How Bright is Forks' Future?

How bright is the promise of Forks Township's future?  Very bright, according to a recent national assessment of best places for business throughout the entire United States!  The commercial real estate trade journal, Site Selection Magazine, rated Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley as the FOURTH best place in America for establishing businesses. is an exceptionally desirable location for commercial development based upon population and prudent infrastructure investments. 

With growing population and maturing residential development, the key engine for Forks economic growth is commercial development. Seven recent Forks commercial projects valued at $13 million included , expansion and Weyerhauser.  They generated over $200,000 in Township permit revenues. Forks also looks forward to construction of Country Meadows Assisted Living complex already approved, and completion of Sullivan Trial’s new shopping complex.

Commercial development brings revenues for needed Township services.  Balance is key to commercial and residential development that best benefits community interests.  If all residential development looks first for goods, services and employment to local businesses, these businesses are sustained and attract additional commercial development.  Both working together can provide local government with revenues for services and infrastructure. 

As the economy slowly but surely recovers from the catastrophic hit sustained during the Bush Administration, Forks Township finds its prospects bright.  An American Community Survey recently showed 94 percent of Forks residents over age 25 had graduated high school and 39 percent held bachelor’s degrees or higher. Median incomes were $85,000 and median age, 39. Residents 65 and older are 12% and children under 18, 28%.   

Forks location, human capital and community assets position the Township well as a result of wise infrastructure investments and taking advantage of historically low interest rates.  A 2010 refinancing of all debts, including funds for the , saved the Township $766,000 in future interest over former loans.  Within 15 years (by 2027) all loans to build the Municipal Complex, Police Station, Fire House and Garage should be retired at interest rates below 4%.  These structures will serve Forks well over 30 years into the future paid for free and clear. 

The environmentally designed garage alone will save multiple thousands in winter heating costs.  The , slated for use this summer, cost residents zero.  Previously dedicated recreation fees from developers paid construction costs.  Entertainment will be funded by a generous grant from Merchants Bank.

Visionary choices already made for Forks’ future were not easily taken, but should Supervisor’s cling to a bean-counting mentality, they risk missing the Big Picture where Townships compete for revenue-raising business development that enhances everyone’s quality of life.  In the last 17 years Forks raised taxes only twice. 

Current 5.6 mils tax rate represents 8% of the total Forks household tax burden.  Northampton County receives 18 percent of taxes while receives 74%. 

High quality public services invite sustainable, positive commercial development.  When Site Selection Magazine recognized great potential, we believe Forks Township’s sound municipal infrastructure puts our Community First and in the forefront of locations to grow thriving businesses.