Politics & Government
Township Council Goes 'All In' on Arena Lawsuit
On April 18, Lower Saucon Township Council voted unanimously to join the pending litigation against Allentown's Neighborhood Improvement Zone (NIZ).
Prior to April 18, to join a lawsuit brought by Hanover Township, Northampton County and Bethlehem Township against Allentown's Neighbohood Improvement Zone (NIZ).
So the results of a vote taken by council at its April 18 meeting were hardly surprising.
Following a brief executive session, council members voted unanimously to join the litigation, at a cost of not more than $10,000.
Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I voted for this because I think this issue needs to be nipped in the bud," council president Glenn Kern said after the vote.
"Agreed," said council vice president Tom Maxfield.
Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The legal challenge notwithstanding, the controversial NIZ will divert earned income taxes from the coffers of municipalities such as Lower Saucon Township, in order to help fund the construction of a hockey arena in center city Allentown.
For example, the EIT paid by a Lower Saucon resident who works at a company located within the 80-acre Allentown NIZ will no longer be returned to Lower Saucon Township, but will instead go to Allentown.
."
.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
