Legislation by Rep. Dave Hickernell to expand Pennsylvania’s Main Street Program to include the improvement of residential property facades in downtown areas has been signed into law as Act 99 of 2008.
The Main Street Program, within the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), allows state funds to be directed toward the improvement of infrastructure, aesthetics, and accessibility of downtown shopping districts throughout Pennsylvania.
“As communities revitalize their downtown areas, non-commercial, residential properties areas should not be overlooked,” said Hickernell. “A strong residential presence can provide a boost to the commercial properties in downtown commercial areas. My legislation allows for the improvement, marketing and promotion of those residential properties.”
DCED administers the Main Street program through the establishment of local organizations dedicated to the revitalization of downtown areas and the management of that revitalization. Hickernell credited one of those local organizations, Main Street Mount Joy, with making him aware of the need for this legislation.
“I want to thank Main Street Mount Joy for bringing these proposals and their merits to my attention,” Hickernell added. “By including residential properties in the Main Street Program, we have taken an important step toward encouraging the development and revitalization of Pennsylvania’s downtown areas.”
“Living on Main Street, I am glad residential property owners can now join commercial property owners in participating in the Main Street program’s downtown revitalization effort,” said Ned Sterling, a member of Main Street Mount Joy’s Board of Directors.
House Bill 420 is the seventh piece of Hickernell-authored legislation to become law.
Rep. Dave Hickernell
98th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(717) 367-5525
(717) 684-5525
(717) 783-2076
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 787-3406
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