New Hope Borough Council at its work session in early October, viewed a presentation on the Landing property on North Main Street.
Landmark Developers hopes to build a 44-room hotel with restaurants, a pool and a bar plus a space for an artist-in-residence. The buildings will reflect the other historical buildings in the borough, the company said.
The council presented a commemorative plaque to former Public Works Director Tom Carroll at the official public meeting Oct. 18.
Carroll spoke fondly about his time working for the borough, thanked council members and residents, and officially welcomed new director Matthew Decker. The council then authorized the civil service committee to select a corporal for the police department.
The council approved funding in the borough’s 2023 budget for the New Hope-Solebury Free Library. The borough will donate $10,000 next year – this year, the library received $33,885 from borough taxes, six parking spots and 10 volunteer passes. Solebury Township, according to council members, sends similar money. The funds will help pay for the library employee health care plan.
Council members approved the annual holiday parade hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, which is scheduled for Dec. 4.
Mayor Keller gave a detailed report on police activity in the borough. His goal was to assure residents that even if they don’t see an officer, they can still feel at ease. There are three officers posted within the borough at any given time, focused on safety and compliance.
The finance report from council member Ken Maisel noted a positive projection for 2022. He said that through nine months the borough is trending towards a “very positive budget surplus.”
During the borough manager’s report, in which emails from the public are read aloud, several residents expressed worry about large projects happening in New Hope. Of specific concern was the proposed parking garage, which was also brought up in public comment.
One resident said he was disappointed by the lack of information provided by the council. He expressed interest in a business plan, and hoped the council would avoid the financial fate of Solebury Township, which borrowed significant money for land conservation projects. Council President Gering said that when the time comes, they will give out all available information to the public. Council member Peter Meyer said the council will not go forward with the construction of a garage unless they have the capacity to pay for it without affecting taxpayers.
Another resident spoke about the threat of speeding within the borough. He mentioned the danger to children, pets, walkers and others using borough streets.
Earlier this month at their workshop meeting, council members took in a presentation on the Landing Property on North Main Street. Landmark Developers hopes to build a 44-room hotel with restaurants, a pool and a bar plus a space for an artist-in-residence. The buildings will reflect the other historical buildings in the borough, the company said.
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