FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/3/2025
Growing Coalition of Hopewell Leaders Encourage a YES Vote on Water System Referendum
Hopewell Borough, N.J. – Council Member Krista Weaver and local business owner Otto Zizak have joined a growing coalition of bipartisan leaders — including Mayor Ryan Kennedy, Council President David Mackie, Council Member Sheri Hook, Planning Board Chair Peter Macholdt, Economic Development Committee Member Ethan Unick, and Former Council President Sky Morehouse — in encouraging residents to vote YES on the upcoming Hopewell Borough Water System Referendum.
These community leaders agree: the water system referendum represents a fiscally responsible, common-sense plan to strengthen Hopewell’s finances, repair aging infrastructure, and improve water quality for residents and businesses.
“I believe selling the water system is the single most important thing we can do to support our businesses and increase affordability.”, said Council Member Krista Weaver. “High housing costs and taxes already make Hopewell unaffordable for many. Keeping the water system means unsustainable rate increases. I would not be a responsible fiduciary of the borough if I didn’t support the sale.”
The proposed sale of the Borough-owned water system to New Jersey American Water would generate $6.4 million in direct proceeds and fund $7 million in infrastructure repairs within the first five years — a $13.4 million total investment that would lower water bills, eliminate most Borough debt, and modernize the Borough’s water infrastructure.
The plan would reduce the average household’s water bill by approximately 36%, saving the typical family about $423 per year, while replacing all lead and galvanized steel service lines at no additional cost to homeowners. It also includes water bill assistance for low-income customers and addresses PFAS contamination in Well No. 4.
“We are already a New Jersey American Water customer for our restaurant in Hopewell Township,” said Otto Zizak, Managing Member of Hopewell Fare Market. “I can speak from experience – the water quality is high, the customer service is competent, and the water bill is appropriate and predictable.”
If the referendum fails, officials warn that the Borough will need to borrow millions of dollars to fund critical system repairs and meet regulatory requirements, leading to higher water rates and property taxes for residents and small businesses.
The Hopewell Borough Water System Referendum will appear on the November 4th ballot. Residents are encouraged to learn more about the proposal and its community-wide benefits before voting.
For more information, visit https://www.hopewellboro-nj.us/resources/water/ or https://www.voteyeshopewellwater.com/.
Contact:
Chelsea Kulp
Director of Communications and External Affairs
Chelsea.Kulp@amwater.com
New Jersey American Water