Schools Closed, Full Power Could Take 10 Days

The effort to cleanup and restore power in Hillsborough was underway on Thursday. However, full power to the township could take quite a few more days, according to the utility companies. 

According to a notice from the township, full restoration to Somerset County may not be realized until Nov. 11. 

Power was restored to the municipal complex–recently renamed  the Peter J. Biondi Building–early Thursday morning, and municipal offices are open.

Getting power to first responder buildings and schools is the next priority, according to Hillsborough Mayor Carl Suraci.

Hillsborough Public Schools will be closed again on Friday. On Thursday, the NJEA cancelled its annual state educators convention  that was set for Nov. 8 and 9 in hard-hit Atlantic City. Hillsborough schools earlier this week announced that they were planning on opening on Monday and Wednesday, which were originally set to be in-service days.

The Hillsborough Public Library  was closed again on Thursday, but will be open on Friday.

Opening Thursday was the Auten Road Facility for branches from the storm. The hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice. The township is asking residents to not bag debris. 

Hillsborough residents who need water and ice were able to get it for free  starting Thursday at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy at 402Roycefield Road.

Recycling services for residents are canceled this week, according to the township's website. The police department advised that services will follow their normal schedule in two weeks.

The township is asking residents to check with their trash removal companies in order to find out what to expect when it comes to their regular schedule. Officials are advising residents not put out any trash until checking with their company.

The numbers of road closures in Hillsborough had been reduced  on Thursday, according to the township, though the amount was still above 20.

The township is directing residents to the VFW shelter in Manville at 600 Washington Ave., Bernardsville High School at 25 Olcott St. in Bernardsville, and Stone Crest Community Church at 11 Technology Drive in Warren.