POTTSVILLE, Pa. — Schuylkill County commissioners unanimously approved a revised tax exemption schedule for two proposed logistics facilities at Highridge Business Park on , despite public concerns about the timing of the vote and the opportunity to review the proposal.
Commissioners also authorized a separate application for $788,385 in state transportation funding to rehabilitate Keystone Boulevard within the business park.
Revised Tax Exemptions for Two Logistics Facilities
Frank Zukas, representing the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, or SEDCO, requested immediate approval of an amendment to a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Act, or LERTA, agreement for property in the Cass Township portion of Highridge.
The development calls for subdividing one parcel into two properties for construction of two cross-dock logistics facilities, each approximately 1 million square feet. Zukas said both buildings are being developed on speculation, with no tenants currently secured.
The revised agreement increases the tax exemption during the first five years. The exemption for the remaining five years stays at 50%.
| Period | Previous Exemption | Approved Exemption |
|---|---|---|
| Years 1–5 | 50% | 75% |
| Years 6–10 | 50% | 50% |
Zukas said the change would help the project compete with large industrial developments along the Interstate 81 corridor, including those in the Hazleton and Scranton areas.
He explained that prospective tenants typically enter triple-net leases, which require them to pay property taxes along with other property expenses. A higher exemption during the initial years could therefore help attract tenants.
Cass Township supervisors and the Minersville Area School Board had already approved the modification, according to Zukas.
Data Center Transfer Would Void Exemption
The county’s approval included a provision voiding the LERTA exemption if the property is sold or transferred to a data center company.
Zukas said prompt action was needed to allow the closing to proceed and contractors to begin construction during the current season.
Residents Question Timing of the Vote
The request for immediate approval drew objections during public comment.
Chris Melusky of Norwegian Township and Jeff Dunkel of Palo Alto questioned why commissioners could not table the measure to give taxpayers additional time to review its financial implications.
Melusky also raised a concern about compliance with the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, arguing that the resolution had not been posted at least 24 hours before the meeting.
Commissioners proceeded with the vote and unanimously adopted the revised LERTA resolution.
County Seeks Funding for Keystone Boulevard Repairs
In a separate infrastructure action, the board authorized an application to PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund for the Keystone Boulevard Roadway Rehabilitation and Safety Improvement Project.
The project has an estimated total cost of $1,126,264. The application seeks $788,385 in state funding, covering approximately 70% of the cost. SEDCO would provide the remaining $337,879 as the required local match.
| Funding Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Requested PennDOT Funding | $788,385 |
| SEDCO Local Match | $337,879 |
| Estimated Total Project Cost | $1,126,264 |
Keystone Boulevard is a county-owned roadway within Highridge Business Park managed by the Highridge Improvement District Authority.
Commissioners also approved a supporting resolution authorizing execution of the necessary grant agreements with PennDOT. The action allows the county to seek funding; it does not constitute a grant award.