The Hopewell Township Committee agreed Aug. 2 to table a resolution by Deputy Mayor Jon Edwards that sought to tighten the terms under which the township would contribute $135,000 toward the proposed Back Timberlane 10-field athletic complex
By: John Tredrea
The Hopewell Township Committee agreed Aug. 2 to table a resolution by Deputy Mayor Jon Edwards that sought to tighten the terms under which the township would contribute $135,000 toward the proposed Back Timberlane 10-field athletic complex.
It was Mr. Edwards who suggested tabling the resolution. Noting that talks on a compromise Back Timberlane plan are ongoing (see separate story), he said he had no problem holding off on voting on the resolution "while those talks are proceeding in a constructive way."
The resolution, written several weeks ago during a contentious series of Township Planning Board hearings on Back Timberlane, would amend the terms stipulated in a resolution unanimously passed by the Township Committee on Sept. 21, under which the Township would contribute $135,000 toward Back Timberlane. The township got the money years ago in the form of contributions from developers. The terms of the contributions include a stipulation that the money must be used for recreational purposes.
The resolution adopted Sept. 21 states that "upon approval of (Recreation) Foundation projects by any and all necessary municipal and county boards, a contribution of $135,000 shall be made" by township government.
The tabled resolution would make the $135,000 contribution contingent on more than mere approval of Back Timberlane by municipal and county government.
Also required under the proposed resolution before the contribution could be made is "the applicant’s acceptance of all conditions and recommendations" of "any and all necessary municipal, county and state boards."

