Politics & Government

Restaurant Restrictions May Be Reduced in Town

Committee introduces zoning change which could reduce impediments to restaurants on south Route 206.

An ordinance unanimously introduced at the Township Committee meeting Tuesday will open up several areas on Route 206 south of Raider Boulevard to restaurant development.

Restaurants had been a conditional use permitted in the Gateway and Light Industrial districts, but if the ordinance is approved, freestanding restaurants located in multi-use buildings will become permitted uses in the zones.

Township Attorney Albert Cruz said the change is being made to bring "consistency and clarity" to the zoning ordinance for the zones.  

Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to the township code, the Gateway B District is intended "to save existing residential structures, allow new structures and uses that have a residential look and are compatible with adjoining residential uses, and to create a linear entry zone set in a heavily street-treed, medianed boulevard." The gateway districts border Route 206 on both sides of Raider Boulevard, south to Homestead Road.

The Light Industrial District extends east along Homestead Road to Stryker Road, and south to the township line. The district envisions offering "a wide range of office, industrial and other nonresidential uses are permitted within the limits of design and environmental regulations."

Find out what's happening in Hillsboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The only caveat on the change is for drive-up services at restaurants in the zones, which would remain a conditional use subject to Planning Board approval.

A public hearing will be held Dec. 18 on the ordinance, which will be referred back to the Planning Board for final approval if the Township Committee passes the ordiance on second reading.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here