Don’t Raid Open Space Taxes, Partnerships are the Solutions!

Our efforts have led to a generous matching donation of $1000 from the Sourland Conservancy in order to help residents understand the impact of their vote on the Open Space ballot question. A key Sourland Conservancy strategic goal is to “Increase Acreage in Permanently Preserved Public Open Space.” 

The Millstone Valley Preservation Coalition (MVPC) Board passed a resolution to “support the mission of FOHOS and is in full agreement with the effort to defeat Hillsborough Township’s Ballot Question.”  They stated that, “We are certain that a NO vote actually says yes to open space.”

MVPC’s mission is to preserve and enhance the historical, cultural, recreational, scenic and open space assets of the Millstone Valley through monitoring of government agencies and commercial interests and designing and implementing public awareness and educational programs.  The MVPC is an umbrella entity that encourages and supports mutual cooperation and communication with area historical societies and civic organizations.  Friends of Hillsborough Open Space is grateful for MVPC’s public support because it validates our efforts to explain to the public how the Township Committee’s diversion of money that was originally intended to buy open space will negatively impact the quality of life in our town.

Partnering with organizations like these and Scouts can lead to an expanded volunteer and fundraising base. We all realize that townships have limited resources.  Now is the time to ask residents and local businesses to increase support for building trails and ballfields. A recent letter to the editor suggested that the Township Committee ask for in-kind contributions of labor and equipment from developers rather than always agreeing to a hardship waiver for replacement of trees. Please share your ideas at www.facebook.com/fohosnj!

Hillsborough Patch has a column dedicated to the troubling issues surrounding the Open Space Ballot Question and the Beacon’s October 3rd editorial column pointed out that “There are a lot of ways the issue could be publicly vetted… We bet students at the high school would be glad to host a forum, or tape a broadcast. A flier could be printed, mailed or distributed in mass. This newspaper would run a lengthy Q & A.”

Residents who want to be informed voters are invited to an Informational Forum on Monday October 21st from 7 – 8:45 PM at Avalon Assisted Living at 393 Amwell Road. If you cannot make it, like us at www.facebook.com/fohosnj for information or email questions to fohosnj@gmail.com.