By Gene Robbins, Managing Editor
Get ready to place your bets.
The off-track wagering facility on Route 206 South in Hillsborough has been approved by the state’s acting Attorney General — the final arbiter in a nearly two-year long process.
The off-track horse wagering parlor and restaurant will be in the former Maestro 206 restaurant.
The application was endorsed last month by the N.J. Racing Commission. Final approval required a review of the application process by Acting Attorney General.
Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, a Hillsborough resident, expressed disappointment that the application had cleared its final hurdle.
“Given current law, we knew that this was an uphill battle,” said Mr. Ciattarelli. “We did our very best to advocate as to why the application should have been rejected. I know our advocacy was successful in causing the Acting Attorney General a most thorough review and extra careful consideration. In the end, it is still very disappointing to hear of the approval.
“Throughout the process, we have vigorously maintained that OTWs belong in densely populated, urban areas desperately in need for economic development. That is not Hillsborough,” Mr. Ciattarelli said.
Hillsborough Mayor Doug Tomson said, “Permitting an OTW facility to operate in Hillsborough, or any town, should be decided by the municipality, not the racing commission. This may work in some towns, but I don’t think it is a fit for Hillsborough.”
The OTW applicant, Darby Development, is also clearing up another problem related to its opening — the validity of its liquor license. The Township Committee rescinded the license in August because it had lapsed for lack of use. The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission granted a special ruling on Sept. 15 to allow the license application to proceed. It now rests with the Township Committee to reapprove and likely will be addressed within the next two meetings, the mayor said Tuesday.
The OTW applicant, Darby Development, is also clearing up another problem with opening — the validity of its liquor license. The Township Committee rescinded the license last month because it had essentially lapsed for lack of use. The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission granted a special ruling on Sept. 15 to allow the license application to proceed. It now rests with the Township Committee to reapprove and likely will be addressed within the next two meetings, the mayor said Tuesday.
