Blight Bill Becomes Law

1490NewsBlog – WESB
by Anne Holliday

HARRISBURG – Legislation to fight blight and repair or demolish dilapidated properties has been signed into law today, according to State Senator David G. Argall (R-29), the prime sponsor.

Senate Bill 900, known as the Neighborhood Blight Revitalization and Reclamation Act, passed the House and Senate earlier this month.

The measure clarifies the identity of property owners and holds them responsible for the municipal costs to secure, remediate or demolish blighted structures. Municipalities may institute an action to prevent, restrain, correct or abate property code violations.

“My goal was to see this important bipartisan bill signed into law this session,” said Argall. “This is a major victory for municipalities throughout Pennsylvania who have been impacted by abandoned or dilapidated properties. These eyesores leave a black mark on our communities that many times are difficult to eliminate,” Argall added.

“The Statewide Blight Task Force, my colleagues in the House, Senate and Governor’s Administration deserve a great deal of credit for their hard work and commitment to this effort,” Argall added.