HARRISBURG – Bipartisan legislation designed to help local communities fight blight and repair or demolish abandoned properties was approved today by the House Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29), the prime sponsor of Senate Bill 900.
Senate Bill 900, the proposed “Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act,” would clarify the identity of property owners and hold them responsible for the municipal costs to secure, remediate or demolish blighted structures.
“Blighted properties present an imminent danger to many, including children, who see an abandoned building as an exciting opportunity for exploration, not knowing that a serious injury or tragedy could be just a step away. I am pleased the members of the House Urban Affairs Committee understand the importance of Senate Bill 900 and ultimately approved this bipartisan bill,” Argall added.
The legislation is based on the findings and recommendations of the Blight Task Force, a statewide coalition of housing and municipal organizations dedicated to tackling the problems of blighted and abandoned buildings across Pennsylvania.
“My primary goal for this session is to see this legislation pass the Senate and the House and be signed into law,” Argall said.
Senate Bill 900 moves to the floor of the House for its consideration.
Contact: Nick Troutman
(717) 787-2637