ICYMI: 1,400 Residents Sign Petition Against OTW Site In Hillsborough

A petition, presented by resident Michele Eilbacher, with at least 1,400 signatures was handed to the New Jersey Racing Commission last week in opposition of the application for an off-track wagering (OTW) business at the former Maestro 206 restaurant located in Hillsborough.

The commission is expected to forward a recommendation on whether or not to allow the OTW to the state Office of the Attorney General where final decision will be made. Although Hillsborough officials did have the authority to transfer a liquor license to the owners of the OTW business, only the state can decide if the business will be allowed at the Hillsborough location, according to nj.com.

Some of the approximately 100 residents who showed up to last week’s meeting expressed concerns over the “lowlife element” and “riffraff” they believe the OTW site would bring to Hillsborough.

Mayor Doug Tomson also spoke out at the meeting, stating the application process is “fundamentally flawed” and noted that other OTW sites within the state are located in areas that have a more urban atmosphere than Hillsborough, according to My Central Jersey.

This OTW site would be the sixth facility located in New Jersey if the application is approved. Darby Development, which would run the facility, has made $3.6 million worth of renovations since they bought the former restaurant in a bankruptcy sale.

The OTW, which would be called “Favorites at Hillsborough Township,” would have separate restaurant and wagering areas with simulcasts of standardbred and thoroughbred horse racing most days out of the year, according to The Hillsborough Beacon.