New Hope Council Could Hear Revised Plans For The Landing In November

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — The developer of the Landing could brief borough council as early as its Nov. 21 meeting on revised plans for the redevelopment project.

Borough officials made the announcement at the Oct. 17 council meeting, but noted that the developer had not yet confirmed the meeting date. If the meeting does happen on Nov. 21, the zoning hearing board appeal would resume in December.

The developer is seeking zoning relief to redevelop the Landing on North Main Street with a hotel, restaurant and artist-in-residence quarters.

The meeting announcement came amid calls from some for council to reconsider its decision to remain neutral on the zoning appeal. They cited a FEMA official who said the development could impact the borough’s Community Rating System.

In other business, Mayor Larry Keller updated the council on the search for a new police chief.

Keller reported that the borough has secured the services of Safe City Solutions and is moving forward with the search and application process.

“We’ve already had some responses. Applications will be received until Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. and I suspect that we will probably come up with 60 to 80 applicants - at least - for that position,” said
Keller.

In August, Chief Michael Cummings announced his plans to retire following a 47-year career in law enforcement, including the past 15 as chief of police in New Hope Borough.

In other news, council welcomed Kelly Whitman to the council table. She was appointed last

month by council to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Laurie McHugh. Whitman was sworn in by Mayor Keller prior to the meeting.

Council also voted unanimously at the meeting to accept the resignation of tax collector Denton Kanouff.

The borough is currently accepting letters of interest and/or resumes from residents who wish to be considered for the position. The successful candidate will serve until Dec. 31, 2025.

Letters of Interest and/or resumes will be accepted up to 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 via email to Peter Gray, Borough Manager, at pgray@newhopeborough.org. Council will consider and appoint a candidate at an upcoming council meeting.