Somerset County Freeholders Pass Resolution To Support Off-Track Wagering Act Revisions

According to the Somerset County Board of Choosen Freeholders

The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed a resolution tonight in support of Senate Bill 2283 sponsored by Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman and companion Assembly Bill 3127 sponsored by Assemblyman Jack M. Ciattarelli and Assemblywoman Donna M. Simon, which seeks revisions to the “Off-Track Wagering Act,” including permitting municipalities to reject proposed off-track wagering facilities and removing the five-year property tax abatement on the land and building in which the off-track wagering facility operates.

“Municipalities should be able to make their own decisions about permitted land uses within their borders, and all businesses, including off-track wagering facilities, should be held to the same regulations, permitting, and taxes,” said Freeholder Director Patrick Scaglione.

Earlier this year, residents voiced disapproval over a proposed off-track wagering facility intended for a site on Route 206 South in Hillsborough. The 2011 “Off-Track Wagering Act” leaves final approval of such sites to the New Jersey Racing Commission and the state Attorney General in order to expedite the establishment of off-track wagering facilities in New Jersey.

“We hope that the legislature will act swiftly in favor of the proposed changes,” said Director Scaglione. “This law in its current form keeps local governments from carrying out the wishes of their constituents, as we have seen this year in Hillsborough.”

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