Schuylkill adopts business tax incentive

The definition for the phrase “a shot in the arm” is given as “something that has a sudden, strong and positive effect on something.”

Example: Implementing the LERTA designation for a chunk of vacant land in Ryan and Mahanoy townships could be a “shot in the arm” for not only the townships, but also the struggling Mahanoy Area School District.

During a workshop meeting Wednesday, the Schuylkill County Commissioners added the last piece of the puzzle for the lands, which include nine parcels totaling about 750 acres. Frank Zukas, president of Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, asked the commissioners for their support during the public comment portion of the meeting.

The three commissioners unanimously approved the designation. Ryan and Mahanoy townships and Mahanoy Area School District had previously approved the LERTA.

“The intent is to develop three buildings, with more than 2 million square feet,” Zukas said. “Critical to the ability to recruit tenants is providing property tax abatement for an extending period.

LERTA stands for Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance. Companies which locate in a LERTA zone are given tax exemptions for a period of 10 years, with the amount of the exemption lessening over that period. Zukas said that the LERTA program first came to Schuylkill County in 1979 and is “a program that works.” The commissioners agreed.

“With your leadership and the leadership of the (SEDCO) board members, things are getting done in the county,” Chairman George Halcovage said. “What we’re all doing together can bring more than 2,000 jobs — good-paying jobs — and that means a lot.”

Commissioner Frank Staudenmeier said that Schuylkill’s trio of leaders are “definitely on board.” Commissioner Gary Hess called the LERTA a “shot in the arm” for Mahanoy Area School District and said that LERTAs are “an investment in the future.”

All of the nine involved parcels are in the vicinity of the Route 54 and Interstate 81 interchange, near the township lines for Mahanoy and Ryan townships. One of the parcels, a 40-acre property, is owned by Jack Butts, Dale Coal Company, Dallas, Pennsylvania. The other eight properties are owned by the Yudacot Ltd. Partnership, based in St. Clair, Pennsylvania.

According to the company website, Yudacot Limited Partnership is a member of the Cotler Group, a family owned business for over 60 years. The group of companies includes Mountain Valley Golf Course, Mainstay Suites, C&R VIP Inc., Locust Valley Coal Inc. and Stoudt’s Ferry Preparation Company. This multifaceted business group provides employment through its various holdings and is well-known for the development and expansion of Schuylkill County golf course restaurant and entertainment venue, Mountain Valley.