HERMITAGE, PA. Plan to offer tax breaks

Only certain types of high-tech businesses would be allowed in the new district.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The city planning commission has endorsed a plan to offer property tax abatements in a portion of LindenPointe, a 115-acre planned technical park project on South Hermitage Road.
The commission voted Monday to recommend that city commissioners approve an ordinance to extend a municipal tax abatement program to 71 acres in the park.
City commissioners introduced the legislation in August and sent it to the planning commission for review.
It offers a 100 percent break on city property tax rates on new construction for three years, followed by a 75 percent break in the fourth year, 50 percent in the fifth and 25 percent in the sixth.
The planning commission also recommended approval of a new zoning district for that same 71 acres -- Planned Technical Park 2 -- to place stringent guidelines on just what types of business will be allowed to build there and get the tax abatement.
The park is planned for high-tech businesses; general business offices wouldn't be allowed in the abatement area.
What's allowed
Manufacturers of electronics, data processing equipment, computer hardware and software, communication equipment, scientific and medical instruments, precision optics, robotics and pharmaceuticals would be acceptable.
City commissioners will hold public hearings on both changes before making a final decision.
The city is in partnership with KAKE Development Co. of Hermitage in the park with each owning half of the available land.
However, the abatement and new zoning district would affect 43 city-owned acres, but only 28 acres of KAKE property.
In other business, the planning commission:
URecommended approval of the land development plan for a 60-unit apartment complex for senior citizens at Lamor Road and North Keel Ridge Road. The Mercer County Housing Authority is the project developer on the 20-acre site.
URecommended approval of the A & amp;M Fuel Center, a proposed gasoline service facility on North Buhl Farm Drive owned by Hermitage Shop N' Save.