Raiders may save gas to get their chicken sandwich and waffle fry fix with the popular chain Chick-fil-A proposed to come to Hillsborough. The company representatives presented in front of the Hillsborough Township Board of Adjustments, looking to expand their reach to Somerset County and replace the Exxon gas station on Route 206. Plans were shared on September 18 with more experts and residents weighing on on October 2. John Martinez, Chick-fil-A’s development manager, presented the board with their plans to demolish the Exxon and put up the 6100 square foot building that he said would bring lots of job opportunities to Hillsborough. “A site in Hillsborough is worth waiting for,” he said, sharing the planned opening date of 2027. 

The suggestion of a new branch opened in town has gathered some controversy, especially with traffic concerns. Joseph Kovak, an Exxon employee of 17 years in Hillsborough, raised many concerns about the traffic and flooding known to affect the area and Chick-fil-a as a brand. He said he was not satisfied that their traffic coordinator was not present for the meeting, stating. 

“I was surprised that the board didn’t step in and say ‘Hey wait, I do see a problem there. That does seem like a lot of movement in that small area,” he said. 

On the other hand, students in the local high school were more happy about the new business proposed to the board. “It would make me happy,” said Sarae Green, a junior. Senior Amylah Bryant said, “It would fulfill my needs and save gas.” More meetings are planned to continue the discussion.