Developers Tim Harrison and Jeremy Fogel presented a detailed plan for the proposed Hamilton Crossings shopping complex in Lower Macungie and addressed common misconceptions during a meeting Feb. 11 at Muhlenberg College.

Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller said he hosted the meeting to clarify what the project is and what it will look like.

Muller said he is in favor of Tax Incentive Financing for the $140 million proposed shopping center.

The complex, to be located on 63 acres, would include Costco, Target and Whole Foods stores, along with a host of other retailers.

Muller said he supports the shopping center because it would create greater economic opportunities in the area.

"To me, it's simple," he said. "This is about jobs. We still need jobs. There are a lot of people out there who don't have them."

According to Muller, the site would provide 495 construction jobs and 830 retail jobs.

Harrison said public opinion indicates area residents are in favor of building the shopping complex.

"Our own research shows us the vast majority of the residents of Lehigh County want this project," he said. "They're excited about these tenants coming. They're excited about the jobs."

Harrison noted the shopping complex will not mirror The Promenade Shops at Saucon Valley in Upper Saucon Township.

"This is a big box shopping center," Harrison said. "It's got a Costco with 150,000 square feet and Target with 135,000 square feet. You don't see stores of that size at the Promenade."

Harrison emphasized a challenge in developing the site is the land has 26 feet of mine wash material lodged in the soil due to iron ore mining that took place during the 19th century.

Clearing the area of the material will cost $12.5 million, for which the developer is responsible for the costs.

According to Lehigh County Commissioner Brad Osborne, who spoke with The Press Feb. 24, the TIF Committee and the Lehigh County Industrial Development Authority specified TIF money could not be used for soil remediation.

Lehigh County Commissioner Percy Dougherty emailed The Press on Feb. 24.

"The TIF Committee decided no TIF money is to be spent on mine waste remediation," Dougherty wrote. "The purchase price of the property should be lowered to help cover the cost of remediation. I hear that has been done. The rest should be covered by the developer.

"The TIF money is intended to cover regional aspects that go beyond the site, e.g. stormwater and transportation."

Harrison also noted if the TIF is approved, the county, township and East Penn School District will save 50 percent in increased property taxes due to taxes generated by shopping complex businesses. The shopping center, according to Harrison, will generate $132,000 in tax revenue every year and the East Penn School District will receive more than $571,000 each year, for 20 years.

"This is an investment of tax money that doesn't exist today," he said.

Harrison also said the site will include extensive walking and biking trails, enhanced landscaping and proportional signage.

"The renderings we showed you are not fiction; it's what we're going to do," Harrison said.

Fogel said Lower Macungie is a prime location for the shopping complex due to the growing economic strength and education of the residents.

"This site is uniquely attractive to retailers," he said. "Demographically, it is a strong market that is growing."

Fogel also said Target only engages in so many land acquisition deals per year. For instance, Fogel said, last year Target opened 12 new stores across the country and closed 10.

Harrison and Fogel dispelled some public misconceptions surrounding the proposed shopping complex including the TIF is not a tax break, the project will not be able to pay for itself without a TIF; taxes will not increase due to the TIF; financing is not just for blighted urban areas; the county will benefit from the TIF; and Cedar Realty, the developer, will not develop the site without a TIF.

"It's going to be a very nice shopping complex," Harrison added. "It's not my vision. This is a shared vision. I think Lehigh County will hopefully realize it will gain from this development."