New Hope, PA

New Hope Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB)

New Hope Parks & Recreation Board

The New Hope Parks & Recreation Board will convene to approve July minutes, review the borough treasurer's report, and discuss old and new business. Items include a submitted $5k grant application, irrigation decisions, sub-committee updates, and preliminary fall planting plans. The agenda is largely routine with no major policy decisions.

• Review of Borough Treasurer Report
• Bucks Beautiful grant application submitted for $5k donation
• Irrigation completed in Lenape; interim manager deferred further work to Green Initiative
• Mural painting on BCWS grates in Ferry Landing scheduled for Aug 20-21
• Preliminary discussion on fall planting and décor

New Hope Shade Tree Commission

The New Hope Shade Tree Commission is meeting to review old business, including pending plantings at Lenape Park and Kingswood Entrance, and to discuss new items such as a tree trim application, ordinance revisions, and whether to order PHS Bare Root Trees. The agenda is largely routine administrative work, with no major decisions or public hearings scheduled.

• Pending plantings at Lenape Park (2) and Kingswood Entrance (4 or 5)
• Application for tree trim at 26 W. Bridge St.
• Ordinance revisions regarding shade trees, vines, and caliper of replacements
• Discussion on ordering PHS Bare Root Trees and species selection
• Multi-Year Plan update scheduled for September

New Hope Borough Council

The New Hope Borough Council will hold its regular meeting on Aug. 18, 2026, in the Borough's Community Room and via Zoom. The agenda is available as a PDF, but no specific agenda items are listed in the provided text. The meeting is open to the public, with options to attend in person or online.

• Meeting held in Borough Community Room and via Zoom
• Public can attend live or via Zoom (Meeting ID: 899 5395 0669, Passcode: 168052)
• Agenda document: 8.18.26 AGENDA-FINAL-2.PDF

New Hope Planning Commission

The New Hope Planning Commission will consider approving minutes from previous meetings, receive a Borough Council report, review a preliminary subdivision application for 105 N Main St, and continue discussion on a short-term rental ordinance. The meeting is open to the public and includes time for new business.

• Review of preliminary subdivision application – 105 N Main St
• Continued discussion on short-term rental ordinance
• Approval of minutes from July 20 and August 10, 2026
• Borough Council report

New Hope Zoning Hearing Board

The New Hope Zoning Hearing Board will review an application from Four West Mechanic Street LLC. The applicant is seeking to use the second floor of a building for the sale of vintage clothing and apparel.

• Variance request for 4 West Mechanic Street to allow retail use above the street-level story

New Hope Planning Commission

The New Hope Planning Commission is meeting to discuss the draft Borough Comprehensive Plan and response comments. The agenda also includes approval of the July 20, 2026 minutes. No final decisions are scheduled; the discussion is part of the plan's review process.

• Discussion of draft Borough Comprehensive Plan
• Review of response comments
• Approval of July 20, 2026 meeting minutes

The New Hope Planning Commission reviewed the second draft of the Comprehensive Plan, focusing on structural changes, policy language, and the Future Land Use Map. No formal decisions were made; the commission agreed on revisions to strengthen policy statements, add 2035 vision statements, and correct map errors before the September meeting.

• Agreed to add stronger policy language to guiding principles
• Agreed to incorporate 2035 vision statements for each community priority
• Agreed to correct Delaware River boundary on Future Land Use Map
• Agreed to add historic overlay to Future Land Use Map
• Agreed to provide higher-resolution maps for appendix
• Agreed to add funding sources to implementation matrix
• Ms. Herlan volunteered for Traffic RFP review panel

New Hope Environmental Advisory Council

The New Hope Environmental Advisory Council will consider minutes from July, receive a council update, and discuss old business including a council workshop on Bird Town and business glass recycling, as well as single-use plastics reduction. New business and upcoming events such as the Bucks County Household Hazwaste Collection and the Grass Roots Picnic are also on the agenda.

• Council workshop feedback on Bird Town and business glass recycling
• Single-use plastics reduction discussion
• Bucks County Household Hazwaste Collection events: July 11 and August 8
• NH Library Grass Roots Picnic rescheduled to August 11

New Hope Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB)

The New Hope Historic Architectural Review Board is meeting to conduct formal reviews of four property applications. The board will evaluate proposed structural changes and signage for businesses on Mechanic and Bridge Streets.

• 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
• 17-19 West Mechanic Street (The Dancing Elephant): Sign installation

New Hope Borough Council

The Borough Council is holding a workshop meeting on August 3, 2026. The provided agenda contains only procedural information and no specific discussion items or decisions.

New Hope Parks & Recreation Board

The New Hope Parks & Recreation Board will review a landscaping proposal from Cito Landscaping and discuss the Bucks Beautiful Grant. The board will also receive updates on the Ferry Landing mural and various sub-committee projects.

• Proposal from Cito Landscaping
• Bucks Beautiful Grant opportunity
• Mural on BCWS Grates in Ferry Landing timeline
• Borough Treasurer Report review

New Hope Shade Tree Commission

The New Hope Borough Shade Tree Commission is meeting to review tree removal and replacement applications and discuss updates to the Shade Tree ordinance. The body will also review tree health at the New Hope Shopping Center and a dead tree inventory from SavATree.

• Tree removal/replacement applications for 145 S. Main St. and 110 S. Main St.
• Review of existing tree health and replacements at New Hope Shopping Center
• SavATree inventory review of dead trees
• Proposed ordinance revisions regarding vines and caliper of replacements
• Status update on soil samples and Lenape Park

The New Hope Shade Tree Commission approved the removal and replacement of a dead red maple (tree #128) at 110 S. Main Street, with the property owner handling removal and the stump ground. The commission also discussed the removal of a white pine at 145 S. Main Street, noting the state park manager's claim that it is state property, but Chair Gloria Broeker asserted commission jurisdiction and proposed a $425 in-lieu payment. No other formal votes were taken; other items were informational or deferred.

• Approved removal and replacement of dead red maple at 110 S. Main St., stump ground (unanimous)
• Discussed $425 in-lieu payment for white pine removal at 145 S. Main St. (no vote)
• Approved June 17 meeting minutes

New Hope Borough Council

The agenda provided contains only procedural information regarding the meeting location and Zoom access. No specific action items, proposals, or discussion topics are listed.

The Council voted unanimously to approve a 90-day continuance of the zoning hearing for 50 South Sugan Road, allowing the Borough to investigate the accuracy of the survey that led to a disputed permit. The Council also approved several Certificates of Appropriateness, including for 332 South Sugan Road, 65 West Mechanic Street, 38 West Ferry Street, and 28 West Bridge Street. Additionally, the Council approved fee waivers for the New Hope Solebury Free Library and New Hope Celebrates, and appointed David Nyman as interim Borough Manager.

• Approved 90-day continuance of 50 South Sugan zoning appeal (5-0)
• Approved COA for 332 South Sugan Road window/door installation (5-0)
• Approved COA for 65 West Mechanic Street kiosk, contingent on police coordination (5-0)
• Approved COA for 38 West Ferry Street courtyard work (5-0)
• Approved COA for 28 West Bridge Street roof, windows, pavers, signage (5-0)
• Authorized advertising for tax claim ordinance (5-0)
• Approved fee waiver for New Hope Solebury Free Library ($850) (5-0)
• Approved fee waiver for New Hope Celebrates ($560) (5-0)

New Hope Green Initiative Committee

The Green Initiative Committee will approve the minutes from the June 15, 2026 meeting. It will then discuss the preliminary walk‑through and plan a committee and public walk‑through for the mandatory site inspection required by the RFP, scheduled for August 5, 2026. The agenda also includes a period for public comment.

• Approval of June 15, 2026 meeting minutes
• Discussion of preliminary walk‑through for RFP mandatory site inspection
• Scheduling of committee and public walk‑through on August 5, 2026
• Public comment period

New Hope Planning Commission

The New Hope Planning Commission will review minutes from the June 15 meeting and hear a report from the Borough Council. Commissioners will discuss a zoning application for the property at 4 W Mechanic St. They will also consider a short‑term rental ordinance and the commission's review process. The meeting concludes with new business for future consideration.

• Discussion of Zoning Hearing Board application – 4 W Mechanic St.
• Discussion of Short Term Rental Ordinance
• Discussion of Planning Commission Review Process

The New Hope Planning Commission discussed Borough Council's adoption of the Sign Ordinance, which Chairman Voss believes may violate the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code due to a shortened review period. The Commission will prepare a written memorandum outlining the potential violation for the July 21 council meeting. The Commission also reviewed a Zoning Hearing Board application for 4 West Mechanic Street, suggesting the applicant seek an interpretive ruling that second-floor retail is permitted by right. Updates were provided on the Comprehensive Plan revision and short-term rental ordinance review, with several action items assigned.

• Approved minutes of June 15, 2026 meeting
• Chairman Voss to prepare memorandum on potential MPC violation for council meeting July 21
• Applicant for 4 West Mechanic Street to supplement application with request for interpretive/declaratory ruling on second-floor retail use
• Commissioners assigned tasks to research STR ordinance revisions (district differentiation, owner-occupancy definition, enforcement, permit records)
• Chairman Voss announced resignation after adoption of 2026 Comprehensive Plan
• Recommended Borough Council commission comprehensive tree inventory before any clearing at Cintra Mansion property

New Hope Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB)

The New Hope Historic Architectural Review Board will conduct formal and concept reviews of multiple properties in the historic district. Items include installing planters, windows, doors, a kiosk, a landscape project, a new roof and sign, and a proposed house addition and refurbishment. The board will also approve previous meeting minutes and receive code reports.

• 8 South Main Street: Installing four planters on South Main Street.
• 332 South Sugan: Installing six double-hung windows and two doors.
• 65 West Mechanic Street / Karen Meyers: Installing a kiosk in a private parking lot.
• 38 West Ferry Street / Glenn Stephan: Landscape/hardscape project for front courtyard.
• 218 Towpath / Keith Boyd: Concept review for addition and refurbishment of existing historic house.

New Hope Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will review previous meeting minutes and receive a council update. The agenda includes follow-up discussions on stormwater, single-use plastics, glass recycling, and winter salt alternatives.

• Stormwater and MS-4/PAG-13 follow-up
• Single-use plastics reduction discussion
• Business glass recycling survey follow-up
• Salt alternatives for winter discussion
• EV charging equipment discussion

The Environmental Advisory Council accepted the June 3rd meeting minutes with minor edits. They discussed updates on stormwater permits, single-use plastics reduction, and a business glass recycling survey, but no formal votes were taken. The council also noted upcoming events and public comments on bike lanes and the Cintra property development.

• Accepted June 3rd meeting minutes with minor edits
• Discussed MS4 permit valid until March 21, 2030, with report from CKS Engineering
• Single-use plastics letter under attorney review; Joe to check status
• Business glass recycling survey to be placed on council agenda for vote
• Bird Town silver status achievable; Matt to pursue gold requirements
• No new business; adjourned at 7:50 PM

New Hope Parks & Recreation Board

The board will review the treasurer report, approve May minutes, and receive sub-committee updates. Items include a mural on BCWS grates at Ferry Landing, a request for a Borough Council workshop on August 3rd, replacement of dead flowers in various locations, and a proposal to purchase a hayrack for Randolph Street Park.

• Mural on BCWS grates in Ferry Landing – waiting for sketches from artist Hope
• Borough Council workshop requested for August 3rd, outline due July 15
• Dead flowers replaced at VC hayracks, Ferry Landing hayracks, Stockton Ave urns
• Proposal to purchase hayrack on post for Randolph Street Park for full-shade annuals
• Green Initiative Committee report from Pamm

The Board approved the May minutes and accepted a treasurer's report showing $10,638.38 spent from a $35,000 budget. Members discussed plant replacements, recertification points for Naturalizing New Hope, and a future presentation for the Borough Council Workshop.

• Approved May minutes
• Accepted treasurer's report

New Hope Shade Tree Commission

The New Hope Shade Tree Commission will discuss a tree relocation application at 97 S. Main Street, review dead trees from the SavATree inventory, and consider ordinance revisions regarding vines and caliper requirements. They will also update the multi-year street tree replacement plan in August and discuss long-term management strategies.

• Application to relocate trees at 97 S. Main St.
• SavATree inventory review of dead trees (June 16, 22, or 23)
• Shade tree ordinance revisions (vines, caliper of replacements) scheduled for July/August
• Multi-Year Plan update planned for August
• Long-term street tree replacement plan monitoring with risk management and TCUSA Growth Award outline

The Shade Tree Commission approved relocating a dogwood memorial tree from 97 S. Main Street to 17 W. Ferry Street and planting a second tree at the new location. They also reviewed the 2026 street tree inventory, which shows 441 trees, with 37 recommended for removal and 27 at high risk of disease or infestation. Letters will be sent to property owners about dead, beech, and ash trees. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting was largely procedural.

• Approved relocating dogwood memorial tree to 17 W. Ferry Street and planting a second tree there
• Approved minutes from May 27th meeting
• Moved July meeting to July 22nd due to vacation schedules
• Completed review of dead, high priority trees; will send letters to property owners
• Will send letters to property owners with beech and ash trees needing treatment or removal

New Hope Borough Council

The New Hope Borough Council meeting agenda for June 16, 2026, contains only procedural information about the meeting location and Zoom access. No proposed ordinances, resolutions, or public hearings are listed. The meeting will proceed without any substantive business items on the published agenda.

• No substantive items listed; agenda contains only meeting logistics and a link to a PDF document.

New Hope Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a proposed amendment to the Zoning Ordinance regarding signs, discuss a proposed short-term rental ordinance, and receive updates on the Comprehensive Plan definition of 'character' and the Emergency Preparedness Plan.

• Review proposed amendment to Zoning Ordinance – Signs
• Discussion on proposed Short Term Rental Ordinance
• Discussion on proposed Blue Dot
• Update on Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Presentation of Planning Commission Best Practices & Process Refinement

The New Hope Planning Commission reviewed three proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance regarding signs. They recommended approval of increasing permitted sign types from two to three, but recommended disapproval of eliminating setback requirements and of allowing freestanding signs up to 12 sq. ft. and 5 ft. high. The Commission also approved a motion to request Borough Council approval to use Bluedot AI as a support tool for preparing meeting minutes.

• Recommended disapproval of eliminating setback requirements in LC, CC, and Riverfront Cultural Overlay Districts (approved)
• Recommended approval of increasing permitted sign types from two to three (approved)
• Recommended disapproval of permitting freestanding signs up to 12 sq. ft. and 5 ft. high (approved)
• Approved motion to request Borough Council approval for use of Bluedot AI in preparing meeting minutes
• Approved minutes of June 8, 2026, as amended to replace references to AI with 'AI and emerging technologies'

New Hope Green Initiative Committee

The New Hope Green Initiative Committee will meet to approve previous meeting minutes and discuss the results of the Draft Comprehensive Plan, a proposed Green Initiative RFP, an update on the DCNR pump, and potential committee name changes. Public comment will also be taken.

• Discussion on results of the Draft Comprehensive Plan
• Discussion on Proposed Green Initiative RFP
• Discussion on DCNR pump update
• Discussion on potential committee names

New Hope Planning Commission

The New Hope Planning Commission will discuss the first draft of the Borough Comprehensive Plan at this meeting. The commission will also consider approving minutes from the previous meeting.

• Discuss 1st draft of Borough Comprehensive Plan
• Consider approval of May 11, 2026 meeting minutes

The Planning Commission reviewed the first draft of the Borough Comprehensive Plan. Members discussed topics including traffic safety, housing diversity, and artificial intelligence. The Commission approved a proposal to share specific plan sections with advisory committees.

• Approved May 11, 2026 meeting minutes
• Approved sharing Historic Preservation section with Historic Architectural Review Board
• Approved sharing Green Space section with Green Space Committee

New Hope Environmental Advisory Council

The Environmental Advisory Council will consider next steps on plastic waste reduction, including single-use plastics (SUPs) and a business survey for glass recycling. Old business includes EV charging equipment budget feasibility, stormwater/MS-4 follow-up, and the NHSD school solar project. The council will also discuss Bird Town, Parks & Rec updates, salt alternatives for winter, and promotion of summer events such as hazardous waste collection dates.

• Discussion on reducing single-use plastics (SUPs) and possible approaches
• Business survey for glass recycling
• EV charging equipment – budget available to install EV-ready infrastructure
• Stormwater and MS-4/PAG-13 follow-up
• Bird Town discussion and salt alternatives for winter

The Council accepted the May 6th meeting minutes and discussed the implementation of a single-use plastic ban. Members coordinated follow-up actions for a business glass recycling survey and the Bird Town initiative. No formal votes were recorded for new ordinances or contracts.

• Accepted May 6th meeting minutes with minor corrections
• Determined Phil Dahlin will draft a letter to businesses regarding the single-use plastic ban
• Determined Phil Dahlin will draft a memo using the Solebury ordinance as a basis for plastic restrictions
• Determined MaV will summarize the glass recycling program for Peter and Joe
• Determined MaV will summarize the plan for Bird Town
• Appointed Pamm Kerr to the green space committee

New Hope Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB)

The New Hope HARB will conduct formal reviews of several applications, including two major projects at 8 and 10 Waterloo Street that involve demolition of non-historic portions, preservation of original 1890s twin structures, construction of large new additions, and a river retaining wall. Other items include exterior painting at 66 West Bridge Street, fence installation at 84 Buttonwood, and multiple sign installations on South Main Street. The board will also hear a code official report and approve the May 2026 minutes.

• 8 and 10 Waterloo Street: demolition of non-historic portions, preservation of 1890s twin structures, new additions, and river retaining wall
• 66 West Bridge Street: exterior painting
• 84 Buttonwood: fence installation
• Multiple sign installations at 87, 110, and 92 South Main Street, and 142 South Main Street
• 36 West Mechanic Street: single gate installation

The board approved two Certificates of Appropriateness: exterior painting at 66 West Bridge Street (Templeton Gray body, black shutters, metal roof unpainted) and fencing at 84 Buttonwood Street (4-ft picket and 6-ft privacy fence). The agenda item for 8-10 Waterloo Street was continued without a vote. Agent reviews and the code official report were also discussed.

• Approved COA for exterior painting at 66 West Bridge Street (6-0)
• Approved COA for fencing at 84 Buttonwood Street (6-0)

New Hope Borough Council

The New Hope Borough Council workshop meeting on June 1, 2026, includes only meeting logistics (location, Zoom link) and a reference to a PDF agenda document. No specific decisions or discussions are listed in the provided text. This appears to be a procedural agenda.

The New Hope Borough Council held a workshop meeting on June 1, 2026, with no formal votes or decisions. The Environmental Advisory Council (EAC) presented a proposal for a single-use plastics ordinance and a glass recycling survey, and the Council discussed next steps, including a combined letter/survey to businesses. The Green Initiative Committee also presented its vision for a connected walkable network of green spaces, with an RFP being drafted for future approval.

• No formal votes or decisions taken at workshop meeting
• Discussed single-use plastics ordinance, including bag fee and polystyrene ban
• Agreed to develop a letter/survey for businesses on plastics and glass recycling
• Green Initiative Committee drafted RFP for green spaces, pending Council approval

New Hope Parks & Recreation Board

The Parks & Recreation Board will discuss and decide on ordering America 250 banners, including style, placement, and quantity. They will also review sub-committee reports on landscaping, beautification, and a mural project at Ferry Landing. Old business includes discussion of decorative tiles or a mural on Playhouse Bridge. New business topics are welcome.

• Decide on style, placement, and number of America 250 banners to order
• Discuss decorative tiles or mural on Playhouse Bridge
• Discuss possibility of using green roof space for a community garden
• Report on mural on BCWS grates at Ferry Landing (artist unresponsive)
• Update on Green Initiative meeting with Friends of Delaware Canal regarding canal repairs and elevated walkway

New Hope Shade Tree Commission

The commission is reviewing dead trees from the SavATree inventory and discussing potential ordinance revisions regarding vines and light pruning. Members are also monitoring the long-range street tree replacement plan in conjunction with the Borough Comprehensive Plan.

• Review of SavATree inventory for dead trees
• Discussion of Shade Tree ordinance revisions (vines and light pruning)
• Monitoring of long-range street tree replacement plan
• Status update on NWF Trees for Wildlife grant paperwork and check

The Shade Tree Commission approved the April 15 meeting minutes and discussed several tree-related items. No applications were submitted, but the commission scheduled site visits for June 2 to review trees at LSD and Parry Mansion, and to check dead trees from the SavATree inventory. The commission also discussed ordinance revisions, a green space initiative RFP, and a soil test recommendation at Lenape Park. No formal decisions were made on these items.

• Approved April 15 meeting minutes
• Scheduled site visits for June 2 at 9:30am at LSD and Parry Mansion
• Agreed to review dead tree list from SavATree inventory during site visits
• Agreed to put Green Space Initiative out for RFP
• Noted removal of dead tree at 81 W. Mechanic St.
• Discussed soil test recommendation at Lenape Park

New Hope Green Initiative Committee

The Green Initiative Committee will approve minutes from April, hear a presentation from the Friends of the Delaware Canal, and discuss a proposed Green Initiative RFP. Public comment will be taken. The RFP discussion is the main substantive item on the agenda.

• Approval of April 20, 2026 meeting minutes
• Presentation by Friends of the Delaware Canal
• Discussion on proposed Green Initiative RFP
• Public comment period

New Hope Borough Council

The agenda for the May 20, 2026 New Hope Borough Council meeting is limited to meeting logistics, including the date, time, location, and Zoom access information. No substantive agenda items or decisions are listed in the provided text; the agenda references a PDF document that is not included. This appears to be only procedural boilerplate.

Council unanimously approved hiring part-time parking enforcement officer Max McConnell at $20/hour and issued a letter of appreciation to the Bucks County Playhouse. They also approved Certificates of Appropriateness for signage at the historic Vansant House (4 West Mechanic Street) and a roof replacement at 30 West Bridge Street. A sculpture replacement in Lenape Park, swapping 'Windy Ribbon' for 'Blue Match,' was authorized.

• Approved hiring of part-time parking enforcement officer Max McConnell at $20/hour (7-0)
• Endorsed letter of appreciation for Bucks County Playhouse (unanimous consent)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for signs and pole sign at 4 West Mechanic Street (7-0)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for roof installation at 30 West Bridge Street (7-0)
• Approved replacement of Lenape Park sculpture 'Windy Ribbon' with 'Blue Match' (7-0)

New Hope Planning Commission

The New Hope Planning Commission will consider approving minutes from April 20 and review proposed requests for proposals (RFPs) for a traffic study and a parking study. No votes on the RFPs are scheduled; the commission is reviewing the proposals at this meeting.

• Review of proposed Traffic Study RFP
• Review of proposed Parking Study RFP
• Consider approval of April 20, 2026 meeting minutes

The Commission reviewed and recommended modifications to two draft RFPs for independent traffic and parking studies. Members proposed broadening the geographic scope, extending data collection periods, and integrating the two studies to support the Comprehensive Plan.

• Approved minutes of the April 20, 2026, meeting
• Recommended broadening Traffic RFP scope beyond the downtown district to include additional streets and pedestrian routes
• Recommended expanding Traffic RFP data collection from 7 days to at least one month
• Recommended adding valet parking analysis and freight loading to the Parking RFP
• Requested that all raw data collected via RFPs be owned by the Borough
• Proposed delaying the parking study until the traffic study is complete