Bethlehem Township to Join Arena Lawsuit

Bethlehem Township Commissioners voted Monday night to join a legal action intended to stop earned income taxes from being funneled toward the construction of a $158 million hockey arena in downtown Allentown, according to published reports.

Neighboring Hanover Township, Northampton County, had . , which shares the same solicitor, of Bethlehem, becomes the first to join.

Broughal told The Morning Call that the civil action could be filed as soon as this week.

Beginning this year, earned income taxes – for the state, local municipalities and school districts – collected from within a 130-acre area in center city Allentown and along the waterfront, are being diverted to pay debt service on bonds that will pay for improvements in the area, instead of being forwarded to the home municipalities of those that work in the district.