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Health & Fitness

SOS: Your Vote Counts to Save Open Space!

Hillsborough’s residents will be voting on a Ballot Question about Open Space on November 5th, which will affect the future of not only our town’s landscape, but how our Open Space Trust Fund taxes will be used, and our quality of life.

Contrary to the original intention of the voters who approved our Open Space Trust Fund in 1995 to purchase open space, the current Township Committee proposes to divert up to 20% of our open space taxes for unknown purposes even though Hillsborough still has at least 1,500 acres on its open space wish list. The Open Space Trust Fund collects $1.55 million/year and 20% of that is approximately $300,000 which would be diverted. It’s much more than what would be needed for trails and maintenance of existing open space. The May 2nd, 2013 Open Space Advisory Committee minutes show that Committeeman Suraci stated at least twice that they want to “build up a fund.”

What does the Township Committee really want to do with this money? To be well-informed, a few residents started a group called Friends of Hillsborough Open Space (FOHOS) so that we could research this issue together. What we’ve gathered will be presented:

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What: Forum on Open Space in Hillsborough

When: Monday, October 21st 7:00 - 8:45 PM

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Where: Avalon Assisted Living 393 Amwell Road Hillsborough

We invite members of the public to better understand the November Ballot Question on Open Space and the potential diversion of Open Space acquisition money.

The Forum will include:

·         A history of open space preservation in Hillsborough

·         A presentation of the ballot question

·         The importance of continuing the preservation of Open Space in Hillsborough

·         Reasons to oppose the diversion of Open Space acquisition money 

·         A call for new members and volunteers to help oppose the initiative

·         Ways you can help get spread the word and defeat this question

 

Please carpool, if possible, and park in the back. The Avalon has graciously provided the dining area on the first floor for the meeting. Please be respectful that seniors live in nearby halls. If you are unable to attend, and are not already on our mailing list, please send your email address to fohosnj@gmail.com and we will be glad to send you information about what you missed. www.facebook.com/fohosnj also provides information but you will gain a more comprehensive understanding by attending the informational meeting.  FOHOS is a non-partisan group, welcoming members of any political party and those who are unaffiliated.

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