FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Dan Deasy                                        D- Allegheny                                 www.pahouse.com/deasy

Blight Summit hosted by Deasy and Costa

HARRISBURG, Sept. 29 – In order to address the issue of abandoned and blighted property in Allegheny County and throughout Pennsylvania and its boroughs and municipalities, state Reps. Dan Deasy and Dom Costa, in conjunction with the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania and the House Urban Affairs Committee, will host a Blight Summit from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19 at Point Park University.

"Neighborhoods struggle with this problem, as does local governments and even here at the state level," Deasy said. "It affects our economy on so many levels but the people who deal with it day to day are the neighbors who have to look at the dilapidated buildings, deal with what is going on in those houses when they are empty…everything from drug dealing to other criminal activity…and to deal with declining property values in neighborhoods where blight is evident. My district office deals with calls from these neighbors, and community activists don’t know where to turn for help as they try to revitalize their neighborhoods. That's why we felt this summit was so important, even critical."

Deasy said this free event will provide local elected officials, school board members, solicitors, tax collectors and community activists with an opportunity to learn about what “tools are in the toolbox” to address blight in their communities. 

"I believe it is vital for everyone concerned about addressing blight to know what role they can play in finding meaningful solutions," Costa said.

The summit will conclude with a networking reception which will give participants an opportunity to talk with others from across the county facing the same struggles.

For more information, contact Deasy's constituent service office at 412-928-9514, or Costa's constituent service office at 412-361-2040.  

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