The Schuylkill County delegation from the Pennsylvania State legislature announced funding for Shenandoah and Schuylkill County to fight blight.
Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123) and Senator David G. Argall (R-29) announced Thursday morning that a new effort to demolish blighted buildings on the 100 block of North Brower Street in Shenandoah and build housing for seniors will be awarded $500,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development.
The preliminary plans for the block aim to build 36 residential units for senior citizens.
“This is a HUGE deal for Shenandoah - an entire blighted city block will be demolished and transformed into a safe, accessible, and affordable senior housing complex,” said Rep. Twardzik. “A neighborhood will be free from long abandoned fire damaged businesses and dangerous collapsing row homes. No one should have to tolerate blight.
“Sen. Argall and his staff have been battling blight for many years and I am extremely happy to join him these past two years in my role representing the 123rd District in the House of Representatives. We have been able to collaborate and secure funding to assist many communities in their battle against Blight - including this transformational housing development.”
“This project to breathe new life into Shenandoah is the perfect example of a public private partnership – it would not be possible without Michael and Patricia O’Connor of Par King, Inc., the Schuylkill County Redevelopment Authority, or the Borough of Shenandoah,” said Senator Argall. “Thanks to all their hard work, what is now over 20 blighted and decaying properties will help address the housing shortage in Schuylkill County in the future.”
An additional $500,000 will be awarded to Schuylkill County’s demolition fund, to help them continue their efforts to tear down blighted properties.
Previous grants awarded to the demolition fund resulted in the tearing down of 79 properties in 18 different communities, including Pottsville, Minersville, Girardville, Tower City, Palo Alto, Frackville, and Shenandoah. 60 additional properties are anticipated to be added to this total in the coming years.