$9.5M Purchase Of 2 Warehouse Properties In Hillsborough Approved

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township finalized an ordinance to buy two properties for $9.5 million so that warehouse developers cannot build there.

The ordinance, passed at the Nov. 28 Committee meeting, authorized the township to acquire an 11.29-acre property on Amwell Road and 17.42-acre property on Millstone River Road, where warehouse applications were pending.

The purchase agreement is between representatives of JMJ4 ABEEL and the Township for the property at 1170 Millstone River Road for $5.3 million and 303 Amwell Road for $4.2 million.

Prior to the vote, there were about three hours of public comments from residents questioning the purchase price and appraised value, and raising speculation that the land had contamination which required cleanup.

Officials noted the property was clean and did not require any cleanup.

Committeeman Doug Tomson also noted the funds were coming from the Townwship's Open Space Trust Fund, which has $21 million, and would not impact taxpayers.

"If there are any other open spaces in Hillsborough and if anyone else wants to sell their property please approach the township. Our open space committee does a great job of reaching out to landowners…we are happy to have the discussion," said Tomson.

The Township was able to negotiate a price of $9.5 million for both properties totaling 28.71 acreswhich was less than the appraised value of approximately $11.3 million.

"I am sad to hear that there are people here who are pulling straws against this purchase of a property that I believe is in the best interest of this township, the best interest of the neighborhood," said Lipani.

large-scale warehouses proposed in the township, which local citizens have protested at points as the applications move slowly through the planning process.

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