New Hope boards set site inspections and zoning reviews; recent meetings lack published minutes
Most New Hope borough boards and commissions met in the second half of July, but minutes have not yet been published for any of those sessions, so only agenda topics — not final decisions or votes — can be reported. The most consequential upcoming item is a Zoning Hearing Board variance request for 4 West Mechanic Street, scheduled for August 13, 2026.
Green Initiative Committee — July 20
The Green Initiative Committee agenda listed approval of June 15, 2026 meeting minutes and a discussion of the preliminary walk-through for the RFP-mandated site inspection. The agenda called for scheduling a committee and public walk-through on August 5, 2026. A public comment period was also listed. No minutes have been published, so no action can be confirmed.
Planning Commission — July 20
The Planning Commission agenda included review of June 15 meeting minutes and a report from Borough Council. Listed discussion items were a Zoning Hearing Board application for 4 W Mechanic St., a Short Term Rental Ordinance, and the Planning Commission Review Process. The agenda noted new business for future consideration. No minutes have been published.
Borough Council — July 21
The Borough Council agenda provided only procedural information regarding meeting location and Zoom access. No specific action items, proposals, or discussion topics were listed. No minutes have been published.
Shade Tree Commission — July 22
The Shade Tree Commission agenda listed tree removal and replacement applications for 145 S. Main St. and 110 S. Main St. It also included review of existing tree health and replacements at New Hope Shopping Center, a SavATree inventory of dead trees, proposed ordinance revisions regarding vines and caliper of replacements, and a status update on soil samples and Lenape Park. No minutes have been published.
Parks & Recreation Board — July 27
The Parks & Recreation Board agenda listed a landscaping proposal from Cito Landscaping and discussion of the Bucks Beautiful Grant. Updates were also listed on the Ferry Landing mural on BCWS Grates and various sub-committee projects, plus a review of the Borough Treasurer Report. No minutes have been published.
Coming up
- **August 3 — Borough Council workshop meeting.** The agenda contains only procedural information and no specific discussion items or decisions.
- **August 4 — Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB).** Formal reviews of four property applications: 9 East Mechanic Street (review of gold color applied to door); 3, 5, 7 West Bridge Street (proposed demolition of existing addition and front porch, and a new rear addition); 4 East Mechanic Street, Bee Spa (sign installation); and 17-19 West Mechanic Street, The Dancing Elephant (sign installation).
- **August 13 — Zoning Hearing Board.** Review of an application from Four West Mechanic Street LLC seeking a variance to use the second floor of a building for the sale of vintage clothing and apparel.