RIP Charlie Chrin

Colorful business leader Charlie Chrin, age 94, passed away on Saturday. His obit claims that his route 33 Interchange in Tatamy is the"crown jewel" of his career. I'd disagree. I think it would be hard to single out any of his numerous ventures, from landfills to banks to residential and commercial development. I'd say his legacy is his charity, especially to organizations like The Miracle League.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Northampton County, we send our deepest condolences to the Chrin family at this difficult time," said NorCo Exec Lamont McClure. "We pray the fond memories they have comfort them in the days, weeks and months to come.”

Dave Colver: Only One 1-Million Sq Ft Big Box For Chrin TIF

Yesterday, I told you that three 1-million square feet big boxes are coming to Charlie Chrin's 689-acre TIF in northern Palmer Township.I misled you. I've since corrected by Dave Colver, the Chairman of the Township's Board of Supervisors. Instead of three, 1-million square feet big boxes, there will be just one.

Colver will make a more formal presentation to Northampton County Council later this month, but he wanted to set the record straight with me.

Last October, Northampton County approved Tax Increment Financing for 689 of nearly 1,000 acres that Chrin owns near Tatamy. Under this public financing plan, Chrin can use the increase in real estate taxes within the TIF to fund the cost of additional improvements, particularly an exit ramp off Route 33 in Tatamy, leading right into his industrial park.

Immediately after the TIF was adopted, Chrin began to market the property to national developers. There is intense interest in retail and commercial in 13 acres near the proposed Rote 33 Interchange. But Colver explained there is also interest for warehousing near an existing rail line. Warehouses are limited to 200,000 square feet under current zoning..

Palmer decided to create four zoning overlay districts on different portions of the TIF, with one segment set aside for warehousing. Under this new overlay scheme, there will be room for just one, 1-million square feet warehouse. There will also be room for one 400,000 square feet and two 200,000 square feet big boxes.

These new overlay districts will be voted on by Palmer Supervisors on June 26, and have already been recommended by Palmer's own Planning Commission, as well as the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.

Cover told me this plan for some warehousing was already contained in the Dietrich report, which predicted that the TIF will result in nearly 4,000 jobs. He noted that the warehousing will make it easier to float financing binds at a more favorable rate.

In addition to the zoning change, Palmer Township has created a neighborhood Improvement District for the TIF. This protects the Township, County and School District if Chrin fails to attract tenants, making him ultimately responsible for the debt service on any financing.

"The developer stands to benefit, so he should take all the risk," Colver explained.  "Palmer, the County and school district can't get touched."

Colver was coaching a softball team last night, but promised to send me the plan for Chrin's TIF as soon as he can. When he gets it to me, I'll post it.

"This is not a Palmer Township thing.," he insisted  "This affects 7 municipalities."

He finally told me that he is available to anyone who has questions about the TIF.