Cusick Blasts Allentown NIZ

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John Cusick

Although it is unclear whether Northampton County will formally intervene, Council President John Cusick led a chorus that bashed Allentown's NIZ at a Finance Committee meeting yesterday. He did so in response to a question from Exec John Stoffa, who asked Council for some guidance on the issue.

First, Cusick stated he was "shocked" to learn that Allentown was chosen as the location for the arena, stating other sites in South Bethlehem and along Route 33 were demonstrably better. He claimed someone had "tipped the scales."

Second, Cusick complained that they were kept in the dark about the funding mechanism that would be used to fiance an arena in Allentown. He suspects that those who did know could probably be counted on one hand.

Third, Cusick has a problem with diverting state taxes to fund a hockey arena while simultaneously cutting human services to the counties by 20-30%.

Fourth, Cusick objects to taking money from some of the municipalities. "They're potentially losing EIT money to fund things like parks and police and local services." 

Fifth, from an economic development standpoint, Cusick wonders how we can compete. "How does somebody who wants to develop office space  in Northampton County compete with subsidized space in the City of Allentown? I think it puts us at a competitive disadvantage in terms of economic development against the advantages that have been artificially created in the City of Allentown."

Sixth, Cusick is offended by legislation that applies to only one City in the state.

Scott Parsons suggested that maybe he should talk to his state senator, Pat Browne, who proposed this legislation. "How do you think I'll make out with that?" he asked, with a touch of sarcasm.

Bob Werner

Bob Werner stated he agrees with Cusick's concerns. "I think the methodology used was wrong and unfair. We are supposed to be the Lehigh Valley, a coalition of people working together. The last thing you need is a back door opened to policies that will take and strip our earned income tax.

"We will lose money based n the fact that the revenue sources are going to go there and leave the area, and that includes people that are in Allentown itself. They will lose within Allentown. They will lose monetary value. They will have to reduce rentals and leases t keep up with it. 

"But I personally take a great deal of offense to the way it was handled."

Parsons and Stoffa expressed some concern about taking an official position, but Werner suggested it be done.