Development: Do You Prefer Retail or Residential?

Development? It’s a hot topic in Hillsborough.

With the Planning Board hearing on the , and several storefronts now becoming vacant, Hillsborough Patch has to ask—would residents be more likely to accept the development if it were shops rather than housing?

For those who haven’t followed the Planning Board, the Green Village development—which is still undergoing a site plan hearing—is a 469-unit apartment complex, 130-room extended stay hotel, and a 20,000 square foot retail space, proposed for a section of Route 206 that’s across from United Rent-All. 117 of the apartment units would fulfill affordable housing requirements—which means the town has to build those affordable units somewhere in order to fulfill a state requirement.

The plan has been met with questions from residents who are concerned about traffic and flooding that could occur from both building on the site and from removing 75 percent of the trees there now.

Of course, the Planning Board can't outright deny an application. The board is required to hear the applicant's case, according to New Jersey Land Use Law and can only deny plans because of certain criteria—such as a plan that doesn't conform to zoning criteria. 

What do you think? Are you unhappy that the development—though the affordable housing units would need to be built regardless—are residences? Would your opinion change if it were all retail?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Here’s what you need to know today:

1. You Need to Know About Job Skills: The New Jersey Technology Council and New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development offers from 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday at DeVry University, 630 US 1, North Brunswick. Admission is free, but you’ll need to register here http://njtc.org/events/indevt.asp?dbid=%7B65A11D51-6DF3-E011-8994-0013725A113C%7D.
2. You Need to Know About Volunteering: The needs five volunteers to lead its Lego Buddies program from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Teens can apply to volunteer by calling the Children’s Desk at 908-369-2200, extension 14.
3. You Need to Know About Legos: The runs its Lego Club for children in grades one to five from 4 to 4:45 p.m. Wednesday. Lego lovers will need mom and dad to register for the session by calling 908-369-2200, extension 14. The library provides the Legos, so please remember to leave personal creations at home.
4. You Need to Know About Your Elders: The hosts a program on the basics of aging and home care at 7 p.m. Wednesday, where those attending can ask a registered nurse questions and learn about community services available. You’ll need to RSVP by calling 908-369-2200.
5. You Need to Know It’s for Moms: The  Since the location shifts each time, you’ll need to email their membership chair-mom at mchw.info@gmail.com if you’re interested in joining the club. East of Route 206? You'll want to investigate the .