Anti-Blight Law Now in Effect in PA

HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) joined colleagues from both the Senate and House Urban Affairs and Housing Committees at a press conference today to highlight a new anti-blight law that went into effect Monday.

"Act 90 is now in effect throughout Pennsylvania. I am thankful so many organizations and associations are stepping up to communicate and educate the message to borough officials, code enforcement officers, magisterial judges and other interested parties about the Neighborhood Blight Revitalization and Reclamation Act," said Senator Argall. "We have strengthened current law to identify property owners of blighted buildings and hold them responsible for the costs to rehabilitate or demolish these structures. The priority now is to get the information out to those fighting blight in their communities."

The Neighborhood Blight Revitalization and Reclamation Act aids the effort for local communities throughout Pennsylvania to fight blight and repair or demolish dilapidated properties.

Senator Yaw, Chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, added, "Senate Bill 900, now Act 90, is the result of a great deal of work by some of the foremost community revitalization advocates in the state. The Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, along with all the members of the Statewide Blight Task Force, which helped craft this legislation, deserve a great deal of credit for their hard work. I am pleased that all of this hard work has culminated into a law that will aid Pennsylvania communities in the battle against blight."

Joining Senators Argall and Yaw were Representative Chris Ross, Chairman of the House Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, Representative W. Curtis Thomas, Minority Chairman of the House Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, and Liz Hersh, Executive Director of the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, to announce Act 90 is now in effect throughout Pennsylvania.

Pictured, Senator Gene Yaw (R-Lycoming), left, and Senator Dave Argall (R-Schuylkill) join state housing officials to discuss passage of a new state law that makes it easier for municipalities to fight blight and abandonment throughout Pennsylvania.