The East Penn School District Board of School Directors reviewed a plea for consideration of a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance property tax abatement schedule for proposed development of 300 Furnace St. in Emmaus at the Nov. 11 regular board meeting.

Michael Maier from Westrum Development Co. and planning consultant Erik Hetzel presented the LERTA proposal for tax assistance from the district for an apartment complex being built on the brownfield location.

They explained the existing industrial building had been abandoned since 1995 and the 8 1/2 acre site is contaminated with chemicals associated with the fuel oil distribution business once located there. Part of the parcel contains potentially toxic fill from a foundry.

Previous developers had walked away from the project as the cost of cleaning up the site to meet state regulations kept rising.

Westrum Development Co. is planning to erect four apartment buildings, a clubhouse and pool on the site. There would be a total of 80 one-bedroom units and 64 two-bedroom units divided among the four buildings. There would be 317 parking spaces for tenants.

Maier informed the directors the Borough of Emmaus has given approval and Lehigh County seems to be onboard with Westrum’s LERTA property tax proposal.

The LERTA abatement schedule approved by the borough allows for 100% of the property taxes exempted in the first year after completion of the project. The second year it falls to 80%, third year 60%, fourth year 40%, fifth year to 20% with the sixth year being the first time the apartment complex would be paying 100% of their taxes.

The district currently collects $8,432 per year on the undeveloped site with projected tax revenue of $281,469 in the sixth year after the project is completed. Maier predicted residents of the new apartments would boost the economy of the borough, county and the school district, as well as bring in additional income tax revenue.

When questioned by board members on how many school- age children would be attending district schools, they were told around 10 as the apartments were somewhat small and would appeal to young professionals and older residents, especially the one-bedroom units.

The pair assured the board the development company has 38 years in business and experience with “recycling” brownfields through public and private partnerships.

Director Michael Felegy described the property as an “eyesore” and would welcome it being cleaned up and developed. Other board members, while supportive of the proposal, were concerned how other property owners would view the tax abatement proposal after having blowback from a tax abatement agreement previously made with the developers of Hamilton Crossings.

In other business, the Emmaus High School 2025-2026 Program of Studies was unanimously approved.

EHS student government representative Lindsey Kahler reported the boys football team defeated Easton and is headed to district championships. The girls field hockey team will be competing in the state semifinals.

She mentioned upcoming holiday events and fundraisers, as well as educational opportunities for students to visit Iceland, Spain, Portugal and Thailand.

In her district update, Superintendent Dr. Kristen Campbell described the Veterans Day assemblies held in each school honoring those in the community who served. “We’re thinking about our veterans today and every day,” she remarked.

Campbell congratulated the varsity football and girls field hockey teams and wished them success in the upcoming championships. She gave a shout out to Rylie Newpher being chosen as PAEA Student Artist of the Month and the student journalists at the “Stinger” for being recognized by the National Scholastic Press Association’s Best of Show Competition. Twenty talented students in the EHS Choral program were chosen to sing in the PMEA District Chorus.

Director Alisa Bowman expressed gratitude to the administration for granting the “Stinger” staff autonomy in their reporting even when it may be critical of the district from the students’ point of view. “This is what helps us improve,” she said.

The superintendent reminded all Lehigh Career & Technical Institute’s annual open house for prospective high school students is 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 14.

In personnel matters, the directors accepted the retirements of Lower Macungie Middle School custodian Jonathan Peters effective Nov. 11 and food service support staff Sonia Parks effective Jan. 6, 2025.

Campbell said Parks has served for 27 years and Peters worked for 11 years with the district.

The board approved the resignations of Macungie Elementary School speech teacher Monica Baumer effective Dec. 31 and Eyer Middle School health room nurse Rachel Martinez effective Nov. 8.

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Douglas Povilaitis presented a first reading of updates to existing policies regarding eligibility of nonresident students, educational opportunity for military children, discipline of students with disabilities, behavior support, threat assessment, school security personnel, along with opening exercises/moment of silence/flag displays. He said the changes were minor and reflect updated state and federal codes.

Board President Dr. Joshua Levinson mentioned an executive session was conducted before the public forum on personnel and negotiations issues.

Levinson announced the district will be closed Nov. 28 through Dec. 2 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

A reorganization meeting is scheduled 7:30 p.m. Dec. 3 and the next regular school board meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9. The public can access documents through BoardDocs via a link on the district website. Livestreaming of meetings is available on the district’s YouTube channel.