After several years of bipartisan support and work, the City of Erie has had its application for a city revitalization and improvement zone (CRIZ) designation approved for downtown Erie.
A city revitalization and improvement zone, called “CRIZ” for short, is described as something that could be a game changer for the future of the City of Erie.
CRIZ application approved for City of Erie
“This is really exciting. I think when I talk to my grandchildren about what turned around this city, this is going to be one of those three or four different points that turns our city around in the next few decades,” said Chuck Nelson, an Erie City Council member.
CRIZ is a state program that is meant to help spur new growth in cities, revive downtowns, and create jobs in the process.
It’s built to protect state and local tax bases while providing tax revenue for the improvement and development of businesses who operate out of the designated 130 acres that make up the improvement zone.
“This really will help develop businesses in erie, which will help attract more people to Erie, and makes Erie a better place for everybody,” said Erie Mayor Joe Schember.