Local

City of Jeannette is hoping to introduce new incentive to investors through tax program

JEANNETTE, Pa. — The city of Jeannette in Westmoreland County is hoping to adopt a new incentive to bring investors into a town that’s been struggling financially.

City leaders are looking to launch a tax abatement program called LERTA, short for Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance.

The fire chief says the town once had 20,000 residents. Now, with people leaving, there are 5,700 vacant buildings.

Jeannette is hoping to develop specific zones to entice investors to renovate buildings.

Five municipalities in Westmoreland County have already adopted LERTA.

City leaders say it could take three to four months for this program to officially be launched.

The first meeting to discuss is scheduled for Dec. 6.