Neighborhood improvement zone program

The city estimates that the arena will bring one million visitors to Allentown a year. Advocates say the arena is different from other publicly subsidized sports venues. But some worry it will raise property values and push locals out of their homes. The NIZ will be in effect for 30 years.

Which tax revenue can be used to fund projects in the NIZ? Most state and local taxes paid in the zone, including taxes on personal and corporate income, cigarettes, malt beverages and liquor, and sales of construction materials. Property taxes cannot be used. Why is Allentown getting this tax incentive program? Like other Pennsylvania cities, Allentown has been struggling for a long time. But in the s those stores shut down as suburban malls drew business out of the city. Poverty increased downtown.

Today, half of downtown residents live below the poverty line and unemployment is nearly twice the state average. He came up with a unique plan to bring developers back downtown, and he lobbied for it in the state legislature.

In , the state passed Act 50 establishing the NIZ. The state amended the law in and The way the law is written, only Allentown qualifies for the zone. Local officials hope the zone can attract developers and new businesses, create jobs, and make downtown Allentown a destination.

State legislators agreed to this plan because they think the state will benefit in the end. Can my city get a NIZ? The way the legislation was written, only Allentown qualifies. Bethlehem and Lancaster were the first cities chosen to participate. Did this article answer all your questions about the Neighborhood Improvement Zone?

Vital neighborhoods provide decent affordable housing, high-performing schools, attainable health care and social services, accessible employment, connective transportation, active retail and commercial areas, safe streets, and sustainable infrastructure. To achieve this in identified neighborhoods, the program has two sets of goals:.

Martin Luther King Jr. Find details. Skip to main content. Neighborhood Improvement Strategy Neighborhood Improvement Strategy is a pilot program aimed at using data about neighborhoods to make communities more vital and raise the quality of life. To achieve this in identified neighborhoods, the program has two sets of goals: Short-term Goals Improve public safety Invest in improvements to the area's physical characteristics Increase community engagement Long-term Goals Promote economic revitalization Provide supportive services to reduce poverty and create paths to self-sufficiency Improve internet connectivity to promote learning and employment [pdf] PDF, KB.