Hillsborough tables proposed one-sided parking ban after resident opposition; county Right to Farm noted

The Hillsborough Township Committee on Dec. 9 tabled Ordinance 2025‑17, a proposed one‑sided parking restriction on parts of Millburn Drive, Closs Court, Hutchinson Drive and Myers Court, following a flood of resident input opposing a permanent restriction.

Mayor John Ciccarelli framed the ordinance as a response to safety concerns after large events at a nearby farm created emergency‑vehicle access problems. He said the ordinance was intended to be a practical, enforceable long‑term solution but acknowledged major resident opposition and the need to coordinate with Somerset County on Right to Farm issues. "Given this unified feedback ... I would like a motion and a second to table it," Ciccarelli said before the roll‑call vote to table carried.

Residents told the committee that a permanent one‑side restriction would unduly limit neighbors’ street access and urged alternative remedies such as requiring on‑site parking at the farm, temporary event parking plans, guest‑pass exceptions, or county enforcement where the Right to Farm Act applies. Deanna Milano, a Millburn Drive resident, called the tabling "the right call" and asked the township to be transparent about why other options are accepted or rejected.

Committee members said they will forward resident emails and packet comments to the county agricultural board to determine whether particular events fall under the Right to Farm protections and to explore other enforceable options. Deputy Mayor Catherine Payne and the police noted that footage reviewed after prior events showed officers acted appropriately; the committee said they want a solution that keeps emergency lanes clear while minimizing resident burdens.

Attorney Willard and zoning staff explained that Right to Farm decisions can involve the county agriculture board and that the township’s role is to partner with the county and the farm to craft enforceable measures. Sergeant Laboy and Assistant Planner Marcy McLaughlin were cited as leads for collecting data and working across departments to develop alternatives.

The committee’s decision to table the ordinance was procedural: tabling preserves the public record and allows staff and elected members to evaluate alternatives before any new ordinance is reintroduced. Residents were encouraged to continue submitting feedback and to watch for an updated proposal posted on the township website and in the mayor’s e‑news.