BORDENTOWN, N.J. (CBS) — A brand new piece of laws advancing within the New Jersey Legislature would formally outline the borders of “Central Jersey.”

The invoice, A-5098, would outline “Central Jersey” as Mercer, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties.

The realm’s lengthy been the topic of debate over whether or not it even exists, and what counties could be a part of it. 

At City & Nation Diner in Bordentown, many shoppers had robust opinions about Central Jersey.

“It is completely an actual factor,” Maria Bizzarri mentioned. “It is unrecognized, however it must be. It is an actual place.” 

Bob Dutko added, “I name it the waistband. It is the stomach, that is Central Jersey.” 

“It is the center of New Jersey,” Ron Clark mentioned.

Whereas everybody within the diner agreed Mercer County is a part of Central Jersey, there was disagreement over whether or not Burlington County is a part of Central Jersey.

The laws assigned Burlington County to South Jersey.

“This half is Central Jersey,” Carmela DeMarco mentioned, referring to Bordentown. “Additional south in Burlington, sure, however that is south.” 

Michael Altsivik added, “Everybody’s going to be completely different. That is central in individuals’s eyes. That is southern in individuals’s eyes. That is flat out New Jersey in individuals’s eyes.” 

The Meeting Tourism, Gaming and the Arts and Meeting Agriculture and Meals Safety Committees superior the laws final Thursday, and it is now heading to the Speaker for additional consideration.