Legislation would ensure blighted properties are torn down

The state House of Representatives recently approved legislation ensuring funding for the demolition of blighted properties.

Senate Bill 439 would amend the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law of 1982 to provide additional county demolition funds. The act established county demolition funds, authorized a special deed and mortgage recording fee in certain counties, and established fees for recorders of deeds’ services in specific counties.

“This bill gives counties dedicated funding for the demolition of blighted, decaying, rat-infested buildings,” said state Sen. Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill County), who introduced the bill. “Show me a community, anywhere in Pennsylvania, which has faced economic adversity, and I’ll show you a neighborhood where this funding will make a positive difference.”

Act 152 of 2016 created 10 years of demolition funding. The bill would remove this time limit.

Act 152 also amended the Recorder of Deeds Fee Law to create a county demolition fund that imposes a fee in each county.

Twenty-four counties have adopted the state’s demolition program since 2016. Annually, these programs raise millions of dollars to tear down blighted and vacant buildings.

The bill now moves to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature. If signed into law, the change will take effect in 60 days.