NEW CASTLE —
The New Castle school district has agreed to settle on a lowered assessed value for the former New Castle Refractories property.
On a 9-0 vote Wednesday night, the board accepted an assessment of $32,000 on the property at 915 Industrial St. and, as a result, a lower payment on its share of taxes on the property.
The total tax deduction to the district is $3,535.17.
Solicitor Charles Sapienza told the board at its work session Monday that the Lawrence County Economic Development Corp. had bought the former industrial site two years ago to promote business, “but it received an appraisal that showed the entire site is worthless.”
He added the premises are environmentally contaminated, plus it would cost $330,000 for the agency to tear down the buildings there.
“That may be so,” Sapienza explained, “but our position is that the land still has some value.”
He said he recently met with Lawrence County Commissioner Bob Del Signore, who also is a member of the economic development corporation board, and county solicitor Thomas W. Leslie, and they were agreeable to the $32,000 assessment amount.
The Lawrence County Economic Development Corp. bought the 7.1-acre property and seven buildings on Aug. 5, 2010, from Resco Products Inc. of Pittsburgh.
According to J.R. Hardester, Lawrence County’s chief assessor, the economic development corporation had the property appraised, then based on that appraisal, filed an appeal last fall to the assessed value of the land.
Originally, the land and buildings had a total assessed value of $401,300 — $81,300 for the land and $320,000 for the buildings.
There was a hearing Oct. 6 and the appeals board issued a decision Oct. 28 reducing the total assessed value to $236,700.
Not satisfied with that amount, on Nov. 22 the economic development corporation filed another appeal — in the Lawrence County Court of Common Pleas — against the appeals board and the New Castle school district, as the highest taxing body, seeking an even lower assessment.
A warehouse on the site was destroyed by fire Dec. 9 — after the assessment board decision — while, according to court records, the economic development corporation was in the process of having it stripped in preparation for demolition.
The three taxing authorities have entered the suit on behalf the appeals board.
Lawrence County Judge J. Craig Cox has continued the pretrial hearing because the attorneys for the three taxing bodies and economic development corporation had arrived at a tentative settlement.
The lowered assessment, if agreed upon by all three taxing bodies, will mean that the school district would receive an annual $552.64 in taxes on the property.
The school district’s share of taxes are $4,087.81 under the $236,700 assessment.
The school district is the first of the three taxing authorities to approve the agreement. New Castle City Council is expected to consider the agreement next week.
County administrator James Gagliano said that typically, the commissioners vote last on such proposals because they have the least to lose from lowered assessments.
Linda Nitch, executive director of the economic development corporation, said Wednesday the non-profit agency intends to market the site for future development.
(Email: dwachter@ncnewsonline.com)
New Castle
Related Photos
Discussion
District OKs lower industrial property assessment
- New Castle
-
-
Our Opinion: New Castle school tuition travesty? Enough is enough
New Castle’s taxpayers deserve an explanation. And some money. With the release of the latest Pennsylvania auditor general’s report on the city’s schools, it’s been revealed that some district employees abused taxpayers to the tune of more than $110,000.
-
Audit: Children of New Castle school employees didn’t pay tuiton
The Pennsylvania auditor general’s office has determined that seven non-resident students went to district schools but did not pay tuition over the course of four years. Now, the district will have to repay more than $100,000 to state.
-
New Castle classes schedule reunions
Two New Castle High School classes are planning gatherings over the next few months. First up is the class of 1971, which is planning a 60th birthday party for its members.
-
Need a last-minute gift idea for Father's Day? Pick up a ’Canes’ DVD!
One team. One vision. One heartbeat. TWO incredible keepsakes! Relive all the magic of New Castle High’s WPIAL championship basketball season by purchasing a collectible DVD or special section that was given out at the team’s banquet.
-
Tim Kolodziej: For the Class of 2013, there’s no looking back — promise?
Congratulations, Class of 2013! You made it. Your last history lesson is history. Your last final — final. The unsure children who once needed help to climb the school bus steps will now stride confidently across the stage to receive their diplomas.
-
New Castle schools plan Kennywood day
June 21 is New Castle Area School District Day at Kennywood Park. Tickets can be purchased at a reduced rate of $24 until June 20.
-
No tax hike expected for New Castle schools
The New Castle school district does not plan to raise taxes next year. The $41 million budget, introduced Tuesday night, is about $1 million higher than this year’s. But the tax millage remains at 17.27 in the proposed spending plan. At that level, the average property owner pays about $863 a year in taxes, based on a home with an assessed value of $50,000.
-
High School Football: Stars to speak at New Castle camp
Past, present and future gridiron stars will be on the field at Taggart Stadium on Saturday. The New Castle Pop Warner football program will host the Rising Star Football Clinic for youths entering grades 3-8.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the New Castle High prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, New Castle High.
-
Own a piece of history: Watch the trailer for ’Canes’ DVD!
Relive all the magic of New Castle High’s WPIAL championship basketball season by purchasing a collectible DVD or special section that was given out at the team’s banquet. Both were produced by the New Castle News!
- More New Castle Headlines
-
