Pocono News Section

Fight Continues in Scranton Over KOZ

Fight Continues in Scranton Over KOZ - Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 11:00PM EST

Reported by: Eyewitness News
Wednesday, Jun 24, 2009 @ 11:00pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY- Scranton taxpayers voiced their opposition to extending several tax free Keystone Opportunity Zones.

The Scranton School Board has the final vote on extending the KOZ zones for several businesses. There was a meeting about it at the high school this evening.

Some business owners and even the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce told board members why the KOZ extensions are needed.

Austin Burke of the Greater Scranton Chamber said, ÒWe've invested millions of dollars in the development of that site to provide a location for companies that are creating jobs with good wages. the types of jobs our graduates need."

But taxpayers like Sam Patilla disagree. ÒThe tax burden falls to a small few, some elderly. the people requesting the KOZ's are asking for extensions, meaning they already had the opportunity," he said.

The city has already approved the extensions, but the final say will come from the school board. A vote is expected before the end of the month.