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Deaf School Reborn: Tax Breaks Fuel Apartment Conversion
5 Sep
Summary
- A former deaf school building is being redeveloped into apartments and commercial spaces.
- The project received a 10-year LERTA tax abatement from county commissioners.
- Renovations to the Scranton building are estimated to cost $3 million.
A historic building on the former Scranton State School for the Deaf campus is undergoing a significant redevelopment into apartments and commercial spaces. This project has secured a 10-year Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) abatement from Lackawanna County commissioners, incentivizing the transformation of the long-vacant site.
The 1973 brick building, located at North Washington Avenue and Evelyn Street, will feature approximately 15 residential apartments and four commercial tenant spaces. The LERTA program provides a phased tax exemption on new improvements, beginning with a 90% abatement in the first year. This initiative is part of a broader revitalization of the nearly 9-acre campus.
The estimated cost for the renovation of the Scranton building is $3 million, with completion targeted by the end of the year. This redevelopment aims to bring new businesses and housing to the Green Ridge neighborhood, turning a tax-exempt, blighted property into a contributor to the local tax base.
