The Senate Majority Policy Committee, chaired by State Sen. Dave Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., kicks off its slate of public hearings and workshops this week, reviewing new uses for three vacant state centers in Hamburg, White Haven, and Polk that have sat unused for many years.
The workshop discussion, hosted by Sen. Chris Gebhard, R-48, and Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21, take place 2-4 p.m. Thursday at the Hamburg Strand Theater, located at 6 S. 4th St., Hamburg.
“Spending millions of taxpayer dollars each year maintaining these three long-vacant properties is completely irresponsible,” Argall said. “This waste of taxpayer dollars, this bureaucratic nightmare needs to stop.”
“These now vacant facilities were once cornerstones of their communities,” Gebhard said. “It is imperative the state does not let these buildings become dilapidated, as has happened in other instances, and get these pieces of real estate back in action contributing to the local economy again.”
“The decision by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to close Polk, Hamburg, and White Haven state centers reveals not only a lack of forward planning but also a lack of understanding and compassion for the vulnerable individuals who called these places home,” Hutchinson said. “Be that as it may, allowing these facilities to remain vacant and incur maintenance costs is an inefficient use of resources and taxpayer dollars. I look forward to hearing from Administration officials about what I hope will be a detailed plan for the future of these properties.”
Thursday’s workshop discussion will also include Catherine Califano, Deputy Secretary for Business Operations, Pennsylvania Department of General Services; Eryn Spangler, Legislative Director, Pennsylvania Department of General Services; Susan Williams, President and CEO, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce; Lisa Miller, President, Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce; Sen. Tracy Pennycuick, R-24; Rep. Jamie Barton, R-124; and other members of the General Assembly.
The hearing will be livestreamed at policy.pasenategop.com/policy-010925.
Source: Berkshire mont
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