Hillsborough Takes 'First Step' In Fight Against Warehouses

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Warehouse use has officially been removed as a permitted use in certain zones in the township as Hillsborough takes its "first step" in fighting back against the growing number of large-scale warehouse applications.

"This is the first step," said Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani at the June 13 Township Committee meeting. "Sometimes the first step needs to be the hardest and the boldest. We all think we are on the path to make the town a better place for the long run."

The Township Committee unanimously finalized an ordinance removing warehousing, and shipping and receiving facilities as a principal permitted use in the I-1, I-2, and I-3 Light Industrial Districts, GI General Industrial District, and LI Light Industrial District.

Prior to the vote, some current property owners and attorneys representing property owners spoke in opposition to the ordinance.

Peter Flannery, who represents one property owner, called the ordinance "too drastic and a blanket prohibition of warehouse and distribution facilities in the township."

He asked the committee to table the ordinance for further review.

Many township residents also showed up thanking the committee for the ordinance.

"We strongly support what you are trying to do with this ordinance. We applaud you for doing it. We applaud you for putting the residents' needs above revenue," said Jim Vonderhorst, who is President of the 55+ Hearthstone community that is currently fighting against a proposed warehouse on Weston Road.

While this ordinance will not impact the multiple pending warehouse applications, resident Niyati Shah applauded the committee for "keeping the families first."

"We moved here for peace, for quiet, for safe communities, for clean communities. And the new proposals will destroy that. I applaud you for taking this step," said Shah.

Township Planning Director David Kois noted that Hillsborough Township has experienced a high volume of warehouse applications due to the rise in e-commerce and consumer expectation for same day delivery.

"These industries generate economic activity, jobs, and ratables. But it should not be at the expense of the public good," said Kois.

Currently, there are six applications before the township for proposed warehouses totaling more than 1 million square feet, according to S.W.A.T. (Stop Warehouses and Trucks).

S.W.A.T. is a group of concerned citizens committed to stopping the construction of the warehouses. For more information visit swat-hb.org.

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