Economic Plan Post-Bypass a Focus for Democratic Candidates

Residents have been asking us what will happen once the Route 206 Bypass becomes operational.

The township needs to develop a comprehensive economic land use plan that evaluates underutilized commercial properties to encourage private investment and to create jobs in the township. This should include a genuine commitment to a downtown, walkable Main Street as an essential component of our long term economic strategy.

As the construction of the Hillsborough Bypass continues, we must not forget about all the local businesses that are going to be bypassed once the highway project is completed. Vacant storefronts and closed restaurants are a growing part of our landscape. We cannot afford to allow this area to deteriorate into a ghost town.

In order to help develop and implement our plan we would immediately reinstate the Grants and Shared Services and Architectural Design Standards Committees. Both of these citizen driven committees were, at no cost to the Township, valuable resources that kept the Township moving in the right direction. Both were, inexplicably, eliminated by the current members of the Township Committee.

The Grants and Shared Services Committee would help to obtain available funds that would be used to develop our plan.  Grants are available and we must be on the forefront in terms of applying for them in effective and creative ways. 

The Architectural Designs Standard Committee provided developers with an efficient way to review the elements of their plans specifically as it relates to the overall look and feel as it related to giving Hillsborough a true, identifiable center of town.

Creating an identity for Hillsborough supported by active promotion and cohesive architectural themes and landscapes is essential is order to attract private investment. A well-designed walkable downtown Main Street would bring new economic growth and expanded business investment and retention. It would also make Hillsborough a destination for those from surrounding communities. This effort would also complement the significant private investment by Duke Farms, who are actively transforming their property into a world-class cultural and environmental educational center.

Up until now, the economic strategies of the Township Committee have done nothing to instill the needed confidence to support the growth of retail and other businesses in Hillsborough. Planning our downtown is not the realm of just a few large developers; it is the responsibility of community leaders to respond to the needs and wishes of its residents and plan—economically, culturally, and environmentally—for the future of this town we call home. This is why citizen-driven committees need to be restored, and responsive leaders who resonate with new ideas should be elected.  With this in mind, we ask for your vote on Nov. 8th!

Aldo Martinez

John Reddan