Council accepts Year 5 neighborhood preservation program and previews pavilion behind library

Hawthorne Borough council voted April 15 to accept the Year 5 Neighborhood Preservation Program and heard a five‑year implementation overview from MPP coordinator Nancy Agnello.

Ag­nello told the council the NPP’s fifth and final year has helped complete 15 storefront sign-and‑façade improvements, add downtown planters and seasonal plantings, and produce community events intended to boost downtown visibility. She said the program’s closing work includes a proposed pavilion and expanded green space behind the library intended for public events and everyday use; project partners include the Lions Club and Rotary Club and organizers expect to break ground within approximately two months.

The presentation included an artist’s rendition and a note that NP/NPP will lead the project while continuing to seek donations and community fundraising to supplement work. Agnello said four additional storefronts remain eligible for façade/sign improvements before the program sunsets.

Council approved resolution R68‑26 (accepting Year 5 NPP) as part of the consent agenda by roll‑call vote.

Why it matters: The pavilion and related streetscape work are positioned as a downtown placemaking investment intended to support small businesses and create gathering space. The council’s acceptance of Year 5 formalizes the program closeout and enables the town to move to project implementation and fundraising.

What’s next: Staff and NP leaders will proceed with project planning and fundraising; council and administration will receive follow‑up scheduling and cost details as the project is developed.