Sourland Conservancy Urges 'No' Vote on Open Space Referendum

As a long term resident of Hillsborough and vice-president of the Sourland Conservancy, I encourage Hillsborough residents to vote “No” on the Hillsborough public question.  

Approval of this measure would allow the Township to divert up to 20 percent of its dedicated Open Space funds to unspecified projects that could include the building and maintenance of active recreation facilities, including artificial turf fields.  I and the Sourland Conservancy strongly oppose this measure.

In 1995, Hillsborough voters wisely created the dedicated Open Space fund.   The benefits of open space are numerous and include:

·      Preservation of open spaces to ensure continued recreational opportunities in our Township such as hiking, cycling and horseback riding;

·      Prevention of further development in the environmentally sensitive Sourlands portion of our Township, which provides critical wildlife habitat and drinking water; and,

·      Minimizing property taxes that come with all new residential development.

Open Space preservation has been wonderful for Hillsborough, is a sound financial investment, and helps preserve the rural character and beauty of our Township and the active lifestyle of our residents.

Important parcels of land remain to be preserved in the Sourlands and elsewhere in Hillsborough.  This is not the time to slow down the acquisition of open space by diverting money away from the fund the Hillsborough residents created toward unspecified projects.  When Hillsborough residents approved the open space tax, they indicated their commitment to beautiful landscapes and open spaces, not astro turf.

On Nov. 5, please vote “No” on the Hillsborough public question.

Jennifer Bryson