During a recent Hillsborough Township Planning Board meeting, community concerns regarding a proposed industrial warehouse project took center stage. Local resident Maria Janusick, representing the Hearthstone community, urged the board to deny the application, emphasizing that public safety and well-being should take precedence over any regulatory codes. Janusick, a long-term resident of Hillsborough, expressed her commitment to the community and highlighted the importance of considering the impact on local residents.

The discussion also touched on the historical context of the site, with questions raised about a previously approved industrial project from 1990. Janusick admitted she was unaware of this prior approval when purchasing her home in 2007, raising concerns about the adequacy of disclosures provided to potential homeowners regarding surrounding developments.

Legal representatives engaged in a back-and-forth regarding the qualifications of witnesses and the relevance of truck movement assessments in relation to the proposed warehouse. The board clarified that the township is not obligated to inform residents about easements on adjacent properties, a point that sparked further debate among attendees.

As the meeting progressed, the board opened the floor to public comments, allowing residents to voice their concerns and seek clarification on the implications of the proposed project. The ongoing discussions reflect a community grappling with the balance between development and the preservation of local quality of life.