Schuylkill County is experiencing a blight problem and State Representative Tim Twardzik is doing something about it. He recently invited the House Urban Affairs Committee, representatives of the Pottsville Blight Task Force, and other local officials for a two-day meeting to see and discuss the negative impact that vacated and blighted buildings are causing the county at a local level. 

The first day featured a trolley ride throughout the county so the members could see firsthand the scale of the problem. One of their many stops was the Downtown Shenandoah, Inc. offices so the group could learn about The Center for Education, Business and Arts, (CEBA). President Karen Kenderdine and Director Susan Williams shared the history of the community center and the progress to date. Both expressed their concerns about the blight in Shenandoah's neighborhoods and how it negatively affects the community as a whole. 

Pictured from left to right, Tony Sajone, Shenandoah Borough Manager, Tim Twardzik, State Representative 123rd District, and Senator Dave Argall during a recent Blight Public Hearing held in Pottsville, PA

On the second day, the group met for a public hearing to discuss solutions to improve the process. In the near future, the committee will bring forward and vote on a blight remediation package, that Representative Twardzik will offer as House Bill 1791. According to his website, "Twardzik’s legislation would allow local communities to create and maintain a vacant property registration and assessment program, which is a blight-fighting, smart growth tool used to stabilize and redevelop communities."

Those testifying during this public hearing included Thomas A. Palamar, Pottsville city administrator, Sandra Fisk, Mahanoy City borough manager; Michael T. McKeever, Esq., KML Law Group, P.C., Philadelphia; Michael J. O’Connor, attorney, Michael J. O’Connor and Associates; Bobby Weaver, Pottsville business owner; and Mary Beth Dougherty, staff assistant for Sen. David Argall. 

Chairwoman Brown thanked Representative Twardzik for organizing this meeting. She explained that the committee has conducted similar public meetings throughout the Commonwealth and has found that blight is an issue that is present statewide. "Today’s hearing was another great collaboration with local leaders to come up with efficient and beneficial solutions to remedy area blight" she said.

More information about House Bill 1791 is available on State Representative Twardzik's website.