ICYMI: Off-Track Wagering Site OK'd in Hillsborough

The state racing commission approved the application to open an off-track wagering facility in a former Route 206 restaurant located in Hillsborough at their meeting on Wednesday. Reports say the application has now been passed on to the state Office of Attorney General and has 14 days to be either accepted or rejected.

“Since the beginning I have said this process has been fundamentally flawed in a Home Rule state and hope the attorney general will allow Hillsborough to properly vet this project before our planning board,” Mayor Doug Tomson said after the commission vote, according to My Central Jersey.

Reports say the application, submitted by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, was approved with a 6-0 vote since it met all of the requirements for approval and showed “clear and convincing evidence,” according to the commission.

“We see no derogatory information and the applicant is in good standings with the commission,” chairwoman Pamela J. Clyne said during the meeting according to nj.com.

If approved, Darby’s Development, which will run the off-track betting site, plans to open in time for the Breeder’s Cup in late October.

Mayor Tomson said one of the conditions made with Darby Development is that a report citing crime, parking and motor vehicle accidents at the site, which will be named Favorites at Hillsborough Township, would be provided every three months to the township, according to the Hillsborough Beacon.

Darby Development also agreed to provide security or hire township police on race days that will bring in a lot of occupants.