.

"This should be a township-wide burden, not the burden of 369 homeowners," said Holly Dougherty, who lives on Brigham Way.