Slopes measure gets planners’ nod

Public hearing and adoption vote set Nov. 26

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
   A proposed Hopewell Township law establishing standards for construction on steep slopes was endorsed by a unanimous vote of the Hopewell Township Planning Board Nov. 8.
   Slopes of the kind targeted by the measure can be found throughout the 60-square-mile township, but are most prevalent in the northern area of the municipality.
   A public hearing and adoption vote on the measure are expected to be on the agenda of the Nov. 26 Township Committee meeting. The committee voted unanimously to introduce the proposed ordinance Oct. 22.
   State law required the Planning Board to respond to the measure in writing before the governing body’s public hearing and adoption vote. This stipulation stems from the fact that the ordinance pertains to land use.
   The proposed measure comes with the unanimous endorsement of the township Environmental Commission, which conferred with township Administrator/Engineer Paul Pogorzelski on the matter.
   If adopted, the ordinance will prohibit development, the regrading or removal of vegetation in all areas with slopes that exceed 15 percent. In areas with slopes between 15 and 25 percent, no more than 15 percent of a tract would be OK for development, clearing and regrading.
   In addition, a steep slope analysis and grading plan would have to accompany all development or subdivision applications to the township Planning Board. That board has the power to grant the approvals necessary to obtain building permits.