Council hears explanation of Keystone enterprise‑zone tax credits as part of Resolution 82

City of Chester council members asked for and received an explanation of Resolution 82 — an application for the Keystone Communities Enterprise Zone designation — during the July 7 deliberative meeting.

The solicitor described the program as one that designates a geographic area as an enterprise zone and offers tax incentives to businesses that improve, expand or rehabilitate facilities and increase employment. “...allow businesses that are going to improve, expand, rehabilitate their facilities and increase employment, to receive a tax credit through the state for 25% of the work that can be used for corporate net income taxes and other taxes as defined in the guidelines,” the solicitor said.

A councilmember asked whether there was a cap on the credit; the solicitor answered, “Oh, there's capital on the amount. 500,000.” Council members did not record a vote on Resolution 82 during the deliberative session; the item remained on the agenda for future consideration.

Resolution 82, as described on the agenda, would authorize the Chester Economic Development Authority to submit the application for the Keystone Communities Enterprise Zone Designation Program to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. Council members asked procedural questions about the program and its incentives; staff supplied an attached map and a summary of eligible tax credits. No implementation details, such as proposed target parcels or incentive agreements with specific businesses, were presented during the deliberative meeting.

Because no vote was taken at the July 7 meeting, any decision to pursue the enterprise‑zone designation will depend on future council action and any accompanying applications from the Chester Economic Development Authority.