PETITION TO ENSURE THAT SCHOOLS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES GET THEIR FAIR SHARE OF PILOT FUNDS IN HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP. • The PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) program was designed to entice development in areas in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation, by offering a reduced tax burden for the developer. • PILOT projects are usually industrial, office, or retail space, so they generally do not impact school budgets or resources, as there are no permanent residents attached. • Hopewell Township is increasing housing by 45%, which will create the need for more capacity in our schools and an increased need for emergency services. • All annual service charges collected from the properties constructed under a PILOT program are paid directly to the municipality, and do not have to be shared with local schools and emergency services. • Current Hopewell residents will be forced to pay for the increased costs in the form of higher taxes. Petition Request: We are requesting that the Hopewell Township Committee pass an ordinance requiring that all residential PILOT funds (including PILOTs for the current housing) be divided in the same proportions that regular Hopewell residents pay, which includes funding for schools and emergency services.