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After objections, Norwich trustees approve CRA/PILOT for Trilogy project
Summary
Trustees initially opposed a proposed 50% tax abatement for a proposed Trilogy/Hilton Tru project, then worked with City of Hilliard staff on a 30% CRA/PILOT alternative; trustees later approved a CRA agreement with DMK/Trilogy on May 1, 2018.
Trustees recorded strong objections early in 2018 to a proposed 50% tax abatement for a planned Hilton Tru/Trilogy development, saying the deal shifted costs to Norwich Township and the school district.
On March 6, Trustee Larry Earman and others said the abatement did not represent sound policy for the township; the board voted to formally oppose the 50% abatement (motion passed #180306.04). Trustee Charles Wm. Buck said the township—and its taxpayers—should not subsidize development that could operate without public incentives: “If developers can’t do the project without some abatement or TIF then they probably shouldn’t be doing the project,” he said.
City economic staff returned with a 30% community reinvestment area (CRA) alternative intended to provide a payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) to the township over 15 years rather than a 30‑year abatement. Hilliard Economic Director David Meadows presented the alternative and committed to preparing a written agreement for Trilogy to consider.
On May 1 trustees approved the community reinvestment area agreement with DMK Development Group, LLC and Trilogy Health Services, LLC (motion passed #180501.06). The board recorded that township legal counsel had modified Section 6 of the draft to address a trustee concern about being excluded from decisions tied to PILOT payments.
Trustees said they would continue to monitor any developer payments and the impact of the project on Fire/EMS runs. The approval does not alter the township’s right to seek Developer’s Agreements or further protections if future operating or service impacts materialize.
