The Hillsborough Robo Raiders, Team 75, were celebrated for their outstanding performance in the Montgomery District FRC competition, held on March 29. Their achievement was underscored by advancing to the FRC Mid-Atlantic District Championship at Lehigh University, and subsequently qualifying for the World Championship in Houston, Texas. This marked the first time since 2017 that Team 75 reached the world competition, a milestone for the team and the community. The mayor highlighted the importance of such accomplishments in fostering a spirit of innovation and teamwork among local youth, promoting not only academic excellence but also community pride.

In addition to celebrating local achievements, the council addressed pressing traffic safety issues brought to light by a resident, Leonardo Wolf, during the public comments section. Wolf expressed concerns about traffic safety on Tenni Court and Beakman Lane, citing a blind spot and speeding vehicles from Amwell as significant hazards, particularly for young children and new drivers in the area. He stressed the urgency of the matter, recalling two fatalities related to traffic recklessness in the vicinity.

The council acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and discussed the ongoing traffic study, which involves a radar trailer set up to monitor speed. However, Wolf pointed out that the trailer was facing the wrong direction, potentially missing crucial data on speeding vehicles. He suggested repositioning the trailer for more accurate readings. The council recognized the need for community engagement to address reckless driving behavior and discussed potential solutions, such as speed bumps, while also considering the impact on emergency response times.

The meeting also featured updates on infrastructure projects, including the ongoing Route 206 widening project, projected for completion by late 2026. This project, part of a broader effort to improve local infrastructure, is anticipated to cause traffic disruptions over the next two summers. The mayor encouraged residents to report any safety concerns to the engineering department. Additionally, a resurfacing contract for an older section of Route 206 is scheduled for 2026, and design documents for replacing a pedestrian bridge by Hillsborough Point are in development, with completion anticipated in the fall.

Economic development initiatives were highlighted, specifically the township’s designation as a “film-ready” town. This aligns with state goals for fostering economic growth through the film industry. The economic and business development office’s participation in a workshop was noted.

Public health initiatives were also discussed, with a focus on addressing alcohol dependency and autism awareness. Statistics about alcohol dependency were shared by a council member, emphasizing the need for community education and prevention efforts. Autism awareness was highlighted, noting the diagnosis rate of one in 36 children in the United States and the importance of providing equal access to education, employment, and support services.

Furthermore, the council discussed the loss of approximately $200,000 in COVID-related funding for the local health department, which had supported four part-time employees responsible for disease investigation. The health department director was mentioned as a contact for residents interested in volunteering to fill the gap left by the funding cuts.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of upcoming community events, including the “Salute to Military Service” breakfast and the “Green Living and Wellness Fair,” aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement. The council also recognized the township’s designation as a “Healthy Town,” receiving a gold-level recognition from the mayor’s wellness campaign for efforts to improve community health.