Don’t Be Misled by the Open Space “Vote Yes” Signs

I just noticed a rash of new signs appearing in Hillsborough stating, “Vote Yes to Support Our Parks and Open Space”.   Let me say straight away that this is a very misleading statement.  It’s even sadder to say that the person who paid for these misleading signs is the former Republican Mayor, Bob Wagner.

The people of this township deserve to be told the truth as to what this referendum really means.  Let me state clearly that it has been suggested by our township committee that up to a 20% portion of our Open Space funds raised by our taxes be used for things other than purchasing land for preservation.  It has been suggested by our township committee that this up-to-20% be used for developing trails, artificial turf fields and other capital projects.  A capital project is any development that would last more than 5 years.  Examples of this are baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields.  Currently, however, no child in Hillsborough is being denied to play a sporting game due to lack of a field.  As an example, the baseball complex on Willow Road will be closed and then replaced and paid for by the Freeholders at the GSA Park.

If this referendum is passed with a Yes vote, it is important for the community to know that up to $300, 000 a year could be diverted from purchasing and preserving Open Space land. 

Let me state clearly that taking any money from preserving available Open Space land first, would open prime property to be purchased by developers.  Consequently, we would be potentially seeing the building of homes.  As I stated in my previous letter to the Editor, this would only result in the township needing more schools, police, fire personnel and supporting infrastructure inevitably resulting in a higher property tax burden on the Hillsborough residents.  It would also result in further congestion, and a lower quality of life in our township.

In reality, I am well aware that many people do not read the newspaper or take notice of the letters to the Editor.  They may not even realize from the way the referendum is written what it is they are voting for.  They could easily see the words Open Space and feel this is a positive issue to vote Yes on.  So I must call upon every person who understands the true definition of this referendum to go out and educate their friends and neighbors. 

Please know that I am not opposed to developing Open Space land.  I just wish to secure as much land as possible at this time before there is no more land to purchase and preserve.  Surely, this is not the time to divert funds from purchasing and preserving Open Space land.

In summary, I have lived in this township since 1974.  I love this town.  I only want what is best for the residents and for what we leave behind to generations to come.  I wish no-one to be fooled.  The only way to support our Open Space and Parks is with a No vote for Referendum #3.

Tina Lo Sardo