Senate passes Argall’s blight demolition funding proposal

HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation today to give counties a new option to finance the demolition of blighted and abandoned properties, according to the bill’s sponsor, Senator David G. Argall (R-Schuylkill/Berks).

Senate Bill 486 would offer counties the option to levy up to an additional $15 fee on deeds and mortgages recorded in the Recorder of Deeds office. The new revenue would be used exclusively for demolition funding within that specific county. The measure passed the Senate by a vote of 49-0.

“Blight is not the kind of problem that can be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach. Every community faces its own unique challenges in dealing with the cost of remediating abandoned and blighted structures,” Argall said. “Over the past several years, the General Assembly has given counties and municipalities numerous weapons to fight against blight. This bill is a continuation of the process to provide a broader menu of options to fit the needs of each individual community.”

The legislation was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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