Attend Hopewell session to learn about facility update

EDITORIAL

By Ruth Luse
   The people of Hopewell Borough have been waiting well over a decade to find out what their officials plan to do about updating municipal facilities.
   Hopewell officials have known for years that they should address the issues of barrier-free access in public buildings and the inadequacy of those buildings to accommodate many community needs.
   Over those years, officials did research on the topic, had studies done between 2004 and 2006, and looked into the possibility of purchasing an existing structure in town for municipal use.
   Now, they believe they may have found an answer. As Administrator/Clerk Michele Hovan explains in a letter that went to borough residents last week, officials became aware of "a seemingly ideal opportunity" involving the former Masonic Temple at 88 E. Broad St. After discussing the temple property, borough officials exercised an option agreement with the building owner to retain a right of first refusal in February 2006 for a period of six months.
   Now they want public input and have set a special meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday (May 23) at the Hopewell Elementary School cafeteria for that purpose. Prior to the meeting, the Masonic Temple will be open for public inspection between 5 and 6 p.m. Officials hope the tour will "lend a visual element to the discussion to follow."
   Ms. Hovan says: "At this meeting, we will provide updates regarding library and fire/rescue facility planning in addition to borough government operations. This is your community, and your tax dollars, and we invite your input and comment."
   We urge Hopewell citizens to take the time to attend this session, which will address a topic that affects everyone in town.