Commonwealth approves $1.4 Million for county demo program

SHENANDOAH – Schuylkill County’s state legislative delegation announced today that a $1.4 Million state grant was awarded to the county’s demolition program.

State Senator David G. Argall (R-29) and Representatives Neal Goodman (D-123) and Jerry Knowles (R-124) made the announcement today.

“We have a serious need to tear down old and blighted structures throughout our county,” Argall said in the release. “Blight affects us all – it lowers our property values, it strains the real estate market, it hurts our schools, it breeds crime, and poses a serious threat to our safety and well-being. This issue continues to be a top issue in many of our older communities.”

“As a former Mahanoy City councilman, I know firsthand that one of the most difficult problems a community faces is removal of blighted properties. This money will go a long way towards revitalizing and redeveloping Schuylkill County municipalities,” said Goodman.

“Our region really needs this funding, and this will go a long way to help make us thrive,” said Rep. Jerry Knowles. “Blighted properties are a safety hazard and can cause crime in our neighborhoods. In addition, it creates economic burdens for our local governments. We need a clean-up. Our infrastructure is the foundation for strong and vibrant communities.”

This is the second time Schuylkill County has been awarded a $1.4 Million grant for demolition, the first time being in January 2017.

That grant was exhausted by August 2019, demolishing 35 structures or sets of structures in northern Schuylkill County.

Of the eighteen municipalities where blighted properties were demolished through that grant program, Shenandoah had the most at 12 properties.

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Kaylee Lindenmuth

Kaylee Lindenmuth is a Shenandoah native with a passion for journalism and the community she calls home.

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