Tax break for Lakewood

The new owners of the tract known as Lakewood Park, located on the south side of Route 54 in Ryan Township, successfully appealed the property’s tax assessment.

During a meeting Wednesday, directed by the solicitor’s office, the Schuylkill County Commissioners accepted the settlement of the assessment appeal. The property owners are Loren E. “Buck” Roth, Patty Roth and Andrew Roth, all of Nescopeck Township. The Roths purchased the 54-acre property late in 2017, paying $507,000 for two parcels.

The appeal sets the fair market value for one parcel at $392,825 (assessed value $163,415) and of the second parcel at $78,005 (assessed value $32,450), for a total fair market value of $470,830. The change is effective Jan. 1, 2019.

Last month, the Schuylkill County Commissioners approved implementing a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance for new construction and improvements on the property. LERTA lets municipal authorities make ordinances which temporarily exempt payment of real estate taxes. Ryan Township and Mahanoy Area School District officials also approved the designation. The Roths plan a campground with entertainment venue.