Hillsborough Takes First Step To Stop Warehouses, Protect Open Space

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough took the first step in protecting their "little slice of heaven" on Tuesday night by introducing an ordinance to buy two properties totaling 28.71 acres so warehouse developers cannot build there.

"Hillsborough is taking the next steps to protect space and prevent warehouse development," said Mayor Shawn Lipani. "I am proud of our township’s commitment to preserving our open spaces."

The introduced ordinance will authorize the township to acquire an 11.29-acre property on Amwell Road and 17.42-acre property on Millstone River Road, where warehouse applications are currently pending.

The Township was able to negotiate a price of $9.5 million for both properties which was "significantly reduced from the seller's independent appraisal of approximately $11.3 million," said Lipani.

"The successful negotiations represent a significant cost savings of 2.4 million for the township while securing a valuable addition to our open space inventory," said Lipani.

Money used for the purchase will come from the Township's Open Space Trust Account and will not impact taxpayers.

"We are fortunate enough to have the financial means to secure this land for generations to come. These funds can only be utilized for the purchase of open space," said Lipani.

Deputy Mayor Robert Britting said this purchase is a "big deal" for the Township.

"This is an opportunity for us to do what we think is right, right down the middle for everybody. I think it also tells the other towns and the property owners that we mean business here. We really want to maintain our 40 percent open space and make sure this doesn’t turn into a truck stop," said Britting.

Britting noted that his family along with his kids call Hillsborough their "little slice of heaven" that he is wants to maintain.

"For us, this is an opportunity to look long term because we all moved here for the beauty of the town and the freedom feeling that you have," said Britting.

The two properties in question are among a number of large-scale warehouses proposed in the township, which local citizens have protested at points as the applications move slowly through the planning process.

A public hearing and final vote on the ordinance will be held on Nov. 28.

See the full ordinance below:

Hillsborough Ordinance 2023-15 by Alexis Tarrazi on Scribd

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