Watershed Association Recommends No Vote on Open Space Ballot Question

Vote NO to Protect Open Space!

With Election Day tomorrow, the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association would like to clarify what has become a confusing and contentious municipal ballot question on open space. The Watershed Association is a strong supporter of open space acquisition and stewardship. In Hillsborough, however, because the question would allow for the diversion of local open space funds for development and the focus has been on the construction of artificial turf fields that are counter-productive to protecting clean water and networks of healthy habitats, we oppose the open space question on Hillsborough's ballot and urge you to

 VOTE NO.

Furthermore, we oppose the mailer that was sent last week to registered voters that inaccurately quoted three respected NJ environmental advocates. The quotes were taken out of context and referenced state initiatives NOT the Hillsborough question.

Hillsborough's ballot question reads:

"Shall the Township of Hillsborough modify and expand the uses and purposes of the Open Space Trust Fund to allow not more than 20% of the Open Space Trust Fund tax collected in any one year to be utilized for the development, or improvement of Park and Recreation Facilities that are located on property within the Open Space and Park inventory for recreation, conservation and general open space purposes?"

Please ensure that open space funds in Hillsborough continue to be used acquire lands for public access and enjoyment that protect clean water and healthy habitats and VOTE NO to diverting funds for development on Tuesday.

 Thank you.

 Sincerely,

Jim Waltman