As used in this Article
IX, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings set forth below:
ASSESSED VALUATION
The value of a parcel of real property as established by
the Board of Assessment Appeals of Berks County (the "Board of Assessment
Appeals"), for the purpose of the assessment and levy of taxes upon
real property and the improvements which may have been erected thereon.
DETERIORATED PROPERTY
Any industrial, commercial or other business property owned
by an individual, association or corporation, and located in a deteriorating
area, or any such property which has been the subject of an order
by a government agency requiring the unit to be vacated, condemned
or demolished by reason of noncompliance with laws, ordinances or
regulations.
IMPROVEMENT
Repair, construction or reconstruction, including alterations
and additions, having the effect of rehabilitating a deteriorated
property so that it becomes habitable or attains higher standards
of safety, health, economic use or amenity, or is brought into compliance
with laws, ordinances or regulations governing such standards. Ordinary
upkeep and maintenance shall not be deemed an improvement.
The boundaries of the designated deteriorated area qualifying for temporary tax abatement from the Township of Bern under LERTA shall consist of the plot consisting of approximately 125 acres, more particularly bounded and described on
Exhibit A which is attached and made part of this article, said deteriorated area having Berks County Parcel Identification
No. 4398-19-71-3699 (the "deteriorated area").
Any property owner undertaking improvements within a deteriorated area may apply for and receive from the Township an exemption from Township real property taxes due to the increased or additional assessed valuation attributable to those improvements, in the amounts and in accordance with the limitations set forth in this Article
IX ("economic stimulus tax exemption"). The exemption from Township real property taxes shall be specifically limited to the additional assessed valuation attributable to the actual costs of improvements to deteriorated property. Appeals from the amount to increased assessed valuation attributable to the actual costs of improvements of the property in the deteriorated property (as established by the County Board of Assessment) may be taken by the taxpayer or any local taxing authority as provided by law. Nothing herein shall preclude a taxpayer or any local taxing authority from appealing the assessed valuation of the deteriorated property or any increases in assessed valuation not attributable to improvements in accordance with applicable laws or ordinances.
Any property tax exemptions granted under the provisions of
this article shall be permitted to continue even if this article expires
or is repealed.