Jersey Shore Borough approves business tax forgiveness request | News, Sports, Jobs

Jersey Shore Borough Council approved a request by West Pharmaceutical Services to apply for tax forgiveness during its recent monthly meeting.

LERTA, or Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance, provides tax abatements over seven years to companies looking to expand their operations as a means of incentivizing redevelopment of aging or deteriorating properties.

Under the LERTA agreement, West would be forgiven full tax payments during the first two years of the agreement and abatements over the next five years.

Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce President Jason Fink said West is looking to expand its Jersey Shore operations with the plan to bring 125 additional jobs.

“This is really good for the community,” Jersey Shore Borough Manager Cody Hoover said.

Fink noted that West has already accumulated property in the area around the 300 block of Oliver Street including the Wheeland Center.

“It’s a good employer,” Fink said.

Council later agreed to begin the process of vacating West Alley.

West is looking to take over the alley from the borough.

Council President Sean Simcox raised concern about the borough giving over the alley to a private company when at least one private landowner uses it for access.

Hoover noted that a public hearing will be held before the matter is finalized.

Council voted to hire Enviro Truck to do an environment study for the public service building project at a cost of $12,500.

Enviro Truck’s bid was the lowest of three for the work which is necessary for obtaining a $500,000 grant for the overall project.

Council passed a resolution to apply for a $1 million state grant to replace four traffic lights in the borough.

Council heard from a Front Street resident concerned about a neighbor violating the borough’s burning ordinance.

He told council the neighbor is burning at all hours of the day and not keeping an eye on his fires.

Simcox said council would look into the matter.

In personnel action, council accepted the resignation of Jim Douty as zoning and codes officer.

Douty, who is stepping down from the job July 1, has held the position for nine years.

Council approved a request from Jersey Shore’s Geisinger Hospital to place a temporary generator on the sidewalk behind the facility.

A game of chance license was granted to the Jersey Shore Historical Society for a one-day event.