The House Urban Affairs Committee held a hearing this week on the Downtown Location Law designed to encourage state agencies to build or lease office space in downtown business districts.

James Creedon, Secretary of General Services, told the Committee over 90 percent of state leases on an annual basis were in downtown locations across the state. Two of the largest moves were to state buildings in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. (testimony available online)

The only two leases not in downtown locations in the last year were for hangar space for PennDOT aircraft and a lease for DCED's Fair Trade Office in Washington, D.C.

Not included in the Act are Liquor Control Board stores, warehouses and State Police Barracks.

Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) serves as Majority Chair of the Committee and Rep. John Perzel (R-Philadelphia) serves as Minority Chair.

11/2/2009