Lycoming News

HARRISBURG – Sen. Dave Argall (R-29) has called for the sale or reuse of the vacant White Haven Center following significant concerns from local residents about the lack of progress at the site. The center was closed in 2023 by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services without community or legislative input, and it has remained unused since then, resulting in maintenance costs covered by taxpayers.

"Taxpayers are insisting that the state return this site to productive use immediately," said Argall. "Spending millions of taxpayer dollars each year maintaining them with their future uncertain is completely irresponsible. If we do not receive a concrete plan soon from the Shapiro administration, we are prepared to take further legislative and legal action to force a resolution."

Argall cited the former Allentown State Hospital as an example of poor management of similar sites. The hospital required substantial taxpayer funds for upkeep and security until it was demolished in 2020, ten years after its closure.

In response, Argall announced legislation alongside Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21) and Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48). This legislation demands a detailed plan from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services on how these properties will be utilized. It also addresses other closed institutions such as the Hamburg Center, shut down in 2018, and the Polk Center, which closed in 2023.

The proposed legislation requires the administration to provide exact estimates for yearly costs incurred since each property’s closure, expected future costs if they remain unsold, and expenses related to demolition or refurbishment.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger