House Bill 2233, introduced by Rep. Bob Freeman (D-Northampton), that would allow the Elm Street Program to continue beyond the sunset date of 2011 passed the House this week.

The Elm Street Program is an urban residential enhancement initiative that targets older established neighborhoods for revitalization.

"Elm Street has been extremely successful at stabilizing participating neighborhoods," Rep. Freeman said. "The program deserves to continue in order to help revitalize urban neighborhoods."

Rep. Freeman said more than two dozen neighborhoods have been designated as Elm Street communities, and more than 100 municipalities have been eligible for similar improvements in their neighborhoods through Elm Street residential reinvestment grants.

"This law can mean the difference between urban revitalization and urban blight," Rep. Freeman said. "It is critical to the well-being of some of our oldest communities in Pennsylvania."

Currently, the program provides up to five years of financial assistance for municipalities to hire an Elm Street manager to work with local officials and community groups to establish a plan for revitalizing targeted neighborhoods. House Bill 2233 would allow Elm Street managers to continue for up to an additional five years, if necessary.

The measure would also have Elm Street managers work to promote the establishment of consumer services, such as banks, grocery stores and pharmacies, in older urban residential neighborhoods.

Grants are used for administrative costs, and infrastructure and structural improvements such as sidewalk repairs, tree plantings and building façade work. The Elm Street manager also focuses on marketing plans; promoting home ownership and other housing options; addressing social and economic concerns in the targeted neighborhoods; and assessing current zoning codes and comprehensive plans to ensure their compatibility with revitalization efforts.

"Elm Street has gone a long way in helping these older, great neighborhoods come back to life," Rep. Freeman said. "They were once great places to live, work and raise families. I think Elm Street is helping to make them great once again."

4/4/2008