Hopatcong residents fighting proposed senior homes

Hopatcong residents are coming together under a new banner, H.O.P. E. (Hopatcong's Organization to Preserve our Environment) to stop a proposed development, Village Grande, which is planned for to be built in 300-acre parcel of land within the municipality. The project calls for the construction of approximately 730 age-restricted homes. The group's organizers believe the proposed development is in direct contradiction with Hopatcong's Master Plan regarding new growth. According to H.O.P.E. members, the development will bring some 1,600 new residents, significantly increasing traffic in the area and taxing Hopatcong's existing infrastructure. In addition they believe, the project will increase noise and air pollution as well as have a detrimental impact on the area's environment. There have been two presentations before Hopatcong's planning board regarding this project. The first discussed both the environmental and traffic impact and the second dealt with the financial impact. The third hearing is set for 7:30 p.m., on Sept. 7.