By Andrew Martins, Managing Editor
During his final township committee meeting of his mayoral term, Mayor Frank DelCore spent time reminiscing about what he considers to be Hillsborough’s accomplishments during the last year.
Had Mayor DelCore not been reeelected to the committee back in November, the Dec. 20 meeting would have been his final one, as his term will end on Dec. 31.
“It has been my honor and great pleasure to have had the tremendous fortune to serve as the mayor of Hillsborough Township for the year 2016,” Mayor DelCore said.
The mayoral stroll down memory lane began prior to the meeting’s official business, starting with the “record snowfall” during winter storm Jonas back in January. And while that was a hurdle in itself, a bigger event took the public’s consciousness the following month.
“(Winter storm Jonas) was quickly followed by the warehouse fire in February, that spanned several days,” Mayor DelCore said. “I cannot thank our first responders enough for their dedication and tremendous efforts during that event, despite the frigid temperatures.”
The warehouse fire, which consumed more than 500,000 square feet of warehouse space at the Veterans Industrial Park, located at 152 Route 206, caused more than $50 million in damages and shut down Route 206 for long stretches of time.
During his speech, Mayor DelCore also highlighted the year’s municipal budget, which he called a major part of “another stellar fiscal year.”
“The 2016 Municipal Budget has been under the two percent cap, and no change to the tax rate (has taken place) for the sixth year in a row, as well as the township qualifying for the seventh consecutive year for 100 percent of Eligible State Aid for Best Practices Requirements,” he said.
Along with the financial advantages at home, the mayor also recalled some of the accolades that the township received over the year, including platinum status in the New Jersey Smart Workplace Program, being ranked the second safest place in New Jersey by ValuePenguin and a first-time Playful City USA designation.
He also reminded those in attendance about the new express bus service available to commuters to New York City, with access to a Park-and-Ride from the Hillsborough Promenade.
The township’s senior services efforts were also lauded.
“We have continued to focus on our Senior Community by hosting the third annual Hillsborough Senior Olympics, our veterans remain a focal point of our appreciation with the Annual Salute to Veteran’s Breakfast, the Annual Purple Heart Ceremony and the Veterans Day evening ceremony,” Mayor DelCore said.
Looking forward, the mayor said he is anticipating another strong year as he enters a new term on the committee.
“As we turn the page on 2016…and look forward 2017, it certainly has been quite a year and once again I thank the amazing residents of the township for your continued support,” he said. “Hillsborough would not have been able to earn all of this recognition without our fine municipal employees; I thank them as well, their tireless dedication to our residents is truly appreciated.”
