Lycoming News

The Senate Majority Policy Committee is set to begin its 2025 series of public hearings and workshops by examining potential new uses for three long-vacant state centers in Hamburg, White Haven, and Polk. These properties have remained unused for years, resulting in significant maintenance costs funded by taxpayers.

Senator Dave Argall (R-29), who chairs the committee, expressed concern over the ongoing expenses. "Spending millions of taxpayer dollars each year maintaining these three long-vacant properties is completely irresponsible," he stated. He emphasized the need to address what he termed a "bureaucratic nightmare."

The workshop will be hosted by Senator Chris Gebhard (R-48) and Senator Scott Hutchinson (R-21) on Thursday, January 9th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hamburg Strand Theater in Hamburg, Pennsylvania. Gebhard highlighted the importance of revitalizing these sites: "These now vacant facilities were once cornerstones of their communities," he said. He stressed the necessity of preventing further deterioration and reintegrating these properties into local economic activities.

Hutchinson criticized the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services' decision to close these centers without adequate planning or consideration for former residents. "Allowing these facilities to remain vacant and incur maintenance costs is an inefficient use of resources and taxpayer dollars," he remarked.

Participants in Thursday's discussion will include Catherine Califano and Eryn Spangler from the Pennsylvania Department of General Services; Susan Williams from the Venango Area Chamber of Commerce; Lisa Miller from the Greater White Haven Chamber of Commerce; Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24); Representative Jamie Barton (R-124); along with other General Assembly members.

The event will be available via livestream on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.