To the editor:
On May 31, 1771, farmers looking for a haven to raise their livestock, plant their crops, and build their homes received a charter incorporating Hillsborough, New Jersey, as a township.
In those 245 years, the town’s bucolic landscape remains largely unchanged. The hard-working men and women who formed this town closely resemble current residents of Hillsborough today in their dedication to raise their children with values like respect and friendship.
But in 2016, even one of the top towns in New Jersey faces a central threat to its existence: the suffering of its restaurants and shops. On most Friday and Saturday nights, residents of Hillsborough venture to surrounding towns like Bridgewater, Montgomery and Princeton to eat dinner.
Abandoning Hillsborough’s local restaurants could mean economic costs in the future. Hillsborough’s restaurants not only provide convenient fare for residents, they provide the community with jobs. The more residents choose the restaurants of other towns, the greater the burden restaurant owners in this town will face, leading to job cuts and even shut down for some.
The Shop Hillsborough Reward Program was created to promote local shopping while allowing card holders the opportunity to reduce their property tax bill. Shoppers earn property tax credits every time they provide the Shop Hillsborough Property Tax Reward Card at the time of purchase at a participating merchant. Individuals who work in Hillsborough, but are not property owners within the township, can also secure a card to earn the rebate as well.
Currently, the Shop Hillsborough reward program is not being advertised like it should. Township leaders should be doing a better job spreading awareness about this program so both restaurants and residents are helped. It’s also important for residents to support Hillsborough’s shops and restaurants more frequently instead of continuously taking their commerce to other towns.
Together, we can revitalize Hillsborough’s restaurants and shops, save jobs and promote the overall well-being of our town.
Max Nelson
Hillsborough
