Letter to the Editor:

How refreshing to hear of plans to bring more development to Blue Mountain Resort! I believe everyone in Carbon County knows someone that the ski resort has employed over the past 57 years.

Tax Incremental Financing (a TIF) is the most progressive way that development of such a large endeavor (a $25 MILLION addition) can occur. The school board is wise to consider whether there will be any additional burden on the current facilities or there is a need for hiring more teachers like a high-density housing project would.

It also enhances our whole area by bringing in affluent groups from metropolitan areas for a few days of vacation who then help supplement the inexpensive season pass sales that we as “locals” enjoy. Someone who is considering a trip north to Vermont may save the time, gas and higher priced lift tickets by enjoying a short trip and more time on the slopes.

Since there will be more tourist (meaning mostly folks from outside the local area) dollars spent at this 130-room hotel, the resort thrives in this extremely competitive ski business, and surrounding businesses also benefit when the hotel quests decide to “explore their surroundings” in their spare time.

The TIF for Kalahari (nearly 1,000 rooms) has enhanced the entire Tobyhanna area and brought not only jobs but further development such as Ripley’s and an aquarium that breaks ground within 90 days.

Carbon County is progressing nicely due to the creative thinking of our citizens serving on these school boards and townships … and WE are then attracting more business!

Joseph J. Bennett

Lehighton