Panther Valley School Board last week approved a substantial market value settlement agreement for the Panther Valley Mini-Mall in Lansford.

The mini-mall, located on Ridge Street and housing several businesses, has a new market value of $159,000. Originally the property had an assessment of $250,000, said board solicitor attorney Robert Yurchak.Yurchak said the owner of the mall, David Benevy, had gotten an appraisal showing the property was valued at $145,000, but an agreeable assessment of $159,000 for tax purposes was reached.The new appraisal will mean approximately $2,624 less will be received in taxes for the school district and $1,493 less for the borough of Lansford under the market value agreement.The agreement came after Benevy appealed his original assessment to the Carbon County Tax Assessment, Board of Appeals.The school board also approved a market value settlement for property at 142 W. Snyder Ave., Lansford. The new settlement rate is $12,500, down from an original assessment rate of $26,000. The owner, identified by the school district as "Moravek," had gotten an appraisal of $9,000, but the $12,500 was agreed upon.The new assessment rates were approved by a 7-1 vote of the board. Opposed to both was board member Irene Genther. In favor were Board President Jeffrey Markovich, John Williams, Anthony DeMarco, Roy Angst, Brian Dolena, Dan Heaney and Bill Hunsicker. Board member Michelle Markovich was absent.In other matters, the board approved the sales of five properties that are in repository, all to Omar Gregg. One board member asked if Gregg was representing himself or some firm, but the information wasn't available.The properties that Gregg is purchasing are:• One located in Lansford and the reputed owner is Charles M. Grezik, with the bid price being $889.52.• Another located in Lansford and the reputed owner is Charles M. Grezik, with the bid price being $823,50.• One more located in Lansford owned by Charles M. Grezik, with the bid price being $874.52.• One in Lansford owned by Joseph and Linda Kukowski, with the bid price being $801.50.• One in Lansford owned by Lynne Christopher, with the bid price being $835.Yurchak said despite the low purchase prices, all properties keep their original assessment value unless the purchaser appeals to the county and wins that appeal.