Coplay, Whitehall and Catasauqua should move ahead with an application to the state even though it's likely to be denied.

That's the advice given to municipal officials by Howard Lieberman, executive director of the Whitehall Township Industrial & Commercial Development Authority, at a meeting Nov. 21.

Lieberman addressed both municipal and county representatives about the Community Revitalization and Investment Zone (CRIZ) application that is due to the state at the end of the month. CRIZ offers certain tax incentives for development of abandoned or blighted properties for commercial use.

Although the planned submission by the three municipalities is likely to be denied, Lieberman said it makes sense to submit it anyway.

Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said his contact in Harrisburg indicated that all applications will be reviewed.

The state authorized the establishment of the CRIZ tax incentive zone in July, but did not issue requirements until the last day of October. One requirement was to have municipal authorities established before submitting the application. This process requires a 30-day notice period and a legal cost of around $10,000.

The local application will not meet that requirement. A key element in the proposal for CRIZ was to show intermunicipal cooperation, but, according to Lieberman, this is one instance where the state is discouraging municipal cooperation.

Although Lieberman asked for a heads-up on the requirements once the law was passed, the state ignored his pleas, he said. The state did leak the requirements to Tamaqua and Bethlehem which established their authorities during the summer months.

"I think we should submit the CRIZ application and, assuming that it would be rejected, we can take it to our legislators and the governor's action committee and present our case," said Virginia Savage, Lehigh County Community Revitalization and Development manager.

Those attending the meeting said they believe Whitehall could benefit from an assessment of its application.

It appears that other municipalities are following a similar strategy, said Whitehall Commissioner Thomas Slonaker.

"I understand that Lackawanna County is going to submit their application," he said.

"We are still working with Sen. [Judy] Schwank to get this program expanded," said Lieberman. The next CRIZ application window is 2016, but Lieberman looked at the date as a positive.

"CRIZ is not really helpful until the projects are up, operational and generating tax revenue. The 2016 timing may be right," he said.

The board is not slowing its effort because of a CRIZ delay.

"We are exploring many options," he said. "There is interest in the Coplay project by the Pennsylvania Governor's School for Global Entrepreneurism."

Lieberman indicated that a project to professionally photograph aspects of the FL Smidth site in Catasauqua and the Lehigh Dairy site in Whitehall are gaining traction with potential corporate sponsors.

According to Lieberman, the Waterway Symposium shows much promise.

"We have various commitments from the Corps of Engineers, Lehigh County, and local businesses," he said.

Lieberman envisions an active corridor that would include an environmental education center, recreational activities like canoeing, along with an entertainment component.