Tom Curtin Leads Parkesburg's Economic Tax Relief

August 18^th, 2006, began the process of creating a new Parkesburg Ordinance to encourage economic development within the Borough. Tom Curtin met with Chester County Economic Development Agency, the Octorara School District and Governor Rendell’ special task force representatives to talk about what could be done to draw new economic development.

In talking about the tools available, one of the key requirement for any community to draw new development was to put in place tax incentives and one of the key methods in Pennsylvania was a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Abatement, or LERTA. Those present at the meeting encouraged each of the municipalities to consider LERTA as a 1) means to draw jobs to western Chester County and 2) reduce the school tax burden on home owners by building a new tax base.

The LERTA provides relief for increased property taxes a developer might pay over the current value of the property. For example, if a developer constructs a new building on a vacant lot, the increased taxes after completion can be abated 100% for five years, but the base level of taxes continues. At the end of the five years, taxes return at the then current level and continue on from that point. LERTA encourages projects which have the greatest long term value to Parkesburg, since the bigger the increase in valuation the bigger the abatement.

With the support of council and Parkesburg Planning Commission, a map of the included area and an ordinance authorizing LERTA was passed and approved by the Borough in less than three months after it began. Following Council's approval, Chester County three Commissioners and the Octorara School District also approved the LERTA ordinance.

Parkesburg was the first, and so far the only, community in Chester County to pass a LERTA ordinance. Council, led by Tom Curtin, is now working with development officials to plan the next step including marketing the plan to developers and encouraging them to take advantage of the incentives.

LERTA is a great first step. But just a first step. Since passing the LERTA ordimance earlier this year, Tom Curtin has been speaking this summer with residents on Main Street, Church street and First Avenue about a new economic revitalization project called “First and Main”. He’s compiling photographs, ownership data and identifying funding sources and speaking with the Parkesburg Business Association.

Where LERTA encourages new commercial construction, "First and Main" will focus on the hidden and not so hidden historical beauty of our community through residential and business façade improvement and business redevelopment program improving Parkesburg's “curb appeal”. The "First and Main" Project is about the four R;s researching and dealing with business inhibitors, removing blight, rehab and renewal of homes, businesses and infrastructure (streets, sidewalks and utilities) -and reinvigorating neighborhoods with community days, block parties and festivals.

Tom promises more to come this Fall on the "First and Main" program!