On Monday, Jan. 13 the LERTA and Proposed Zoning Map informational session took place at Birdsboro Borough Hall. The meeting started at 6 p.m. and lastly approximately 30 minutes. Councilmen Germani and Happel were absent from the informational session.
In LERTA designated areas, commercial properties will still pay a local tax but do not see any immediate increase in local taxes based upon the assessed value of renovations made to the property until the end of the term, which will be five years.
Under LERTA, commercial improvements that are eligible for tax exemption include repair, construction, or reconstruction including alteration and additions.
The session also included information about the former St. Mark’s Lutheran Church property. The proposal is to rezone 5.1 acres of land from public conservation to village commercial for the new proposed mini mall which will include Boyer’s Food Market. The official public hearing for both LERTA and the zoning change will be at 6 p.m. Feb. 10.
Manager Durso announced that the proposed grocery store plan has been signed by council and planning commission and will be submitted to the county for record.
Durso also informed council that State Route 82 is on the list for repaving with some sidewalk/curb cut work in 2015.
He publicly thanked State Senator Judy Schwank and State Representative David Maloney for their involvement to make this possible. The repaving work is a PennDOT project with funding made available through the recently passed PA Transportation Bill.
Birdsboro Police Chief Roth presented to council his monthly report stating in December 2013 there were 16 arrests: one borough ordinance, six traffic and nine criminal.
In closing business, council appointed Julia Olafson of Jefferson Street to the Boone Area Library Board, replacing Geoff Steigauf. David Wheeler was appointed to the Zoning Hearing Board and was previously an alternate. Councilman Germani was absent.
The next council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 3 at Borough Hall.
