Tax Exemption Granted to Erie Homes for Children and Adults

Jack Mehler, who heads MIJB's property tax group, successfully prosecuted a real estate tax exemption application for Erie Homes for Children and Adults, Inc. ("EHCA"). EHCA applied for the exemption in connection with its new Making Opportunities for Volunteerism and Exploration or "MOVE" Program. The MOVE Program will be a licensed adult training facility for persons with intellectual disabilities.

EHCA's MOVE program will be located at Westport Centre, 4950 West 23rd Street, a new condominium development under construction within the building which housed the former Walmart store in West Millcreek Township. Jack also secured a tax exemption for EHCA's most recent residential site located in Fairview Township.

The law of tax exemptions and assessments is rapidly changing, especially as municipalities, school districts and counties wrestle with budgeting challenges. For example, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a decision which makes tax exemptions more difficult to obtain. Mesivtah Eitz Chaim of Bobov, Inc. v. Pike County Board of Assessment Appeals (PA Supreme Court 2012).

The Pennsylvania General Assembly is considering an amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution regarding this issue. In early April, 2014, Jack Mehler participated in the Hospital Association of Pennsylvania or HAP's task force conference call on this issue.