Two Bethlehem projects have been awarded a combined total of $350,000 in Enterprise Zone Tax Credits through the city’s Neighborhood Assistance Program.

Each of the two projects has received $175,000. One is for the construction of a 53,000 square-foot manufacturing building at 1010 Harvard Ave., and the other is for a $2 million e-commerce facility being established in the parking lot behind the Cantelmi Hardware store.

Bethlehem’s Enterprise Zone helps to facilitate economic development and renovate blighted properties. There have been 18 Enterprise Zone Tax Credit awards granted over the last eight years to projects in the city, with $5.2 million in total tax credits being awarded.

“Pennsylvania’s communities are the foundation of our economic success,” said Gov. Wolf. “The Neighborhood Assistance Program encourages businesses to make impactful investments in worthy projects across the commonwealth, helping to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians.”

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds said the Enterprise Zone Tax Credits program has proven valuable to the city, development community, and businesses looking to expand in or relocate to Bethlehem.

“We are one of seven communities that have the Enterprise Zone program,” Reynolds said. “When you look at the projects that received tax credits, one is a family-owned business in the downtown celebrating their 100-year anniversary, and one is a new building being marketed for much needed manufacturing space.”

Triple Net Investments LX LLC, which is part of J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc., is planning to invest $6 million for new construction of a 53,000 square-foot building at 1010 Harvard Ave. Manufacturing tenants are being sought for this project, which is expected to create 50 to 60 full time jobs.

“J.G. Petrucci Company, Inc. is thrilled to receive the $175,000 Enterprise Zone Tax Credit for our property at 1010 Harvard Avenue” said Dominick Baker, Project Executive with J.G. Petrucci.

“This LVIP site has immediate access to I-78 and provides a tremendous opportunity for a future tenant to market their brand with direct visibility from Route 412,” Baker said. “Thanks to the guidance provided by Taggart Associates and the work of the City of Bethlehem, the economic assistance provided by the Enterprise Zone Tax Credit will better enable us to attract another exceptional business to grow in the City of Bethlehem.”

Cantelmi E-Commerce is investing over $2 million to construct a new two-story, 10,000 square-foot e-commerce facility in the parking lot behind Cantelmi Hardware. The store is celebrating their 100-year anniversary this year and the e-commerce facility represents their ability to thrive in the increasingly online economy.

“These tax credits will allow our business to purchase additional packaging machines and equipment that will help us increase efficiency in our operations,” said Patrick Cantelmi, a member of the family that runs the store.

The next opportunity to apply for Enterprise Zone Tax Credits will be Q1/Q2 2023 for expenses incurred between July 1, 2023 and September 30, 2024, according to Asher Schiavone, Economic Development Coordinator with the Bethlehem Department of Community & Economic Development.

Any property owner, developer, or company interested in learning more about the Enterprise Zone and other economic development programs are encouraged to contact the department, Schiavone said.  

“The rewards we can provide through tax credits in this important program advance and improve communities and ensure Pennsylvania remains the best place to live, work, and play,” Wolf said.