Revenue Secretary Pat Browne Visits Success Stories of Tamaqua’s CRIZ

TAMAQUA - The past achievements and future goals of the Tamaqua City Revitalization and Improvement Zone (CRIZ) were the focus of a visit to the borough by Pennsylvania Sec. of Revenue Pat Browne yesterday. Sen. Dave Argall (R-29), who wrote the law that allowed Tamaqua to apply for their CRIZ designation, was full of praise for the many community partners who have worked tirelessly to breathe new life into Tamaqua.

"When I was growing up in a 'half a double' on Arlington Street, I never could have imagined Tamaqua as it is today," said Argall. "Without the CRIZ and the hard work of so many members of the Tamaqua community, this transformation would not have been possible - and the benefits of the program continue for 30 years! I hope Secretary Browne and his team can take the lessons we've learned as we've revitalized Tamaqua and bring them to new towns across the state."

Tamaqua is the only borough in the state with this designation, which allows the community to utilize its state tax payments for economic development. Members of the Tamaqua CRIZ Authority led Sec. Browne on a tour of many of the sites that have directly benefited from these investments, including the Perla Building, Child Development, Inc.-Tamaqua Center, the Bischoff Inn, the Tamaqua Train Station Restaurant, Boyer's Food Market Complex, and Gimbel's.

"These CRIZ projects demonstrate to Harrisburg what those of us from town already knew - give us a chance, and we Tamaquans will roll up our sleeves and go to work to make something positive happen for our community," said Tamaqua CRIZ Authority Solicitor Tony Odorizzi. "Since I started practicing in town, I have seen first-hand that the energy and determination of the people in this town who want GOOD things to happen, far exceeds the energy and lack of determination of those who do NOT want to see good things happen for our town."

The tour group visited the Bischoff Inn, an example of the power of the CRIZ to breathe new life into older buildings. Owner and developer Maria Stabio successfully transformed the vacant 1865 Conrad Bischoff Planing Mill and Furniture Factory into a five-room hotel while also preserving its history. The inn now serves as much needed overnight accommodations in the Tamaqua area.

"The CRIZ program was instrumental to the success of Bischoff Inn," said Maria Stabio. "Without it, the Inn would not be open today."

The tour concluded at Gimbel's, the newest employer to open their doors in downtown Tamaqua. Founded by the owners of Gimbel Farms, Megan and Aaron Gimbel, in Rush Township, Gimbel's will feature farm-to-table food sourced solely from local businesses. A ribbon cutting is planned for October 4th.

"Gimbel's would like to take the opportunity to thank CRIZ for their continued support," said Megan Gimbel. "We are excited and honored to become a part of downtown Tamaqua and bring life to our new space."

"The key question is this: who will apply to be the next CRIZ success story in Tamaqua, restoring a property and creating new jobs?" Argall asked.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger