To the Editor:
A couple of months ago I was told about House Bill 2188. I called Harrisburg and was sent a copy of the bill.
House Bill 2188 has information on how to get rid of empty houses that are dilapidated or are for sale and what to do about them. I and my husband took the information to all the Valley mayors and supervisors, as well as The Valley Independent.
I have read in newspapers and heard at meetings that state and local politicians want growth in this area. This bill was passed and the information tells the public how to do it.
I realize that the weather has been bad, but I haven't heard or seen anyone trying to do something about blighted houses. One reason, all say, is that we have no money. If they wouldn't spend what they don't have, the money would be there.
Back to the bill. Unless I didn't read it correctly, it shows how the owners of blighted properties have to take care of them at their own expense, even to tearing them down. I know that it is hard to do because these property owners have all the laws on their side. But, why not try?
My theory is: everyone takes care of the outside of their property and no neighborhood would be ugly. It may even make people buy homes that may not be beyond their means. If that would have happened, maybe we wouldn't be in the trouble that we are in now.
Look around, folks, is anyone ruining your neighborhood⢠There are plenty in the Valley.
If you try to keep your home nice and even dare to remodel, you improve your neighborhoods, and then what happens⢠Your taxes increase! If you do nothing to keep up your home or move away and let it become dilapidated, and don't pay your taxes, nothing happens. You complain to the politicians to have them do something but it takes years. Unless, of course, it is in their neighborhoods.
What is wrong with this Picture⢠Cleanliness is cheap! It costs very little.
Maya Patch
Carroll Township
