Move designed to protect ordinance
By:Alec Moore
The Township Committee reintroduced an ordinance Tuesday to designate 10-acre zoning in the township’s agricultural zone, commonly referred to as the AG Zone.
The ordinance mirrors an ordinance that was adopted by the committee on Dec. 31 of last year.
Due to a notification error that was made at that time, the township is now faced with a lawsuit. Rather than contest the suit, however, the committee has chosen to reintroduce the ordinance, making sure that all necessary notifications are made.
The ordinance was introduced unanimously, however, Committeeman Joe Tricarico was not present at the meeting.
In addition to reintroducing the ordinance, the committee has issued a request to the Planning Board to amend Hillsborough’s Master Plan to reflect the zoning change in the agricultural zone.
Last year’s Planning Board had approved 20-acre zoning for the Master Plan. Although the Township Committee had introduced an ordinance to allow for 20-acre zoning in the agricultural zone, the ordinance was dropped after it was determined the 20-acre zoning would not be feasible.
"We’re just asking the Planning Board to change the Master Plan to reflect 10-acre zoning," said Mayor Tony Gwiazdowski.
Deputy Mayor Steven Sireci said the Planning Board’s amendment to the Master Plan would strengthen the township’s ability to fight challenges from developers who want to build in the agricultural zone.
"We’re trying to bring the Master Plan and the 10-acre zoning into alignment and by doing that make the township’s position as strong as possible," said Dr. Sireci.
Planning Board member Chris Jensen opposed the introduction of the ordinance and stated that, in his view, the ordinance contained errors.
"This can’t fly, you can’t introduce this," said Mr. Jensen, who served as Planning Board chairman last year and championed 20-acre zoning in the agricultural zone. "This ordinance needs a little work."
Township Attorney Albert Cruz said he would look into the alleged errors Mr. Jensen referred to with Township Planner Bob Ringelheim, but otherwise saw no reason not to proceed with the introduction. "I don’t believe there is any reason to delay introducing this," Mr. Cruz said.
Mr. Jensen stated that he also planned to speak with Mr. Ringelheim about the matter after the meeting.
A public hearing on the ordinance will be held June 10.

