Coplay Borough Council has formally endorsed the Community Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) application.

At council's regular meeting April 14, Whitehall Township Industrial & Commercial Development Authority Chairman Howard Lieberman addressed council, explaining the parameters of CRIZ and the necessity of Coplay, Whitehall Township and Catasauqua submitting a joint application to the state.

Lieberman told council a joint application will provide each municipality a better opportunity to address not only economic development needs but intermunicipal projects.

Councilman Bill Leiner Jr. expressed initial reservations with Coplay moving forward.

"This is a concern," he said, "that we get involved in this and that we would be the least likely to benefit."

Leiner asked if Coplay will be billed if the CRIZ application is not approved.

"If we don't get a CRIZ, it's $15,000 (application fee) or nothing," Lieberman responded.

Council President Lou Bodish said he supports the CRIZ application.

"It's a start, which is what it is," he said.

Councilman Steve Burker also spoke favorably of the CRIZ.

"I'm in support 100 percent," Burker said.

At the moment, there is limited support in the state legislature for the CRIZ. Lieberman said he hopes Gov. Tom Wolf lends his support to the initiative.

Lieberman also indicated it is essential that Coplay, Whitehall and Catasauqua all support the CRIZ.

"I don't know if Whitehall goes alone, if Coplay goes alone or if Catasauqua goes alone, anyone will benefit," he said.

In other business, council unanimously approved use of the municipal building room by the Coplay Athletic Club at a monthly rent of $220, effective April 12, 2015, to March 31, 2016.

Councilman Charlie Sodl said he recently met with club President Joe Bundra.

According to Sodl, the borough granted the club a $125 monthly discount. The borough police department and youth program will be allowed access to the room at no charge.

Sodl was asked if the room is now insured.

"Insurance is covered," he said. "That was the first thing that was covered."