FYI by PLS » House Urban Affairs

Urban Affairs Committee Conducts Hearing on Philadelphia Housing Authority Reforms

Jeff — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 15:32:15 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee today conducted an informational hearing reform measures involving the Philadelphia Housing Authority PHA. Michael Kelly, Executive Director and HUD-appointed Administrative Receiver for PHA, told the committee members, “Since I arrived in December 2010, we have worked very hard to carry out a Recovery Plan to undo mistakes of the past and build a structure of strong, ethical and respectful business practices.” He outlined some of the specific changes that have been made in reforming PHA. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Urban Affairs Committee discusses reform of the real estate tax sales process

intern — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:26:42 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee met today to discuss HB 1782, which is a reform of the real estate tax sales process. Chairman Chris Ross (R-Chester) said ”the laws we rely on in Pennsylvania can be multiple, complex, ancient, and confusing,” and it is important to have total reform. Testifiers Daniel Kildee and Frank Alexander spoke about their experience with property tax collection and offered information and suggestions about the issue.

Check the Committee News section of the Capitol Toolbox later on for the full story.

Urban Affairs Committee Reports Act 47 Bill

Jeff — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:22:01 +0000

On a straight party line vote, with the Republicans voting “Yes” and the Democrats voting “No”, the House Urban Affairs Committee reported as committed Senate Bill 1151. The bill amends Act 47, the Municipalities Financial Recovery Act, to require appointment of a three-member board when a distressed third class city does not adopt or implement the plan of the Act 47 coordinator and prohibits the distressed city under the care of the management board from filing for federal bankruptcy. Although the legislation applies to all distressed third class cities, it was introduced as a result of the financial situation in the city of Harrisburg, Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

Urban Affairs Committees Conduct Hearing on Land Banking

Jeff — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:10:00 +0000

The House Urban Affairs and the Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committees held a rare joint hearing on land banking. Committee members heard from Dan Kildee, Co-founder and President of the Center for Community Progress, who founded the Genesee Land Bank in Flint, Michigan which has served as a model for other land banks across the country. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Urban Affairs Discusses Housing Authority Laws

Matt — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:04:02 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee held a public hearing today to discuss Pennsylvania’s housing authority laws. Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter was among the many that testified at today’s hearing. “In light of apparent abdication of supervision by the current Philadelphia Housing Authority Board, Philadelphia needs a Housing Authority that is answerable to the mayor who in turn is answerable to the voters,” he stated. “That can only happen if the mayor names the members to the Philadelphia Housing Authority Board. Accountability, transparency, structure and commitment – these are the pillars of reform upon which we must build a new Philadelphia Housing Authority.” Check out the PLS Capitol Toolbox later today to read the full story.

House Urban Affairs Passes Land Bank Bill

Eric — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:40:58 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee met today to discuss HB 712, also known as the land bank bill. After amending the bill twice and suspending the rules once, the Committee unanimously reported out the amended bill. Check the Capitol Toolbox later today for the full story.

House Urban Affairs Committee Hosts Informational Briefing on Manufactured Home Industry

lindsay — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:26:07 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee held an informational meeting this morning with Mark Conte, DCED’s Chief of the Housing Standards Division; Mary Gaiski, Executive Vice President of the PA Manufactured Housing Association; and Chad Harvey, Executive Director of the Modular Building Systems Association. The briefing served to educate the committee on the differences between manufactured housing and industrialized housing, describe the home building and transportation process in detail, and explain the demands placed on the industry, which generates substantial revenue for the Commonwealth. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the complete story.

House Urban Reports Bills to Help Seniors, Combat Blight

Kim — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:09:34 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee met this morning and amended and reported two bills. The first bill would reduce the time period for adverse possession to ten years in certain instances and the second would give persons joining 55+ manufacture home communities time to review the costs associated with the community before moving in. The members had extensive discussion on both bills, but they were ultimately reported with strong support. A scheduled presentation from DCED was postponed until the next meeting.

Look for the complete story in the Capitol Toolbox this afternoon.

House Urban Affairs Committee Forms Task Forces in areas of Adverse Possession, Land Banking, and Handicap Accessability in Taxicabs; Moves Bills

Jason — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:34:57 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee met to consider bills. HB 1587 and HB 2302 were reported as amended. Chairman Thomas also formed three task forces to come up with legislative recommendations in the areas of adverse possession, land banking, and handicap accessibility in taxicabs. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full discussion.

House Urban Affairs & Policy Committees Conduct Hearing on Land Banks

Jeff — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:05:38 +0000

The House Urban Affairs Committee along with the House Democratic and House Republican Policy Committees held a joint informational hearing on land banks. Dan Kildee, executive director of the Center for Community Progress, made a power point presentation on the land bank program in Flint, Michigan and responded to questions from committee members. Check the Capitol Toolbox later for the full story.