A lack of activity before the Historic Advisory Committee prompted board member Mark Kirby to question whether borough residents are aware of the requirement to bring certain renovation projects to the committee for review
By: Catherine P. Moscarello
After a lapse of two months, the Hopewell Borough Planning Board convened Sept. 5.
A lack of activity before the Historic Advisory Committee prompted board member Mark Kirby to question whether borough residents are aware of the requirement to bring certain renovation projects to the committee for review. No applications have been presented to the committee since last October, "but," said Mr. Kirby, "projects are definitely under way within the borough."
Harry Agin agreed and said that "residents who obtain building permits for exterior work within the town should not plead ignorance as an excuse. They must make application to the (Historic Advisory) committee that meets on the last Tuesday of each month. Applications are due on the Friday before the committee meeting."
Board members particularly were concerned about a copper front placed on the local art gallery in town and about demolition to the interior of a building at 5 Railroad Place, next to Chubby’s luncheonette. Mr. Agin asked anyone who notices improper or unapproved work to contact him about enforcement of committee regulations.
Phillip Roberts is still waiting for Mercer County to complete some necessary work on the right of way at 31-33 W. Broad St. His attorney, Brian Mulligan of Sterns & Weinroth requested by letter a continuance of Mr. Roberts’ application for a minor subdivision and the board agreed to postpone this matter until the October meeting.
At its next meeting, the board expects to get an application for a 130-foot tower proposed for construction near Valley Oil off Somerset Street. The tower would be used for cellular phone transmission.
Attorney Tom Reynolds cautioned the board that these applications can be very difficult to process since "FCC regulations can proscribe against local variances."
Reporting for the transportation subcommittee, Brad Lyon said the group is assessing three areas of impact by future train service within the borough: traffic, economics and quality of life. "We should have a PowerPoint presentation on this assessment by the Dec. 4 meeting," Ms. Lyon said.
Board member Mark Samse questioned regulations about cars parked in front of buildings. "In particular, I noticed 20 cars in front of That Foreign Car Place on Broad Street.
Mr. Agin said only two unregistered motor vehicles are permitted to park outside an establishment and when he had stopped at that location on previous occasions to inquire, the owner produced proper registration for all the vehicles waiting near the business. "The problem is that often those cars require replacement parts that are a long time in coming," Mr. Agin said. "It’s an allowed business."
Further discussion on parked cars brought the board’s attention to the continued problem of cars parked outside the Volvo garage at the intersection of East Broad Street and Princeton Avenue. "I just think we got trumped again!" said Mr. Samse. "Nothing has changed there."
Mayor George Padgett offered to ask Councilman David Nettles to look into stepped-up enforcement by borough police on ticketing vehicles parked in a manner that obstructs public passage along the sidewalks.
Attorney Tom Reynolds announced that borough engineer Dennis O’Neal had received a revised site plan for the construction of an upscale metal foundry and showroom to be built across from J.B. Hill & Son on Railroad Place. West Windsor artist Francois Guillemin plans to use the structure and the remaining unused railroad trestle to create and display various works of sculpture and jewelry.
Board and ad hoc committee member Paul Buda presented plans for work on the Metromedia Fiber Network regeneration station next to the railroad tracks. The existing building will have an enhancement of its present facade with concrete plank siding, metal doors and aluminum shutters in a closed position. The metal roof will have crown molding and there will be wood detail throughout the exterior design. David Knights said that he had visited another Metromedia plant and was sure that the company is "capable of disguising the building in a good way to make it more attractive." The board voted to approve the architectural treatments outlined by Mr. Buda.
Alex Semple of East Broad Street said that some borough sidewalks are in bad shape and "some are really dangerous. We need to develop a technique for contractors to work on the sidewalks when they are already there doing roadwork." Mayor Padgett said borough council recently completed a survey of the sidewalks and he will take Mr. Semple’s concerns to that group.
Chairman Bob Fortenbaugh welcomed Donna Griffiths to her post as Planning Board secretary. Following the adoption of a professional services resolution, Ms. Griffiths was formally hired by the board with a contract extending to Dec. 31, 2001.
Filling out the roster, but not present at the meeting, is Carl Lindbloom who was hired again as borough planner.

