EASTON, Pa.- A financing tool that was previously rejected for the redevelopment of the old Dixie Cup factory in Wilson Borough is officially back on the table.
Northampton County Council will hold a public hearing on a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) proposal for the site on April 16, with a possible vote on May 7.
Brian Bartee of the New York-based Skyline Investment Group appeared before council last month and told them of his intention to try again for the TIF.
A TIF is a public financing tool that allows for future gains in real estate values to be used now to pay for redevelopment costs. It was established in 1990 as part of the Pennsylvania Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Act.
Last November, Northampton County Council voted 5-4 against the 20-year, $26 million dollar proposal, even after it was approved by both the Wilson Area School District and Wilson borough.
But, of the five county commissioners who opposed the TIF the first time, only two- Democrat Lori Vargo Heffner and Republican Tom Giovanni- are still on the panel.
Bartee’s team is in the midst of transforming the old factory at 12 S. 24th Street, which closed in 1983, into 405 apartments, a mix of one- and two-bedroom units. He previously called it a $185 million redevelopment.
The first apartment units most likely will be available in August of 2027, with an average monthly rent of just under $2,500.
The public hearing on April 16 will begin at 6:30 p.m. inside council chambers at the Northampton County Government Center, 669 Washington Street, Easton.
Those unable to attend the hearing may provide written comments by the close of business on April 10.