The Hofheimer House ballot question

The Township Committee has asked voters a non-binding question on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot: whether it should appropriate funds and incur debt service “in the estimated amount of $7,500,000.00 to preserve and renovate the Hofheimer House for community meeting space.”

The Committee adopted Resolution 2026-151 on May 14, 2026, 5–0 — McCarey, Blick, Croson, Kian and Fine voted yes — asking the Somerset County Clerk to place the question on the ballot under N.J.S.A. 19:37-1.

The interpretive statement adopted with the resolution says the project would increase the municipal portion of property taxes by $81 per year on a home assessed at $1,021,852, assuming a 20-year bond issue.

The house at 46 Mountain Boulevard was built about 1909 and served as the town hall from 1956 until 2017, when the Township’s new municipal building was completed. The house is a separate building from that newer municipal building. The resolution describes it as “primarily vacated in a climate-controlled mothballed condition.”

Two cost figures sit side by side. Clarke Caton Hintz’s September 2025 conceptual report carries a June 23, 2025 construction estimate of $4,859,000 (OCR) for a 9,560-square-foot renovation, with hazmat removal not included. The ballot question names $7,500,000. No record reviewed itemizes the difference.

The annual estimate also changed. On November 13, 2025 Committeeman Shaun Fine cited “$98/year for 20 years.” The adopted statement, filed with the county, says $81.

The Committee discussed the project on November 13, 2025, when Mayor Lontai said costs “could be offset by fundraising” but that “there has to be a viable project before fundraising can take place.” The minutes say the Committee agreed to a “special bond referendum election.” On January 22, 2026, Attorney Willard told members the question would go on the general election ballot “as required by statute” and that Township resources cannot be used to advocate for any position.

This question is advisory. The ballot statement reads: “Your vote will influence, but not bind the Township Committee to the majority vote.” Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on November 3. Vote-by-mail ballots can be returned to the drop box at 46 Mountain Boulevard until 8 p.m.