Affordable Housing, PILOTs: Moorestown New Deputy Mayor Takes Stance On Developers

Correction: Deputy Mayor Christopher Keating said there will be no new PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes) for subsidized residential buildings — barring any changes in the law.

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown's newly appointed deputy mayor says the township isn't going to be pushed around by developers and businesses with "out-of-town interests."

The Town Council voted Monday to appoint Council Member Christopher Keating to serve as deputy mayor for 2026. After being sworn into the role, he spoke about some of the township's priorities for the year ahead, which included pointed remarks about affordable housing and development.

"We’re not going to be bullied by developers," Keating said. "We’re not going to be bullied by businesses, including health care systems that come into our towns and try to weasel their way out of paying property taxes. We’re not going to acquiesce to bad deals being pushed by out-of-town interests."

Moorestown is also going to steer clear of legal issues while reaching its state-mandated affordable-housing capacity over the next decade, Keating says.

In New Jersey, cities and towns must reach a calculated number of affordable homes in periods called "rounds." Round 4 began last year, giving municipalities new benchmarks to reached their respective affordable-housing obligations by 2035.

Over the past decade, the township faced legal action from multiple stakeholders regarding affordable-housing development. Meanwhile, the township's population was growing and putting a strain on the school system. But the school bond referendum passed in September is expected to alleviate some of those issues as Moorestown schools expand classroom space.

"We’re going to fulfill our affordable-housing obligation without any lawsuits," Keating said, "and by extending affordability restrictions that are in place on already-existing structures owned by MEND."

Keating also said there will be no new PILOTs (payments in lieu of taxes) for subsidized residential buildings — barring any changes in the law.

PILOTs are a controversial exemption on property taxes in exchange for a flat fee paid to municipalities. Proponents for PILOT agreements say they encourage development. But critics say they adversely impact school funding, since local school districts don't receive taxes from the property owner when a PILOT is in effect.

With new residential developments on the way — including 375-unit Pearl apartment complex under construction near the mall — Moorestown will have new PILOT agreements taking effect. The township and Moorestown's Board of Education have discussed a revenue-sharing agreement for those funds.

"We will work with stakeholders in our community, including our Board of Education," Keating said.

Monday's Town Council meeting can be viewed here.