LERTA requested by Mt. Pocono warehouse developer

by Pat Albano

The first order of business for the Mount Pocono Borough Council Work Session on March 21 was a presentation from representatives from Newland Capital Group on a LERTA warehouse construction on Route 940. LE-

RTA is a program created by Pennsylvania authorizing tax authorities to provide abatements on construction improvements. The warehouse is a 1.2 million square foot industrial facility approved by council a year ago, which developers predict will provide upwards of 550 new jobs.

Newland attorney George Amos stated “In the first year a great deal of revenue will come into the borough but the real winner will be the school district, receiving approximately $162,000. This revenue will help with capital expenditures and bills.”

Mayor Randy Altemose had questions on the loop road bypass required by PennDOT and built for access to the fa- cility. Amos responded, “This road will help alleviate and reduce the time for school buses to navigate and will run to Industrial Park Boulevard, and connects to Route 611.”

Altemose remarked, “I understand everyone loves Amazon, but warehouses are not popular and even less popular in the Poconos.”

Borough approval would be the first step in the approval process for LERTA designation, after which the next step is to present it to the School District.

Council president Don Struckle asked if the 10-year LERTA designation could be reduced to 5 years and was told that would require discussion with the potential tenant. The mayor was also told 1,000 trees will be planted at the facility.

Council also considered three proposals on the Maintenance Garage from Architectural Services, $12,050, Structural Engineering Services, $9, 500 and Mechanical/ Electrical/Plumbing Services

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$11,750, with no decision. There was also discussion on whether to purchase outright or finance a new maintenance truck. Struckle asked the board to consider purchasing a used vehicle from Paradise Township, stating “Let’s wait until the end of the year to see what Paradise will offer.”

Borough manager Joshua Walker informed council he received surveys back on the proposed dog park and Struckle said “We need to decide on how big we want the park to be.” Council member Debra Fulton expressed concerns on expenses stating, “We do not need the engineer’s diagram.”

Council member Claudette Williams discussed a joint service of the borough and the Women’s Veterans Museum on Memorial Day, including light refreshments. Street sweeping is April 17-20 and “Pick up the Poconos/Joe Battisto Cleanup Day,” is Saturday, April 22 at 9:30 a.m.