Lycoming News

Pennsylvania Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne visited Tamaqua to review the achievements and future plans of the Tamaqua City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ). Senator Dave Argall, who authored the law enabling Tamaqua's CRIZ designation, praised community partners for their efforts in revitalizing the borough.

“When I was growing up in a ‘half a double’ on Arlington Street, I never could have imagined Tamaqua as it is today,” said Argall. “Without the CRIZ and the hard work of so many members of the Tamaqua community, this transformation would not have been possible – and the benefits of the program continue for 30 years! I hope Secretary Browne and his team can take the lessons we’ve learned as we’ve revitalized Tamaqua and bring them to new towns across the state.”

Tamaqua holds a unique position as Pennsylvania’s only borough with a CRIZ designation. This status allows it to use state tax payments for economic development. Members of the Tamaqua CRIZ Authority guided Secretary Browne through several sites that benefited from these investments, including Perla Building, Child Development Inc.–Tamaqua Center, Bischoff Inn, Tamaqua Train Station Restaurant, Boyer’s Food Market Complex, and Gimbel’s.

“These CRIZ projects demonstrate to Harrisburg what those of us from town already knew – give us a chance, and we Tamaquans will roll up our sleeves and go to work to make something positive happen for our community,” said Tony Odorizzi, Solicitor for Tamaqua CRIZ Authority. “Since I started practicing in town, I have seen first-hand that the energy and determination of the people in this town who want GOOD things to happen far exceeds the energy and lack of determination of those who do NOT want to see good things happen for our town.”

The tour highlighted Bischoff Inn as an example of how CRIZ funding has rejuvenated older buildings. Owner Maria Stabio transformed an 1865 planing mill into a five-room hotel while preserving its historical significance.

“The CRIZ program was instrumental to the success of Bischoff Inn,” said Stabio. “Without it, the Inn would not be open today.”

The visit concluded at Gimbel’s in downtown Tamaqua. Founded by Megan and Aaron Gimbel from Rush Township's Gimbel Farms, Gimbel’s will offer farm-to-table food sourced locally. A ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for October 4th.

“Gimbel’s would like to take this opportunity to thank CRIZ for their continued support,” said Megan Gimbel. “We are excited and honored to become a part of downtown Tamaqua and bring life to our new space.”

Senator Argall posed an important question: “The key question is this: who will apply to be the next CRIZ success story in Tamaqua, restoring a property and creating new jobs?”