The CRIZ, a Pennsylvania program with a goal of increasing economic development and job creation in a city, is open for business in Bethlehem, and the city's first taker is on Third Street.
The Social Still is Bethlehem's first CRIZ business to open, and it's already pleasing patrons with vodka and gin-based aperitifs like the reaspberry robbery.
"Everything made here is made with in-house spirits. We don't bring in anything from the outside under the distilling license," said owner Adam Flatt.
Flatt said the distillery/restaurant had been a concept for years, but as soon as he heard about the CRIZ, or the City Redevelopment Improvement Zone, and its tax benefits for developers, he had to make it a reality.
Alicia Miller Karner, Bethlehem's director of community and economic development, said a second business, Greenway Commons, a three-building multi-use complex, will begin construction this spring.
Karner said two other developments have expressed an interest -- a Mexican restaurant and brewery that has made it through the city's planning process and another distillery still in the concept stages.
"We are waiting for the commonwealth to let us know what there will be to move property in and out of the CRIZ. Once we know what that looks like, we will be able to fully entertain those projects," said Karner.
Karner said by the second anniversary of the CRIZ, she hopes to see more movement along the Third Street corridor, Fourth Street, Martin Tower and the remaining 129 acres within the CRIZ.
And Flatt is hoping the his new CRIZ neighbors will stop by, say hi and sample his libations.
Karner said Bethlehem is keeping in close contact with its so-called CRIZ sister city,
Lancaster, to see how it is handling its CRIZ.
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