Mon · Nov 2 · 7pm
George deLuna on PILOTs and Housing in Berkeley Heights, NJ
Berkeley Heights Public Schools Administration · 345 Plainfield Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922
Three candidates are running for mayor of Berkeley Heights on Tuesday, November 3: George deLuna (I), John Foster (R), and Susan Poage (D). Mayor Angie Devanney (D) is not seeking a third term. In a weekly Q&A series from TAPinto Berkeley Heights, deLuna answered the Week 3 question on PILOT agreements, affordable housing, and school funding. Union County Life is summarizing each candidate’s answers so Berkeley Heights voters can compare them.
A PILOT, or payment in lieu of taxes, is an agreement where a developer pays the town a set amount instead of regular property taxes, often for decades. In Berkeley Heights, PILOT payments go to the township and a small share to the county, but not to the school district. The township has several residential PILOT developments, and a redevelopment agreement for Terrace II anticipates a future PILOT, though the developer has not yet applied. Under its court-approved Fourth Round plan, the township must provide 240 affordable housing units through 2035.
DeLuna said PILOTs benefit local government and developers but leave existing taxpayers covering long-term costs, including the $50 million school referendum voters approved in March. If PILOTs remain part of governing, he said, he would push for the payments to help fund the Board of Education the way regular property taxes do.
On affordable housing, deLuna called the state requirements a government intervention in the housing market and argued they raise costs for building owners. He said he would follow the law while it’s in place, but would start a discussion about making the requirements optional, possibly through a state constitutional amendment. He also suggested the planning board consider uses other than housing for the Nokia property, such as a large employer that could add long-term tax revenue.
DeLuna summed up his approach as staying in compliance while the law requires it, making sure the schools get a fair share, and pushing the state to change the mandate. Stay informed about Berkeley Heights news and announcements on Union County Life.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Candidate
FAQ:
Q: Who is running for mayor of Berkeley Heights in 2026?
A: George deLuna (I), John Foster (R), and Susan Poage (D) are running. Mayor Angie Devanney (D) is not seeking a third term.
Q: When is the Berkeley Heights mayoral election?
A: The election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Q: What is a PILOT agreement in Berkeley Heights?
A: A PILOT, or payment in lieu of taxes, lets a developer pay the township a set amount instead of regular property taxes. In Berkeley Heights, those payments go to the township and county, not the school district.
Q: What did George deLuna say about PILOTs and affordable housing?
A: DeLuna said he would push for PILOT payments to help fund the schools, and would comply with state affordable housing rules while urging the state to make them optional.
Q: Where can I find more Berkeley Heights election coverage?
A: Union County Life covers Berkeley Heights mayoral candidates, local races, and election news. Visit unioncountylife.com for more.
