By Terry Ahner

tahner@tnonline.com

Lehighton has been asked to consider a tax assistance program to encourage business ventures.

Borough council last week heard a presentation on the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Program from Kathy Henderson, director of economic development for the Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation.

Henderson, who also serves as Main Street Steering Committee Economic Vitality Chair, discussed a LERTA designation and recommended zone with council.

She said a LERTA District serves as a tax incentive program to entice existing businesses and new businesses to come into the area.

The tax incentive program encourages property owners to renovate or update a building to encourage businesses to locate and grow in an area.

Projects eligible for the LERTA program include repairs, construction, improvements to alleviate health concerns, economic use and to comply with ordinances or regulations.

Under the program, new commercial or industrial business ventures are eligible for a 10-year phase-in exemption schedule of property taxes.

Properties would be assessed at the purchase price for tax purposes and upgrades to properties would be phased into the taxes over the 10-year period.

Henderson said that Weissport has a designated business district, having designated Bridge Street from the Weissport Bridge to the railroad tracks along with the lower end of Franklin Street as Weissport’s official business district. The area centers around The Hofford Mill project on Bridge Street, which is being transformed into an entertainment complex.

She said that a LERTA program in Weatherly is still in the works, and is looking at areas in Kidder Township, such as along Route 940.

For Lehighton, the recommended LERTA District from the Main Street Steering Committee is from the Lehigh River west to and including Second Street from Carbon to Alum, and to include thenow closed Red Castle Brewery.

After the meeting, borough manager Nicole Beckett stressed that the matter is under advisement.

“This zone was a recommendation at this time,” Beckett said. “No action had been taken on approving the zone, as that will be part of establishing the LERTA.”

Beckett noted that council had previously approved proceeding with the next steps in establishing the LERTA to include meeting with county and school district officials.