By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Township officials have assured the public they are aware a large tract of land between Amwell and Hamilton roads is being looked at for development.
Mayor Douglas Tomson spoke from the podium at the Dec. 15 Township Committee meeting to note that Genesis Power, LLC, wants to construct a power-generating facility on the 423-acre site. Nearby residents have received a letter that the company is seeking wetlands delineation from the state Department of Environmental Protection, he said.
Seeking the state’s drawing of lines of wetlands areas is a typical first step for a company seeking to build. The so-called letter of interpretation would show what parts of the tract are considered wetlands or open streams, and therefore unbuildable. The map would also set the boundaries and setbacks from those wet areas for potential buildings.
According to the request filed with the township, Amwell Energy Center LLC, with an address in Needham, Mass., is applying to the DEP. The land is owned by family trusts in the names of Lee F. Mindel, Meg J. Marchese, Susan Springberg, Sunny Ridless and Helaine Menkin.
PK Environmental, based in Chatham, N.J., conducted site environmental analyses in May, June, September and October, the application says.
The tract lies between Hamilton and Amwell and east of North Willow Road, and is generally opposite the intersection with Woods Road. It is in the CDZ zone and is leased now by the Riverside Rod and Gun Club.
There are no permanent structures on the land, but consists of “broad expanses” of active corn, soy and hay fields, the application says.
Across Hamilton Road at the Royce Brook Golf Course, developers are seeking state approval to be included in a revised sewage wastewater management plan.
“As your Mayor, and your Township Committee, we must look at each and every project that comes before the township and determine whether, in our belief as elected officials, it is in the best interest of all the citizens and residents of the township,” said the mayor at the governing body meeting on Dec. 15. “While this proposed development promises to bring ratables and jobs to the township, there are very significant questions and very significant concerns that remain unanswered at this time.”
He said the township will “continue to provide updates about this project and any potential meetings as we receive them.“
“It is my understanding that a prospective developer, Genesis Power, LLC, wishes to construct a project in Hillsborough Township. Some residents may have received a letter concerning this company seeking wetland delineation from the NJ DEP. The prospective development is to be located between Amwell Road and Hamilton Road and will consist of a power generating facility on the site. As your Mayor, and your township committee, we must look at each and every project that comes before the Township and determine whether, in our belief as elected officials, it is in the best interest of all the citizens and residents of the Township. While this proposed development promises to bring ratables and jobs to the Township, there are very significant questions and very significant concerns that remain unanswered at this time. We will continue to provide updates about this project and any potential meetings as we receive them.”
