Letter To Editor: Township Knew About Off-Track Wagering Facility For Critical Months Before March 25th Meeting

At their March 25th meeting, the Township Committee stated that they knew about the off-track-wagering facility months before. This is information that the residents of Hillsborough deserve to know in a more timely way. Those months are critical for the public to understand the type of business being proposed and how it affects the quality of life in our town.  

The township may have known as early as July 20, 2013 because an Asbury Park Press article stated that  “…In addition to the Woodbridge OTW facility they operate, the original plan was to have two more OTWs open within 24 months. But 17 months later, all they have are plans to open one in Hillsborough, which they hope to have operational sometime in 2014.” Why is the Mayor only now making an attempt to inform residents? We urge Hillsborough residents to attend and let the Township Committee know how you feel about having a gambling facility in town and how poorly the Township has communicated with residents. The meeting is from 7-9 PM at the Municipal Building on Wednesday April 16th.

The Green Brook location was opposed by both the town council and residents. A Star Ledger article that covered Green Brook Township Committee’s rejection of a proposed betting site commented, “But Woodbridge officials said with Favorites' popularity came problems with parking and traffic, along with expenses, such as inspections and police, that the municipality has to shoulder.”  In fact, Woodbridge Committeeman Frank Mercuri said of the Woodbridge site, "During the lunch hour, I was surprised to find so many people. Most seats were occupied. The standing area behind the TVs were two to three people deep." The traffic and clientele were glossed over at the March 25th Hillsborough Township Committee meeting, but residents apparently raised valid concerns! Go to  http://www.hillsborough-nj.org/2014-videos/.

On November 27, 2013, a horse racing industry website already advised its readers, "We've cut significantly into the state losses, and we're getting started on a new off-track wagering facility in Hillsborough Township." The quote was from Dennis Drazin who is a consultant for Darby Development. They presented the concept at the March 25th Township Committee meeting.

Sometime between November and early January, Hillsborough residents could have been informed via the Mayor’s Township e-news letter or an informational forum.  Our elected officials should have responsibilities to the residents beyond what is legally required.