TOWNSHIP BRIEFS

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Safety zone ordinance OK’d
   The Township Committee adopted an ordinance Tuesday that would create children safety zones in Hillsborough by barring certain convicted sex offenders from living near places where children congregate.
   The children’s safety zone ordinance, unanimously introduced at the Sept. 13 meeting, prohibits convicted sexual predators from living within 2,500 feet of schools, playgrounds, parks and day-care centers in Hillsborough.
   "We’re taking a step even higher than Meghan’s law to protect the children of Hillsborough," said Committeman Anthony Ferrera.
   According to the ordinance, no person over the age of 18 who has been convicted of a sex crime against a minor and who must register as a sex offender shall be permitted to reside or live within 2,500 feet of any school, park, playground or day-care center in Hillsborough.
   Mr. Ferrera said that people with private day care centers with five or less children should let the township know so they can be added on to the list of prohibited areas.
   Any person who has been convicted of this type of sex crime will have 60 days from receipt of written notice of the prohibition to move. The ordinance is limited to offenders moving into Hillsborough after Nov. 1.
Solar ordinance introduced
   The Township Committee introduced an ordinance and a resolution supporting the use of solar energy systems in Hillsborough at its Tuesday meeting.
   "This ordinance really takes solar energy to a new level," said Committeeman Paul Drake. "New Jersey like the rest of the country is experiencing an energy crisis."
   The ordinance defined a solar energy system as thermal energy or electricity to meet all or part of a building’s heating or electrical requirements and clarified it as an accessory building, structure, or use.
   In the resolution, the Township Committee supported a bill in the Legislature that allows solar energy to be tax exempt — even though the systems are considered improvements to houses. Mr. Drake said the ordinance and resolution lets businesses and homeowners consider solar energy for their use. He said that the township is currently considering the practicality of using solar energy for its municipal building.
   "This ordinance is very timely due to the cost of energy at this point," said Mayor Bob Wagner. "I think it’s very workable."
Pipeline work clarified
   The Township Committee introduced an amendment to the pipeline safety ordinance that defined the term "land disturbance" so that the term didn’t stop homeowners from doing regular work to their homes.
   The ordinance, which was originally adopted on Sept. 13, prevented homeowners who lived near a pipeline from being able to add minor improvements to their homes, such as swing sets or sheds. The ordinance stated that building development and land disturbance within 75 feet of any natural gas pipeline and the storing of hazardous, flammable or explosive material within 125 feet of a pipeline are both prohibited.
   Committeeman Steven Sireci said that new definition doesn’t interfere with homeowners planting trees, shrubs, sheds, and many other minor things.
   "The only things practically speaking they would have to go before the board of adjustment for is excavation for building a swimming pool or adding additions to their homes," said Dr. Sireci.