Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli Speaks Out about OTW Decision in Hillsborough

Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli speaks out about the decison to approve a off-track wagering establishment to open in Hillsborough.

Below is a press release from Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli about the application:

Assembly Republican Jack Ciattarelli today expressed disappointment that the application for an off-track wagering (OTW) facility in Hillsborough has been approved by New Jersey’s Acting Attorney General.

The gambling parlor, constructed in the former Maestro 206 restaurant, was endorsed last month by the New Jersey Racing Commission, but final approval required a thorough review of the application process by Acting Attorney General.

“Given current law, we knew that this was an up-hill battle,” said Ciattarelli, R-Somerset, Hunterdon, Middlesex and Mercer.

“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,” Ciattarelli added.

Last year, Ciattarelli introduced legislation (A-3127) that would reverse a section of law changed in 2011 that eliminates a municipality’s right to have the final say on whether or not an off-track wagering business could operate within its borders.

The bill, co-sponsored by Ciattarelli’s district colleagues, Senator ‘Kip’ Bateman and Assemblywoman Donna Simon, restores the ability of municipalities to reject a proposed off-track wagering facility, and to remove the five-year tax exemption, abatement, or payment in-lieu-of taxes for privately-operated off-track wagering facilities.

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