In August 2024, the Borough of Tarentum marked a significant milestone in its ongoing battle against urban blight with the demolition of 505 East 8th Avenue. This achievement brings the total number of blighted properties demolished since 2019 to approximately 65. This accomplishment represents more than just a number; it is a testament to Tarentum’s commitment to revitalizing its neighborhoods and ensuring a safer, healthier, and more vibrant community for all its residents.
Understanding Blight and Its Impact
Blight is more than just an unsightly building in a neighborhood; it’s a pervasive issue that can have far-reaching consequences for towns like Tarentum. Blighted properties are often abandoned or neglected, leading to deteriorating structures that pose serious health and safety risks. These properties can become breeding grounds for vermin, attract criminal activity, and present fire hazards.
Moreover, blight has a significant negative impact on property values. A single abandoned building can diminish the value of surrounding properties, leading to a downward spiral in which entire neighborhoods suffer. As property values decline, so does the area’s appeal to potential new residents and businesses, making it harder to attract the investment needed for revitalization.
A Comprehensive Approach to Blight Removal
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the blight problem, Tarentum Borough has made combating blight a key focus of its comprehensive plan. The Borough has taken a proactive approach, utilizing a combination of Borough funding and grant money to tackle blighted properties. This financial commitment reflects the Borough’s understanding that addressing blight is not just about tearing down buildings but investing in the community’s future.
One of the most effective tools in this fight has been our partnership with Allegheny County’s Vacant Property Program. Once a blighted property has been demolished, this program allows neighboring residents to acquire the land at a fraction of the market price. This initiative helps eliminate eyesores and empowers residents to take an active role in revitalizing their neighborhoods, turning once-abandoned spaces into gardens, expanded yards, or even new homes.
Balancing Priorities in Local Government
Managing a borough like Tarentum involves juggling many competing priorities. From maintaining parks and roads to ensuring the efficient operation of sewers and, in our unique case, managing electric services, the demands on local government resources are substantial. Despite these challenges, we have made a concerted effort to address blight purposefully and consistently over the years.
Our work is far from done. We are currently developing the demolition list and budget for the next year, ensuring we continue to progress in this critical area. The ongoing support from our residents and business owners has been invaluable. We rely on your eyes and ears to help identify properties that may be candidates for demolition, and your involvement is crucial to the success of our efforts.
Acknowledging Our Partners in Progress
The success of Tarentum’s blight removal program would not be possible without the dedication of several key players. We extend our deepest gratitude to our Code Enforcement Officer, whose hard work and commitment have been instrumental in both launching and sustaining this initiative. We also want to thank our Mayor and Borough Council for their unwavering support of the blight removal program. Their leadership and vision have enabled us to make significant strides in improving the quality of life in Tarentum.
As we look to the future, Tarentum remains committed to fighting blight. We will continue to prioritize this essential work as part of our broader mission to create a safer, healthier, and more prosperous community for all who live and work here.