Christie Signs Bill Naming Bypass for Peter Biondi

Gov. Chris Christie signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman, R-Branchburg, and Assembly members Jack M. Ciattarelli, R-Hillsborough, and Donna Simon, R-Flemington, that dedicates the Route 206 bypass in Hillsborough in honor of the late Assemblyman Peter J. Biondi.

Biondi, who lost his battle with cancer in November 2011, served the 16th Legislative District for 14 years, and sat on the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders and served as mayor of Hillsborough before that. 

The bypass was a key project for Biondi, and he was instrumental in getting funding for the construction of the project. The road is near completion between Amwell Road and Hillsborough Road, and is scheduled to open in 2014. 

"Pete lived the life of a true public servant, dedicating his life to work for the residents of Somerset County and Hillsborough," Sen. Bateman said. "From serving as a volunteer firefighter, to mentoring young political candidates to serving in the Assembly, he worked tirelessly to better the lives of others."

Ciattarelli noted Biondi was known as "Mr. Hillsborough" for his many years of service to the township. He said Biondi believed the bypass was key to creating a downtown area. 

"Dedicating the bypass to Pete is a perfectly appropriate and altogether fitting way to honor his memory and his public service, which left an indelible imprint on Hillsborough and Somerset County," Ciattarelli said.

The legislation, S-1899/A-2750, renames the bypass the "Peter J. Biondi Bypass," without expense to state taxpayers.