WOZNIAK ANNOUNCES SENATE PASSAGE OF “ELM STREET ACT” TO REVITALIZE PA NEIGHBORHOODS

HARRISBURG, January 23, 2004 – With the unanimous Senate passage of the Elm Street Act, residential neighborhoods located near commercial and economic development areas could receive state funding for revitalization projects, state Sen. John N. Wozniak said.

The Elm Street Act, (House Bill 500) would assist municipalities in preparing and implementing revitalization plans for established residential neighborhoods in close proximity to commercial districts or in the vicinity of a Main Street Program Project.

“It is imperative that our communities near downtown areas remain vital for continued economic growth and stability,” Wozniak said. “The Elm Street Program, along with the existing Main Street Program, will allow struggling areas once again to become viable economic areas with a strong community base.”

This legislation would provide $5 million in grant funds under the Department of Community and Economic Development that could be used by neighborhoods to repair or improve streetscapes, sidewalks and streetlights, as well as housing facades.

Basic grants would be provided for a maximum of five years per project, allowing for administrative costs associated with hiring a professional Elm Street Manager. Planning and Development grants would be provided for marketing and promoting urban residential living, leveraging additional private and public investment, promoting home ownership and housing options as well as addressing social concerns such as crime and blight.

House Bill 500 has been returned to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments, after which it will be sent to the Governor for his signature.  

###