Off-Track Wagering Facility Approved in Hillsborough

Despite two years of vocal oppositions from local officials and residents, the off-track wagering facility on Route 206 in Hillsborough has been approved by the state’s acting Attorney General - the final process allowing the facility to open its doors.

The application for the off-track wagering site, located in the former Maestro 206 restaurant, was approved last month by the N.J. Racing Commission. According to The Hillsborough Beacon, Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, a resident of Hillsborough, is disappointed with the outcome -

“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.”

The application has been met with opposition from local residents who gathered over 1,400 signatures on a petition against opening the facility in town this summer. They presented the petition to the state racing commission at a public hearing on July 22 - the same meeting saw over 100 residents stand at the podium and speak out against the facility.

Mayor Doug Tomson also spoke out about his disapproval for the final decision.

“Permitting an OTW facility to operate in Hillsborough, or any town, should be decided by the municipality, not the Racing Commission.” Tomson said, according to My Central Jersey. “This may work in some towns, but I don’t think it is a fit for Hillsborough.”

Reports say Dennis Darzin, the advisor to Darby Development and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, expects the facility, named Favorites at Hillsborough, to open in time for the Oct. 31 Breeders Cup race.

Before they open, however, Favorites at Hillsborough must pass a final inspection conducted by New Jersey Racing Commission representatives. The inspection will be scheduled a few days prior to the opening date, according to nj.com.