A Lehighton businessman has asked the borough to reconsider passing an ordinance for a Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance program.

Resident/business owner Dennis Blocker told borough council on Monday that he previously expressed an interest to serve on a committee to help local businesses, but hadn’t heard from anyone.

Blocker said that the LERTA program requires a certain amount of administrative costs, and questioned if it was ready to take that on.

Blocker reiterated that while he has nothing against Lehighton Ford, the program is not for the borough.

“You can’t find a better piece of real estate than the Route 443 corridor,” said Blocker, who cited five restaurants, two gas stations, three automotive stores, and other businesses that comprise the strip. “I believe that area could not fit the description of a deteriorated area.”

Blocker also said he doesn’t believe the borough has a large footprint.

“For those reasons, I really hope you would reconsider passing this ordinance,” he said.

Afterward, it was stated the plan is to wait until the new borough council comes in.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire said that Adam Brobst, Lehighton Ford general manager, conveyed to him that he is thankful the borough is still considering it.

DeWire added that Brobst said this was probably the only way he is able to stay afloat with Ford’s policy to upgrade its facility for electric vehicles.

Brobst said Lehighton Ford is supposed to have the building done by March 31.

Last month, Councilman Ryan Saunders said that he and Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky researched many local boroughs in the commonwealth.

Abelovsky said at that time they were checking as to how LERTA would work best in the borough.

At that time, council agreed to have borough solicitor Jim Nanovic draw up an ordinance for a LERTA program.

That came after council in October remained noncommittal on a tax deferment program to assist Lehighton Ford in the upgrade of its facility for electric vehicles.

The dealership plans to demolish its buildings and build new ones, though the dealership will remain open.

A LERTA District serves as a tax incentive program to entice businesses and new businesses to come into the area.

The tax incentive program encourages property owners to renovate or update a building.

Under the program, new commercial or industrial business ventures are eligible for a 10-year phase-in exemption schedule of property taxes.

The only member of the public who commented on the LERTA District was Lehighton Area School District Business Manager Ed Rarick, who was joined by district Superintendent Dr. Christina Fish and school board Director Brian Shaner.

Rarick suggested designating a 5-year instead of 10-year plan, with Route 443 as the LERTA zone, which could include the old KIA Dealership along 443, instead of the whole borough.