By Sandra Phelps
On July 8, Hopewell Borough Council approved resolutions authorizing Maple Street improvements, an Interlocal Services Agreement for curbside recycling, the hiring of a temporary library employee, accepting a stormwater grant and inserting the grant into the budget, awarding a professional services agreement for stormwater management, and authorizing going to bid on revaluation services, along with Hopewell Township and Pennington Borough.
Plans are to conduct a revaluation of borough properties in 2005, said Administrator/Clerk Michelle Hovan.
She noted that the borough is in the process of computerizing tax records.
The Parks Committee met recently, said Ms. Hovan, and discussed the rehabilitation of trails. Wood chips will be spread along paths, according to Ms. Hovan.
Ms. Hovan said he had met with the Mercer County Parks director to discuss a possible mutual agreement on park scheduling, restrictions, and possible capital improvements, such as restrooms in the parks.
Councilman Mark Samse said he saw one borough park tree that is leaning at a sharp angle, and needs to be removed. Mr. Samse also suggested that something be done about weeds growing between the curbs and the street, creating an untidy appearance.
Councilwoman Alice Huston suggested a light be placed by the bridge in the park to deter vandalism.
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The Recreation Department will sponsor one more outdoor concert on July 23, according to Ms. Huston. She also noted that fliers recently circulated throughout the borough promoting a Christian concert were not distributed by the borough. She noted that the borough is not affiliated with the event. The Recreation Department, she added, is gearing up for another Hopewell Harvest Fair in October.
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Council also adopted an ordinance July 8 that amends its development fees schedule.
Developers of residential units in any zoning district will be required to pay a development fee of one-half of 1 percent of the equalized assessed value of any eligible residential unit or units.
Additions to existing dwelling units that do not result in the creation of an additional dwelling unit or units will be exempt from this development fee, according to the ordinance.
Building conversions that result in the creation of an additional dwelling unit or units will not be exempt from this development fee.
Replacement of any existing dwelling unit, through demolition and construction of a new building unit, will not be exempt from this development fee if the floor area ratio of the new unit exceeds that of the replaced unit.
Also, developers of inclusionary developments may voluntarily offer, and the governing body of the borough may accept, contributions in lieu of construction of low- or moderate-income housing units or both, within the development.
In order for the Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) to approve the "fee in lieu" contribution, it must determine that the municipal housing element and fair share plan provides a realistic opportunity for addressing the municipal fair share obligation.
If a "d" variance is granted, then the additional residential units realized (above what is permitted by right under the existing zoning) will incur a bonus development fee of 6 percent rather than the development fee of one-half of 1 percent.
However, if the zoning on the site has changed during the two-year period preceding the filing of the "d" variance application, the base density for the purposes of calculating the bonus development fee shall be the highest density permitted by right during the two years preceding the filing of the "d" variance application.
Land Use Procedures are further amended so developers of nonresidential, retail and industrial activities in any zoning district shall pay a fee of 1 percent of the equalized assessed value of eligible nonresidential activities.
If a "d" variance is granted, then the additional floor area realized (above what is permitted by right under the existing zoning) will incur a bonus development fee of 6 percent rather than the development fee of 1 percent. However, if the zoning on the site has changed during the two-year period preceding the filing of the "d" variance application, the base floor area for the purposes of calculating the bonus development fee shall be the highest permitted by right during the two years preceding the filing of the "d" variance application.
