Proposed Hillsborough Chick-Fil-A Hearing Continues, Traffic Concerns Remain

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Traffic concerns continue to be an issue raised over the proposed Chick-fil-A project on the corner of Route 206 and Triangle Road in Hillsborough.

The Hillsborough Board of Adjustment heard professionals for Chick-fil-A testify last week including Vincent Kelly of Colliers Engineering.

The fast food chain is looking to demolish an Exxon gas station at 296 Route 206 and build a brand new 5,400 square foot Chick-fil-A.

"The site will feature Chick-fil-A's newest and most efficient drive-through operation, which includes two full-length drive-through lanes as well as meal order and meal delivery canopies," said Duncan Prime of the firm Prime, Tuvel & Micelli, who is representing Chick-fil-A.

The site will also feature 71 parking spaces, including two EV spaces.

Currently, the property does not permit restaurants with drive-through facilities.

"This is a significant investment in Hillsborough. It's one that will transform this corner into an attractive, well-designed commercial use that is entirely consistent with this Route 206 corridor," said Primte.

The restaurant will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with deliveries and trash pickup overnight.

Concerns were raised about traffic management, particularly during peak hours, when the drive thru lanes could back up traffic into Route 206 or even Triangle Road.

Kelly said traffic backing up onto the highway "is a very unlikely scenario."

"Team members would actually take parking cones and block off the entrance here, and then anybody coming off 206, they would also have a designated flagger to kind of direct them where it is. And we also have on site wayfinding signs as well, so you could find your way to the drive-through," said Kelly.

Kelly reiterated that it is "a highly, highly, highly unlikely scenario" for the drive-thru lane to back up. The traffic engineer would be able to provide exactly how many cars can fit in the two drive-thru lanes but Kelly said it ranges from 56 to 52 cars.

One zoning board member expressed additional concerns of drivers trying to cut through the Chick-fil-A parking lot to get around the traffic light at the intersection of Route 206 and Triangle Road.

"I have a larger concern with people trying to jump around and turn on Triangle and getting back into traffic on 206, to try to make that right," said the board member.

The board also discussed the height of a proposed flagpole and potential future cross-access to the Triangle Center.

A 50-foot flagpole is also being proposed for the southeast corner of the building, close to Triangle Road. The ordinance permits an 18-foot-tall flag.

"I have a big problem with a 50-foot flagpole. It makes it look like a car dealership," said a board member.

Kelly said that Chick-fil-A employs a lot of veterans, and they want to "show patriotism, and that's really what it boils down to."

"So the answer is, 50 feet for patriotism," said a board member.

Prime suggested reducing the flagpole height to 30 feet.

The hearing will be carried to the March 4 meeting, where the Traffic Engineer will testify and address some of the drive-thru concerns along with a professional planner.

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