Politics & Government

Bill Approved to Name Route 206 Bypass After Peter Biondi

Legislation awaits Gov. Chris Christie's signature.

Bipartisan legislation was approved Monday to dedicate the Route 206 bypass to late Assemblyman Peter Biondi.

The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Christopher "Kip" Bateman and Assembly members Jack Ciattarelli and Donna Simon.

Biondi died in November 2011 after a battle with cancer. Days before, he had won re-election to serve the 16th district in the Assembly, which he did for 14 years.

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Biondi had previously served as mayor of Hillsborough, and as a Somerset County freeholder, and was instrumental in moving the Route 206 bypass project forward.

The municipal building in Hillsborough was previously named the Peter J. Biondi Municipal Building in honor of his service.

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

The tribute is now being sent to Gov. Chris Christie's desk for approval.

“Peter Biondi was known as ‘Mr. Hillsborough’ because he loved serving his community. His many years of dedicated public service has left an indelible imprint on Hillsborough, as well as Somerset County,” Ciattarelli said in the release. “The bypass was always very important to Pete. He knew what it meant to Hillsborough’s quality-of-life and the realization of its downtown vision plan. Dedicating the bypass is a perfectly appropriate and altogether fitting way to honor the memory of this great citizen, patriot and public servant.”

If Christie signs, the legislation will rename the road the Peter J. Biondi Bypass, at no expense to state taxpayers.

“You can’t visit Hillsborough without seeing the positive impact of Peter Biondi’s legacy in the community," Simon said the release. "Renaming the Route 206 bypass for a man who dedicated his life serving the community is a very appropriate way to say thank you to someone who has done so much for so many. We will always remember Pete with gratitude for his public service as a volunteer, elected official and Army Reserve veteran.”


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