Economic Development
City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ)
Tamaqua is the only borough in the state's "CRIZ" job-growth program, serving as a pilot for the program. There are only two cities that are part of the program as well, and they are Lancaster and Bethlehem. The program allows Tamaqua to leverage state tax dollars by reinvesting them in underutilized real estate, to attract development, to encourage local business expansion, and to create new jobs. This program is administered by the Department of Revenue, the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Governor's Budget Office. Learn more now. Any business, property owner or non-profit that is located in the designated CRIZ, is required to complete a simple online form (to avoid a $1000 fine) every year by June 15th. This ensures that all local tax dollars may be reinvested. Monthly CRIZ Authority meetings (that are open to the public) are held on the third Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the Tamaqua Borough in the Council Chambers. Call the Borough between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 570.668.0300 to verify meeting dates and times. To file the annual report, either you or your tax preparer can log on to: https://www.etides.state.pa.us/ (Click on “NIZ/CRIZ/MIRP Report” on the menu on the left.)
Success Story: Liberty Hall and Hazle Street Housing Complex
Strong collaboration and clear vision resulted in a $7 million project that repurposed two historic properties located adjacent to one another, 401 Hazle St. and 420 East Broad Street, into 26 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and townhouses. Each includes community space along with indoor and outdoor parking for residents while retaining the original historic character of the once-deteriorating buildings. Developing affordable housing in significant historic buildings allows Tamaqua to create modern, efficient, and affordable housing ts at prices they can afford and at the same time restoring a piece of the Borough's rich history,Partners included: Alliance for Building Communities Inc. (ABC) of Allentown, together with Tamaqua Area Community Partnership (TACP), served as project developers; with ABC owning and managing the properties. Funding included the PA Housing Finance Agency, Peoples Neighborhood Bank, the National Equity Fund, the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, the Federal Home Loan (FHL) Bank of Pittsburgh and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation.
Main Street Program
Pennsylvania's Deptartment of Community and Economic Development's Main Street program was transofrmational for Tamaqua. It allowed the borough to study and understand its issues and opportunities, and provided information exchange, structure, a network of partners, and targeted funding for investment, staff, and training. As a result of the Main Street Program, the borough focused on its core Five Points Intersection, built Depot Square Park, invested in walkability and streetscapes, invested in parking, and expanded its festivals, events and arts programs to attract more people downtown. The crowning achievement of teh Main Street Program was the restoration of Tamaqua's top landmark, the Tamaqua Railroad Station. Take a look back now.
Elm Street Program
Pennsylvania's Deptartment of Community and Economic Development's Elm Street Program was created to bolster the older historic neighborhoods located within walking distance from revitalized main streets. The grants are designed to make positive images for a community through visioning, planning, and
Hotel Report: While the report showed a hotel in the Tamaqua area would not attract a commercial chain, it does reveal the importance of supporting and encouraging local bed and breakfasts and small hotels.
Upper Floors Project: This project evealuated repurposing unused space in the historic district.
Download the full Upper Story Revitalization Plan now.
Key Partners:
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development
Rural LISC (Local Initiative Support Corporation)
Pennsylvania Downtown Center
Pennsylvania Blueprint Communities