Mayor Proposes LERTA, Marketing Williamsport as Gas Epicenter

WILLIAMSPORT -- In the last few days, I have spoken to many citizens about the topic of a Residential LERTA (Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance).  My objective is simple:  To improve the housing stock of the City of Williamsport.

For several years now, I have been studying the genesis of the Marcellus Shale activity.  It is real.  It has the ability to economically improve the lives of many.  We, as elected officials, must be prepared for the benefits of this industry. 

Williamsport has the potential to become the Epicenter for the Natural Gas Industry and I am committed to help facilitate this goal.  We are fortunate to have the training center for the natural gas activity, the Pennsylvania College of Technology, and institutions of financial, hospitalization, higher learning, law, a thriving arts community, and a Renaissance occurring downtown. 

I believe our new marketing motto should be "Williamsport, the Energy Capital of Pennsylvania."

It is true, drilling will probably not occur in the city limits. However, the above assets speak for themselves.  In addition, our industrial park is gaining employees and we have the ability to attract a large scale professional office building in our downtown.  This brings me back to residential living and LERTA.  I believe that all citizens should be treated the same.  Especially when it comes to incentives and taxation.   

Williamsport provides many services to the taxpayers who foot the bill.  But it does not negate the fact that real estate taxes for the City of Williamsport far exceeds other municipalities.  For us to compete with other municipalities, whether it is residential or commercial, investment incentives must occur.  I believe a Residential LERTA that allows owners to enter the must higher cost Williamsport market with phased in tax relief over a period of time is a prudent thing to do.

Therefore, my revised proposal is a citywide residential LERTA affecting all owners of property.  By creating a level playing field against competitive communities, Williamsport can have the opportunity to house workers and executives of the natural gas industry.

As a result of this incentive, neighborhoods can improve thus creating an available pool for prospective owners, renters, and just as important the senior citizen who wants to improve her property, but is fearful that Uncle Sam is going to punish her through increased taxation when she is reassessed. 

Therefore, I have directed Mr. Lubin our city solicitor to create a 10-year citywide LERTA for all residential properties and a condo ordinance. Like the commercial LERTA that was passed last year, this new ordinance would be evaluated at the end of 2011.

It is my belief that we are at the point in our history that condo investments have been requested and make sense.  I have had discussions with numerous members of City Council in regards to my revised proposal and I look forward to constructive dialogue once this legislation is prepared.