LST Council Approves Establishing Economic Development Task Force

The members of Lower Saucon Township Council recently voted 4-0 to approve the establishment of a township economic development task force.

The task force's formation was proposed by Councilman Dave Willard earlier this fall.

According to Willard, who read the resolution that was approved at council's last meeting, one of the task force's goals will be to help the township increase its tax base by attracting an appropriate mix of businesses.

A lack of economic diversity in Lower Saucon Township has recently been discussed in relation to a proposed expansion by IESI Bethlehem Landfill, which currently pays the township more than $2 million in host fees and taxes each year.

All of the other township businesses pay a combined total of about $60,000 in local taxes annually.

The new group will be called the Lower Saucon Township Economic Development Task Force, and will include seven members who are township residents and/or township business owners, it was announced.

Other components of the task force's mission will be:

• Identify issues/challenges affecting economic development in the township

• Make recommendations for the optimal use of land for business development

• Recommend methods to encourage investment in unused or underused structures

• Present a report with recommendations no later than Oct. 1, 2014