Public Works Manager Named By New Hope Borough Council

NEW HOPE BOROUGH, PA — New Hope Borough has a new director of public works.

On Tuesday evening, council voted unanimously to appoint Matthew Decker to the position. Decker will replace Tom Carroll who is retiring in November.

Decker, who grew up in Montgomery County and graduated from DeSalles University in Center Valley, has worked in the borough’s public works department as a laborer for the past 15 years.

In response to the appointment, North Main Street resident Phil Clapper congratulated borough council on its selection of Decker to the position.

“Many of the residents around our town have come to know Matt as a good ambassador for the borough’s administration through his responsiveness and his willingness to go the extra mile to help residents,” said Clapper. “I’ve seen that personally. He is well liked by many. I’ve also enjoyed getting to know Matt and working with with him over the last year and a half or so on some of the technical issues connected with the virtual meeting. I found Matt to be technically accomplished and willing to learn new methods of doing things. He should be complemented
for that.”

Clapper continued, “I would, however, urge the borough council to treat him well and pay him fairly because the one downside of the position that you have offered him is that he will now have a public view by many of our predator surrounding municipalities. So we want to make sure that we keep him here for a long time.”

In other business, the council granted a certificate of appropriateness for exterior painting and a sign at the new Nozomu Restaurant and Sushi Bar opening soon at 9 West Mechanic Street.

Council also approved a special event application submitted by New Hope Celebrates for this year’s High Heels Drag Race - “All that glitters is ghouls” - to be held on West Mechanic Street on Sunday, Oct. 30.

Participants dressed in drag and wearing high heels will race up Mechanic Street carrying a pumpkin, decorate it and then race back down the street to the finish line. The event typically includes entertainment prior to the race and an after race party.

The council also approved a special events application for this year’s River Valley Realty Two Town Turkey Trot on November 24. The event will feature a 5K Run and a 1-Mile Health Walk

Starting and ending in downtown Lambertville, the course will take runners across the historic Lambertville-New Hope Bridge, through the streets of bustling downtown New Hope, back across the bridge and through Lambertville’s historic downtown business district.

To register, visit https://www.runtheday.com/register/detail/2022-two-town-turkey-trot-lambertvillenew-hopers

In other news, Councilwoman Louise Feder announced plans for “Storytelling On the Roof” for all ages on Thursday, Sept. 29 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Talented storytellers from the Bucks County Playhouse will share captivating stories at the Green Roof Park (behind the New Hope Borough Community Room).

The event is organized and presented by the New Hope Borough Park and Recreation Board. Admission is free and there will be light refreshments.

Upcoming public meetings include Park and Recreation, Monday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m.; Council Workshop, Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m.; and the Historical Architectural Review Board, Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6:30 p.m.