The blighted property database would let state municipalities track owners and fine them for negligence.
State Representative Brandon Markosek, a Democrat of Monroeville, has introduced a bill that would create a blight database managed by the state. Markosek chairs the House Committee on Housing and Community Development.
In a memo to colleagues, Markosek said, “Blight affects all communities in Pennsylvania from former coal mining and steel towns to rural communities to our Main Streets in cities and boroughs.”
According to the legislation, municipalities could choose to opt into the service. They would not be required to participate.
Under the legislation, the database would be a tool to hold negligent property owners responsible when their properties become dangerous to neighbors and the community. Being listed in the database could have consequences in the form of penalties.
“There would be some teeth in the bill to help hold people accountable. Serious violations that go unresolved for over a year may also be subject to a $1,000 penalty, with proceeds used to help maintain the database,” Markosek said in a recent interview.
Proceeds from the fine would be returned to the database to support it.
The penalties would be issued by municipalities, rather than the state Department of Community and Economic Development.
Markosek’s idea has garnered bipartisan support, with 23 House Republicans voting alongside Democrats to send the bill to the Senate earlier this month. The legislation has been referred to the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing committee.
House Republican leader Jesse Topper was one of the Republicans in support of the bill at the time of passage.
Representative Andrew Kuzma, a Republican of Elizabeth Township, co-sponsored Markosek’s bill but voted against it on the House floor. He has not spoken publicly about his decision to vote against the measure.
