By Aliza Alperin-Sheriff
MidJersey Chamber of Commerce hosts luncheon for Hopewell Valley’s three mayors
The three mayors of Hopewell Valley spoke at a meeting of the MidJersey Chamber of Commerce at Hopewell Valley Vineyards on June 19.
While Mayor Paul Anzano of Hopewell Borough and Mayor Anthony Persichilli of Pennington Borough both reported on business development in their towns, Mayor Vanessa Sandom of Hopewell Township took the opportunity to describe how local businesses have created a sense of community across the entire Hopewell Valley.
Anzano spoke first. He said that the business sector in Hopewell Borough is flourishing, pointing out that there is only one vacant storefront and it is currently under contract.
However, the growth of the business sector has created some strife within the community. Increased traffic and greater numbers of cars being parked on the streets — side effects that go along with the building of a thriving business community — have created tensions with many borough’s residents.
Anzano said that he hoped to address these issues by appointing a resident who is not a business owner to the development council so that the council “would be conscious about how they impact neighborhoods, particularly Broad Street.”
He also said that due to the increased traffic, the town is looking to relocate the public library. Since the library is primarily used by preschoolers and seniors, it is unsafe for it to be situated in an area that sees so much automobile traffic, he said.
Anzano summed up recent and future development that will be happening in town saying, “The borough will be a shiny bauble in the Valley.”
Next to speak was Persichilli, who began with a jibe aimed at Anzano.
“I’ve often said I admire Paul and copy everything he does. So I’ll talk and brag,” he said.
Persichilli discussed three upcoming projects in Pennington. The first was a proposed housing development that would see the addition of 80 units in town, including 32 townhouses, 32 age-restricted homes and 16 units set aside as affordable housing.
The second was a development opportunity on Route 31 of the area that he called the “Old Dump.” Persichilli said that the town is currently looking to rezone that area into a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use property with restaurants as well as retail and office space.
Finally, he brought up the idea of adding liquor licenses to town, saying that it might help bring in additional tax revenue. Pennington today has no liquor licenses; Hopewell Township has 12, Hopewell Borough 2.
Sandom, during her speech, gave specific examples of when local businesses have helped foster community spirit in the Valley.
The first was how the business community fostered a sense of pride when Hopewell Valley Central High School’s football team became state champions last fall.
She also mentioned that, as has been reported in the Hopewell Express, the new Hopewell Valley Arts Council is currently working to bring 68 decorated fiberglass oxen to the three towns and many businesses have contributed to the effort. She said the project will help bring tourists into the area and once people know that the Hopewell Valley exists, they will return to experience everything that the towns have to offer.
Lastly, she briefly mentioned how the local business community supported the Special Olympics, which she believes was very important.
Sandom said that these recent efforts have been undertaken “as a community. We’re not doing them as one town or another town. We’re working across community lines and municipal lines and bringing a sense of wonder and sense of great spirit to the community.”
“So I wanted to thank you for all of that,” she told the local businesspeople who were present. “You’re the ones that are doing that.”
