Commission said it found no "clear and convincing evidence" to deny the application.
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Frank Zanzuccki, executive director of the New Jersey Racing Commission, headed the executive meeting on Wednesday at Monmouth Park. (Dave Hutchinson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com) SOMERSET -- The New Jersey Racing Commission unanimously voted Wednesday to approve an off-track wagering facility on Route 206 in Hillsborough in the former Maestro 206 restaurant.
In a 6-0 vote during a meeting at Monmouth Park, the commission said that the application by the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association provided "clear and convincing evidence" and met all of the requirements for approval.
"We see no derogatory information and the applicant is in good standings with the commission," said chairwoman Pamela J. Clyne in a motion to approve the application.
Clyne added that Darby's Development, which will run the OTB, has been issued five previous applications and all the business are striving, including McLoone's Woodbridge Grill.
The application will now be forwarded to the state Office of the Attorney General for a final decision. If approved, Darby Development hopes to open in late October in time for the Breeder's Cup, said Dennis Darzin, the advisor to Darby Development and the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.
RELATED: Nearly 1,400 sign petition to oppose Hillsborough OTB
The decision angered a Hillsborough contingent at the meeting that included Mayor Doug Tomson and Assemblymen Jack Ciattarelli (R-District 16) which objected because the OTB would bring unwanted crime, traffic, noise and parking woes to the quiet community.
Hillsborough residents had no say in the matter because of a law in which an off-track wagering facility can be build in commercial or industrial areas without the approval of the municipality.
"We vigorously maintain that the current law is terribly flawed," said Ciattarelli. "We believe that these OTWs belong in densely populated urban areas desperately in need of economic development. That's not Hillsborough."
Tomson repeated the the process is "fundamentally flawed" and Hillsborough residents "didn't have a say" before Wednesday's vote was taken. To ease traffic concerns on huge race days, he asked that Darby Development provide traffic control, which Darzin agreed to do.
Brian Tarantino of Hillsborough echoed what many residents have been saying throughout the process. Addressing the commission, he said the approval was a done deal before the vote, citing that Darby Development had already spend upwards of $3.5 million renovating the property.
In reaching its decision, the board said only 1,365 residents opposed the OTW, which Tarantino disputed.
"I'm not surprised by the outcome," he said. "I don't see how a business would put $3.5 million in an at-risk investment like that. It makes it appear that it was a done deal and that's unfortunate.
"Also, to make a conclusion that only 1,365 opposed this project is absurd and an unfortunate part of your determination. It's a travesty you guys pushed this through."
Hillsborough residents Susan Gulliford and Maria Janucik also attended the meeting and voiced their displeasure to the commission.
"It's what I expected," Gulliford said. "It's disappointing. I'm not sure by the commission's comments that they took serious the concerns residents raised at the public meeting held in July. They just seemed to gloss over our concerns. Also, we didn't get to review the application until very late in the process."
Dave Hutchinson may be reached at dhutchinson@njadvancemedia.com.Follow him on Twitter @DHutch_SL. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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