A coalition of local politicians announced Oct. 31 the formation of a hoped-for state-approved City Revitalization and Improvement Zone Authority.

Standing shoulder-to-shoulder in City Hall, the group, which far outnumbered the media members present, represented "unity and solidarity" in support of a new economic development plan that might serve to refurbish dilapidated portions of the city for decades to come.

Mayor John Callahan said the CRIZ is an incentive that will reward entrepreneurs relocating from out of state and swell private development and investment throughout the city. He and State Sen. Lisa Boscola said developers and investors aside, the CRIZ will have citywide benefits.

Jobs, Callahan said, through construction and new businesses, and an expanding tax base, will be the primary benefits seen by residents. "We're going to grow the city's, the county's and the school district's tax base. It's going to enhance the quality of life of the community; it's going to bring jobs and investment here." He said this includes adaptive reuse of many old Bethlehem Steel Co. buildings, and will affect anyone living or working in neighborhoods benefitting from inclusion in the zone.

The "zone," unlike some current efforts such as the Keystone Innovation Zone and Tax Incremental Zone, will actually allow the city to choose 130 non-contiguous acres in need of redevelopment and choose new sites as properties are improved over the CRIZ's 30-year term.

City Department of Community and Economic Development employee Irene Woodward, who has worked on the project for months, said only eight cities qualify, and only two will win. Applications to the state must be received by Nov. 30 and the final decisions will be made no later than 90 days after receipt of those submissions.

Boscola led the effort in altering the initial legislation to allow cities of Bethlehem's size to participate. She was likewise adamant Bethlehem is the forerunner of the group, and winning a bid is almost a foregone conclusion. The city has so much in its favor, she said, "I believe it's ours to lose."

Tapped to run the new CRIZ Authority, which must meet some time in November to be recognized by the commonwealth, are; attorney James Broughal, CPA John Filipos, DCED Director Joseph Kelly, City of Easton DCED Director Gretchen Longenbach (a Bethlehem resident) and insurance manager and former Northampton County Council member Ann McHale.