Harrisburg – June 19, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced that his legislation to provide counties with an option to establish a demolition and rehabilitation fund for blighted property has been unanimously approved by the Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee.

Senate Bill 438, which would amend the Real Estate Tax Sale Law, will be brought to the Senate floor for a vote.

“Blight effects many communities in Pennsylvania,” said Brewster. “Run-down, unoccupied buildings hinder local communities as they strive to rehabilitate and attract new opportunities to the area. This bill is necessary to support community improvement efforts.”

Senate Bill 438 would allow local governing bodies to impose up to a $250 fee for the sale of any property being sold as part of a mortgage foreclosure. Monies generated by the fee will be put into a fund to be used by the county and redevelopment authorities to assist with the demolition and rehabilitation of blighted properties.

“This is a community issue, and it is time we provide local government and redevelopment authorities the power to decide the best options to rehabilitate their communities,” said Brewster.

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