Digital Billboard Usage Proposed In Hillsborough, Public Hearing Set

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Should digital billboards be allowed in Hillsborough? The Township is holding a public hearing to amend an ordinance on signs to allow digital and static billboards at its Tuesday night Committee meeting. (See the full ordinance below)

The Hillsborough Planning Board unanimously approved the recommendation of the amended ordinance to the Township Committee - with the abstention of Frank DelCore - during its May 4 meeting.

"We did not actually modify or revise that ordinance we just merely made a recommendation to the township committee to do that," said Hillsborough Planning Board Chairman Carl Suraci. "Only the governing body can pass ordinances or make revisions to them."

The ordinance looks to add the language digital billboard - "that uses internal illumination or digital display, including those that contain multiple advertisements that cycle on predetermined intervals."

And also add static billboard "which does not change its message or copy automatically, such as by electronic or mechanical means."

The ordinance now goes before the Township Committee for a public hearing on May 9 during the regular meeting beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Nearby in Bridgewater Township, there is some controversy and opposition from residents surrounding a similar instance with a proposed electronic billboard in town. Read More: 'Are We Up For Sale?' Residents Oppose Bridgewater Electronic Display

The township council unanimously voted in March to approve the first reading of an ordinance to award a lease to 100 Commons L Bridgewater LH, LLC to construct the display on the municipal complex site visible to Route 202/206 near the Interstate 287 merge.

Since then some residents have spoken out against the sign citing concerns over light pollution and driver distraction.

See Hillsborough's ordinance below:

Hillsborough Ordinance 2023-05 by Alexis Tarrazi on Scribd

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