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New Hope hears plan to support Devil’s Tea Table Alliance

Area across from Bucks river towns eyed by NJDOT for rockfall mitigation project

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New Hope Borough Council at its meeting Sept. 20, heard a plea for support for the Devil’s Tea Table Alliance.

In response, Council President Connie Gering said the council will discuss a resolution at its workshop meeting and put something in support of the alliance on the next agenda if appropriate.

According to the website, “the Devil’s Tea Table Alliance (DTTA) is a group of concerned residents and businesses from Hunterdon County, N.J. and Bucks County, Pa. who are growing concerned with the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) planned rockfall mitigation project along three miles of Route 29 in Kingwood Township, including the Devil’s Tea Table area.”

The speaker representing DTTA said official resolutions from all river towns on both sides of the Delaware will show meaningful solidarity. He said municipalities such as nearby Lambertville, N.J., Solebury Township, Pa., and Frenchtown, N.J., passed resolutions opposing the project within the last year.

The borough council made two appointments, reviewed many certificates of appropriateness, and addressed local issues at the public meeting.

Council members heard from the developers of 3-7 W. Bridge St., who plan on ensuring their renovations fit the historic character of the area. They don’t plan on adding any further parking to the property, they said.

Audience members and the council saw pictures of the design during their presentation and the council then approved each of the remaining certificates of appropriateness.

Council members had a difference of opinion with the developers of 18-20 Mechanic St., who the council claimed changed the design of their project several times and deviated from the plans presented at past meetings. The developers disagreed and presented their reasons for changing certain parts. According to the borough solicitor, any further deviations must be brought to the council’s attention.

Borough council adopted a stormwater management ordinance, which council member Peter Meyer said, is required and ensures New Hope conforms to new Pennsylvania standards. The borough also agreed to advertise a proposed amendment to the hot tubs and swimming pools ordinance.

Matthew Decker was approved as the new public works director; he thanked council members and the public for the honor. The council also approved a resolution to appoint Jill Haegele as an alternate to the zoning hearing board.

A member of the public asked about progress with the wing dam safety project, which the council agreed to work on following the death of a kayaker at the dam in May. Council member Louise Feder said the short answer is yes, with a thorough report to be presented soon.


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