Original stone structure in Hopewell Borough dates from the 18th century
Aleen Crispino
Hopewell Borough Planning Board unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness for alterations to the historic Hart House, at its regular meeting Oct. 4.
The board also adopted a resolution approving three variances for 30 Lafayette St.
James Jeffers, owner of 56-60 Hart Ave., described his plans to build a new front entrance portico on the historic building known as Hart House, once the home of John Hart (1713-1779), an original signer of the Declaration of Independence. The property lies within the borough’s historic district.
The original stone structure dates from the 18th century, but has undergone three additions since that time, said Dan Saunders, chairman of the Hopewell Borough Historic Preservation Commission on Tuesday. The main block, which was added in 1805, is the site of the proposed new front entrance, said Mr. Saunders.
A certificate of appropriateness is needed for changes and additions to property located in the historic district, as well as for new construction. Mr. Saunders recommended approval of Mr. Jeffers’ application.
"Some years ago the house did have a front entry portico," said Mr. Jeffers, who added that it later fell into disrepair and was demolished. The owner said he would use an original column found on the property as a model for the new portico.
A portico is "a porch or walkway with a roof supported by columns, often leading to the entrance of a building," according to the American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, fourth edition.
"It’s an important property," said Planning Board member Brad Lyon. She thanked Mr. Jeffers for his "stewardship."
"I feel that I’m not only a homeowner but a restorer," said Mr. Jeffers.
The board also informally approved the historic appropriateness of a new sign for Hopewell Public Library at 13 E. Broad St. Mr. Saunders recommended approval, with the condition that the hanging portion of the old sign be preserved somewhere on the property.
In other business, the board voted unanimously to approve an application for variances needed to build an addition to 30 Lafayette St., the home of Jennifer and Rudie Smit.
Planning Board Vice Chairman Paul Buda abstained from the vote as he is the architect of the Smits’ home addition, as well as a neighbor within 200 feet of the property.
The Smits first gave an informal presentation to the Planning Board in June of their plans to build a two-story addition on the side and rear of the house, as well as a one-story addition creating a wraparound porch. They argued that the lot, which measures 50 by 175 feet, was undersized in comparison to others in the borough and that this should be taken into consideration by the board.
The board approved the Smits’ request for variances to borough ordinances governing the side yard setback, lot coverage, and floor area ratio.
The board also voted to accept the resignation of Abigail Frantz as the mayor’s designee to the Planning Board, and appointed David Shymko, former alternate, to take her place. Mr. Shymko was not present and will be sworn in at the next meeting.
At the same meeting on Nov. 1, the board plans to discuss the housing plan that is part of its rewrite of the Hopewell Borough Master Plan. The borough is required to submit an approved housing plan to the state Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) by Dec. 6, said Borough Planner Carl Lindbloom.

