Senate advances bill addressing blighted properties

The Senate recently advanced legislation that would fund the demolition of blighted and abandoned properties.

Senate Bill 439 amends the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law of 1982 to further provide for county demolition funds.

“This bill gives counties dedicated funding for the demolition of blighted, decaying, rat-infested buildings,” state Sen. David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks), who sponsored the bill, said. “Breathing new life into our older towns, large and small, will help bring more jobs here and encourage more of our young people to stay in their hometowns to raise their family and build their career.”

In 2016, a bill sponsored by Argall became law and gave counties a new funding option to fight blight. Twenty counties have since participated.

“Show me a community, anywhere in Pennsylvania which has faced economic adversity, and I’ll show you a neighborhood where this funding could make a positive difference, almost overnight,” Argall continued.

This bill moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

If it becomes law, it will take effect in 60 days and expire 10 years after its effective
date.

In May, the Commonwealth Financing Authority awarded more than $980,000 in grants to Schuylkill County organizations to fight blight, Argall announced.