Apr. 04, 2017
HARRISBURG – Legislation aimed at transforming the use of abandoned and blighted properties in Blair County and all across the state has passed the House of Representatives and is headed to the state Senate for consideration, announced Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair), sponsor of the measure.
House Bill 758 would create the Tax Exemption and Mixed-Use Incentive Program, which would allow for tax exemption incentives for developers who improve certain deteriorated areas, with a special emphasis on promoting mixed-use housing and development.
“This legislation is the continuation of an issue my predecessor worked on, and I believe it can play a huge role as a productive way to help revitalize abandoned and blighted properties in our communities,” said Ward. “The legislation passed the House last session, but was never voted on by the Senate. I am hopeful this session we can move this important community development bill across the finish line.”
Ward said creating an incentive for redeveloping deteriorated properties and transforming them into mixed-use spaces is a benefit for both developers and those living in deteriorated communities. Often, when a deteriorated property is improved, the tax assessment fees rise steeply and this discourages developers from improving those properties.
“Mixed-use spaces are becoming increasingly popular as people crave more walkable and community-oriented areas where they live,” said Ward. “These spaces can be one or more buildings that have residential space upstairs and retailers, restaurants and businesses on the bottom levels. This makes living and working close to home a reality and promotes more of a community atmosphere.”
According to the legislation, properties must fulfill specific requirements, such as being a “deteriorated property,” correcting all code violations, conforming to zoning requirements and increasing the property value by at least 25 percent.
Under the bill, if zoning ordinances permit mixed-use development, developers must improve and rebuild properties that align with mixed-use zoning.
“This bill provides the opportunity for a type of community environment more people are starting to desire, while also providing an incentive to fix up buildings and neighborhoods that have fallen into disrepair,” said Ward.
Representative Judy Ward
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717.772.9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
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