PITTSBURGH — Local and state lawmakers say something needs to be done when it comes to blighted properties.
Abandoned and blighted properties remain a focus of Pennsylvania Senate and House Democrats.
On Friday, lawmakers held a virtual public hearing and highlighted the staggering number of homes left in a state of disarray. They pointed out how these properties have a detrimental effect on neighborhoods -- not only driving down property values, but also creating a dangerous situation for people living nearby.
“We also don’t believe demolition is the end result, the appropriate result of dealing with blight,” Ernie Hogan, executive director of the Community Reinvestment Group, said. “We believe that stabilization and warehousing this property for our future growth is critical in our urban cores and some of our core neighborhoods.”
The local and state lawmakers are now working on legislation that would improve blighted and neglected spaces by setting aside necessary funding and bringing in recovery crews. In addition, they highlighted the resources that could make a huge difference moving forward.
This browser does not support the video element.