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Issue: 2014 April 4
April 4, 2014
 

Mayor Doug Tomson Presents an Open letter to the Residents, Citizens and Taxpayers of Hillsborough Township

There has been and will continue to be some period of time a healthy debate here in Hillsborough Township over a proposal by Darby Development, L.L.C. and Monmouth Park Racetrack to establish an Off-Track Wagering (OTW) facility with a restaurant on the site of the former Maestros Restaurant on Route 206 South. My letter to all of you, in my capacity as the Mayor of this Township and an elected official is to address some of the misconceptions/incorrect facts/ outright mistruths being spread as to this application and the Township Committee's legal requirements concerning this facility.


For the full letter, click here... 

Mayor Announces Public Information Session for the Proposed Off Track Wagering Facility:

There will be a Public Information Forum hosted by the Township of Hillsborough regarding a private developer's application for a proposed Restaurant with Off Track Wagering (OTW) at the former Maestro 206 Bar and Restaurant located at 150 Route 206 South. The Forum, which is open to all residents, will be held at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Building 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough, New Jersey on Wednesday, April 16, 2014 from 7:00pm until 9:00pm.

By way of background, in February 2011, the New Jersey Legislature created a new process for granting or denial of an OTW facility. As long as said facility is located in an industrial or commercial zone (as this property is on Route 206 South in such zone), the decision to grant/deny an OTW rests solely with the New Jersey Racing Commission and the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey, not the municipality. Such facilities are considered permitted uses under State law. Therefore, there is no longer any veto power on behalf of the local government entity (Hillsborough Township Committee) and in short, the State took away our vote, also known as "Home Rule".


For more information, click
here...

Hillsborough Joes vs NFL Pros Charity Game - Saturday April 5th 

VIP Tickets Sold Out

General Admission tickets still available, click here for more information

For more information about the game, click here...

TRAFFIC ADVISORIES/ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: 

East Mountain Road:

East Mountain Road will be closed for construction between the Hillsborough Township border and County Route 601 for the next several months.
Please plan alternate route.
Suggested Route:  Mountain View Road to Route 206 to Route 601

Weston Canal Road:
The bridge over the canal on Weston Canal Road in Franklin Twp. will be closed for 3-4 months. There may be traffic delays impacting Hillsborough Twp. Please plan accordingly.

For more information, click here...

River Road:
River Road (CR 625), Hillsborough between Beekman Lane and Somerset Street will be closed on or about March 31st for approximately two weeks, and again on or about April 28th for approximately one week for road repairs and resurfacing.  Traffic will be detoured via Beekman Lane, New Centre  Road, Dukes Parkway West, US Route 206 and Orlando Drive during this time.

Free Public Secure Paper-Shredding Event on April 12th   

9am - 1pm at the Somerset County Public Works Facility - 410 Roycefield Road, Hillsborough

Somerset County will host a public paper-shredding event open to all Somerset County residents, on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 9am-1pm at the Somerset County Public Works Facility, located at 410 Roycefield Road in Hillsborough Township.   
 
"This is a great opportunity for residents to properly dispose of personal documents, while protecting against identity theft," stated Liaison to Public Safety Committeewoman Gloria McCauley.

This event is made possible through "Operation Secure Shred", which is sponsored by the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders in cooperation with the county Division of Records Management.  With assistance from the Somerset County Consumer Protection Office and the county's Records Management Office, documents will be commercially shredded safely, privately and properly by trained, licensed and bonded document-destruction specialists.


For more information, click  here...

Hillsborough Seniors Participate in Local Pool Tournament 

On March 25th and 26th a group of Hillsborough Seniors participated in the first pool tournament held in the Senior Activities Room, at the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Building.  Ronald M. Skobo, Director of Social Services, oversaw the pool game, which was double elimination eight ball.  The friendly competition was spread out over two days, which enabled the players to enjoy a leisurely pace.  While there was no official prize, other than bragging rights, Ed Bertin, the winner, now has that honor.  Also making it to the final competition were Wayne Cherwinski, George Mariasz and Teri Ponce.  Those who participated are looking forward to their next competition.  Anyone interested in participating in a future event should stop by the Senior Activities Room and pick up a copy of the current monthly calendar of events.

Pictured above, Ed Bertin, Wayne Cherwinski, Teri Ponce, George Mariasz, Lucille Mazzucco, Ron Skobo - Director of Parks, Recreation and Social Services

Volunteer Opportunities at the HILLSBOROUGH CAN (Community Assistance Network) 

The Community Assistance Network of Hillsborough has many different types of volunteer opportunities available.  The first thing, that comes to mind is date checking, shelving  and bagging of incoming items; however, there are many different facets to the network that a volunteer can help with.   

The CAN is in need of volunteers for community outreach.  This consists of sharing the information about the program at local community events.  Additionally, if your local organization is sponsoring an event and you would like to come in and learn about the Community Assistance Network, you could then present the information to your organization.  The CAN staff would be happy to train you.  

There are also volunteering opportunities in CAN office.  This would include answering the phones and scheduling appointments, and various computer tasks. Volunteer hours are at your convenience and are flexible to accommodate your busy schedule.  High School students are also encouraged to come in and volunteer with the office, as this will afford them work experience for their future.  

Anyone interested in volunteering should call 908-369-3880 or email our office at [email protected] for more information.

DID YOU KNOW 

Before we know it, the hazy hot days of summer will be here.     Along with BBQs, picnics, and gardens, summer is also synonymous with POOLS, SPAS and HOT TUBS.

Generally speaking, pools, spas and hot tubs are categorized into three groups: in-ground; above/on-ground permanent; and above/on-ground temporary (seasonal), which include those that are portable or inflatable.  

Are permits required for all pools, spas and hot tubs?  Maybe!  Here is a hint.....the STATE OF NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, as a safety measure, requires that any pool, spa or hot tub, as defined by the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, New Jersey Edition, as any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that can hold more than twenty-four (24) inches in depth of water, requires the proper Construction permits.  In addition, ALL appropriate requirements of the Municipal Zoning & Engineering Codes must be met.   So before you take the "plunge" and purchase a pool, spa or hot tub keep in mind that a Construction permit along with other Municipal approvals may be necessary.  You, your family and the public's safety is everyone's primary concern! 

For more information, click here...

Prescribed Burn to Reduce Danger of Wildfires   

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service will be conducting a prescribed burn of  up to 90 acres of property at Duke Farms beginning the week of April 7, 2014.

The primary objective of prescribed burns is to reduce the hazardous accumulation of dead vegetative materials in forests and fields that become dry tinder in the hot, dry summer months. This tool decreases the chance of wildfire disasters, reduces the intensity of the fires that do occur, and promotes safer, more effective fire suppression. Prescribed fires have an additional benefit in fostering the development of native grasses and wildflowers, resulting in healthier habitats.

The State Forest Fire Service will conduct a reverse 911 service with local and county emergency to make area residents aware of prescribed burns. Temporary road signs will be erected on public roads by the property to advise motorists of smoke fire truck activity as work is done. Each burn takes no longer than 20 minutes for setting fire and extinguish itself (grass fires burn quickly and cool off as soon as the grassy fuel is consumed by flames). The fire crews will scout the area after the burn to make sure any hot spots and stray sparks are extinguished.

For more information, click here...

HHS 2014 Raider Idol - Friday, April 4th   at 7 pm Hillsborough High School auditorium

The HHS Choir Parents Association will be holding their second to last FUNDRAISER for this school year. All proceeds will benefit the end of year SENIOR AWARDS.

For those of you who are new - RAIDER IDOL is the HHS equivalent of "American Idol". . . sort of.  The contestants have been chosen - and they will be competing this Friday, for the chance to be called "RAIDER IDOL" for 2014.

This event is sponsored by the HHS Choir Parents Association.

Admission is $5

April Recycling Drop-Off Events: 'First Saturday of the Month,' Tire and Household Hazardous Waste  

'First Saturday of the Month' Drop-off
 
Somerset County Freeholder Patricia Walsh, recycling liaison, invites Somerset County residents to take advantage of the next First Saturday of the Month Drop-off event on April 5 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Somerset County Recycling Center, located at 40 Polhemus Lane, Bridgewater, NJ 08807, to clean up around their homes
 
First Saturday drop-off events enable busy residents to recycle tires, clean textiles and usual curbside items in one fell swoop, as well as help people in the community who are less fortunate by donating food items for a local food bank.  
 
As part of the program, residents can drop off up to eight tires - with or without rims, scrap metal, used motor oil, oil filters, antifreeze and usual curbside materials, including chipboard items and plastic bottles and containers, marked #1 through #7.  Chipboard includes gift, shoe, shirt and all retail boxes, as well as cereal, cookie, pasta, cake and cracker boxes, without the plastic liners.  Also poster board, backing from writing pads and empty, dried-out steel paint cans are accepted.

For more information, click here...

 

Special Event: 'GoodSpellers' Spelling Bee! - Adults and Children ages 10-200!  
April 17 at 6 p.m.

The Hillsborough Library is sponsoring a Spelling Bee for everyone from ages 10 to 200! Come join us for casual spelling fun and cool prizes, donated by the Friends of the Library! We will ask you when you arrive for the Spelling Bee which group level you want to participate in: Brainiac, Genius or Master of the Universe! Spectators welcome!!   Sign up online at www.sclsnj.org, or by calling (908) 369-2200 ext 14, or stop by the Adult or Children's Reference Desk at the Hillsborough library.

CLOTHING DRIVE - SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH WOODS ROAD SCHOOL 1:00 TO 4:00 P.M. 

Clothing, Shoes, Belts, Handbags, Linens, Stuffed Animals, Bikes, Small Hard Toys
will be collected.
 
DROP OFF IN THE WOODS ROAD SCHOOL PARKING LOT                                 
 
For more information click here for flier or see School Website:  www.htps.us/wrs

For more information, click
here...
 

Used Sports Gear Donations Sought for Hillsborough Rotary Fundraiser  

"Play It Forward - Second Life Sporting Goods Sale" to Fund
Mobility Assistance Van for Hillsborough Residents

Giving a second life to that gently used sports gear stored and often forgotten in basements and garages throughout the community can be a home run for Hillsborough.  The Hillsborough Rotary Club hopes to sell that unwanted gear to fund the purchase of a specially equipped mobility assistance van made available free-of-charge to Hillsborough residents.

The Rotary Club released details today of its "Play It Forward - Second Life Sporting Goods Sale."  The fundraiser, which is the first of its kind in Rotary's history, launches April 01 with the collection of donated gear at six convenient community locations.   The sale of the equipment to the community is scheduled for May 17 and 18 at the former Hillsborough Cost Cutters location at 390 Route 202 South.

For more information, click
here...

For the Flyer, click here...

Somerset County Seeks to Identify Centenarians 

Freeholder Robert Zaborowski, in conjunction with the Office on Aging and Disability Services, is looking to identify residents who are, or will be, centenarians this year. Responses are requested by Friday, May 2.

"We are asking residents to help the Office on Aging and Disability Services honor Somerset County centenarians," said Freeholder Zaborowski, human services liaison. "It is our privilege to pay tribute to residents who have observed and participated in the growth of our county community."

Family members or caregivers should complete a recognition form which can be obtained from the county Office on Aging and Disability Services or by following this link.

Completed forms may be faxed to 908-595-0194 or mailed to the attention of Cynthia Voorhees, Somerset County Office on Aging and Disability Services, P.O. Box 3000, Somerville, NJ 08876. The deadline is Friday, May 2.

For more information, click here...

Don't Forget to Register for the Legal Runaround


Join Hillsborough runners on May 22nd at the Legal Run Around. For the registration for, please click here...
 

Important Dates To Remember

April 2
  • Board of Adjustment meeting ***CANCELED*** 

April 3 

  • Planning Board Meeting 7:30pm in the Municipal Building

April 8

  • Township Committee Meeting 7:30pm in the Municipal Building 

April 10

  • Planning Board Meeting 7:30pm in the Municipal Building

April 16

  • Board of Adjustment Meeting 7:30pm in the Municipal Building

April 24

  • Planning Board Business Meeting 7:30pm in the Municipal Building 

 

Hillsborough Public Library Events...

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To post your event online,

click here...

Previous Headlines
 
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Hillsborough Twp.

Affinity Federal Credit Union

Rewards VISA Credit Card

 

     For more information, click here... 

 

     Click here to download a brochure or  

     visit affinityfcu.org...

 


This e-newsletter is brought to you by the Hillsborough Township Committee
 

Mayor
Doug Tomson

Deputy Mayor
Greg Burchette

Committeeman
Frank DelCore

Committeewoman
Gloria McCauley

Committeeman
Carl Suraci
 
Online Payment Information
For information regarding online payments and tax notices, please click here ...


 
2014
Parks & Recreation
Spring Brochure
 
Now Available

Registration now ongoing

 

To download/view the brochure, click here...

To register for programs online, click here...



Twp. Committee Honors Donors and Volunteers of the Hillsborough
 Community Assistance Network

 
To view the photos,
click here...
 
  

Community Photo Corner


Be sure to check out the Township's regularly updated Community Photo Corner


Visit the
 Community Photo Corner here...
 

   

MUNICIPAL BUILDING EVENING OFFICE HOURS


CLERK'S OFFICE
2nd & 4th Tuesdays until 7pm

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

2nd & 4th Tuesday until 7pm

BUILDING DEPARTMENT
Tuesdays until 7pm
 

   

LINKS











 
 

 
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