Economic Development Committee

Our Mission

The township's Economic Development Committee's mission is to be a resource for the business community by supporting the growth and stability of local businesses. The committee looks at new and innovative ways to market existing businesses within the community while attracting new opportunities that will be complementary to our existing base.

The Economic Development Committee seeks to create a stable and viable economic foundation and advocates for businesses through collaboration and education of both public (e.g, Shop Local) and business (e.g, advertising seminars) information.

Since the beginning of 2013, the Economic Development Committee has participated in and offered numerous educational seminars, run Shop Local campaigns, held ribbon-cutting ceremonies, and helped get township revitalization initiatives, such as the Revitalize 209 Grant, off the ground as part of their efforts to support local businesses.

One of the largest achievements of the Economic Development Committee is the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Act program. Known as a "LERTA", the program attracts new and existing businesses to development in our township.

Attention Local Businesses!

Do you represent a local business with a physical address in Middle Smithfield Township? Get listed on the official EDC Local Business Directory. (It's free!) Email or call 570-223-8920, ext. 130 for information.

View our Township Business Directory.

Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA)

What is LERTA?

• Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA) – Allows local taxing authorities (County, Municipal, School District) to grant abatements on improvements made to business properties in designated areas
• Tax Abatement is over 5 years starting with 100% and decreasing 20% per year

Why do we need a LERTA?

• Encourages businesses in the designated areas to make improvements
• Enables the Township and County to attract new investment in the region
• Job growth.  Employed local people spend locally

What properties qualify for the LERTA in Middle Smithfield Township?

• Only commercial and industrial properties (residential properties do not qualify)
  • Entire Commercial 1 (C1) zoning district
    • Route 209 (“Main Street”)
• Entire Commercial 2 (C2) zoning district
  • Route 402 (Resica Falls Road)
  • The former Country Club of the Poconos property, now owned by The Pocono Club
• Entire Industrial (I) zoning district
  • Winona Falls Road (Industrial)

Example: If Acme Business pays a total tax bill of $20,000 a year (School, County, Municipal, and Library) but puts an addition onto its business building, (such as adding a 2nd floor, etc.) which increases the value of their building, it will increase its tax assessment, and increase its taxes to $30,000/year (an increase of $10,000/year)

Middle Smithfield Township is “revitalizing 209” with a matching grant program to help fund projects that are visible from 209. Improvements to building facades, curb appeal, and safety will be considered, with project sizes up to $20,000 in cost (the Revitalize 209 grant and the applicant each providing $10,000 to fund the project). There is no project minimum required and those interested should inquire with the Township.

For more information, please visit the Revitalize 209 Committee page, call 570-223-8920 x130, or email James Brechbiel.

For more details:

View the Resolutions creating the committee and grant program:

Resolution 03-2023-2 - Revitalize 209 Committee

Resolution 03-2023-1 - Revitalize 209 Grant

Interested parties should contact the township and submit letters of interest for project considerations to James Brechbiel by email.

Another great advantage for businesses to consider is the Middle Smithfield Township sewer financing program, offering a low-interest financing option for public sewer.

In short, qualified property owners can pay the first two EDU’s or 20% of total EDU’s (whichever is greater) and the rest (up to 80%) is financed at 3%. 

Find out if you qualify by contacting the Sewer Department:

Joan Woisin
Sewer Department Manager
Email Joan Woisin
Phone: 570-223-8920, ext. 117

Rt. 209 Sewer & Water Aerial Map

For more information about the Township’s Sewer Department, Click Here 

Rt. 209 Sewer & Water Aerial Map

Shop Local

Middle Smithfield Township and their Economic Development Committee are dedicated to providing local businesses with the support they deserve. To that end, the Middle Smithfield Township Shop Local program was established as a resource for local businesses with a physical address in Middle Smithfield Township.

Shop Local Holiday

Every Holiday Season, Middle Smithfield Township runs a Holiday Shop Local campaign that highlights deals local businesses are running, while promoting the township's unique business landscape. Businesses enjoy free publicity and the township gets to support small businesses by keeping the cheer here. Discount cards are mailed to every residence within the township and cards may be activated online, or by calling 570-223-8920, ext. 130.

Click here to visit our Shop Local page for more information.