Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB829

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/19/23
• Refer: 6/19/23
• Engrossed: 6/28/23
• Refer: 6/28/23
• Refer: 7/6/23
• Report Pass: 7/7/23
• Refer: 8/3/23
• Report Pass: 8/30/23
• Enrolled: 9/26/23
• Chaptered: 10/4/23
• Passed: 10/4/23

Caption

Authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Governor, to grant and convey certain easements through and across lands of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Township of Manheim, County of Lancaster, for purposes of a road realignment project and to accept from the Township of Manheim existing right-of-way to be abandoned as part of the road realignment project; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Governor, to grant and convey to Drexel University, permanent easement encumbering certain lands situate in the City and County of Philadelphia; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the City of Philadelphia certain land, buildings and improvements situated in the 40th ward of the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County; authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain land owned by Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County, in return for the development of a hiking trail and scenic viewing area in Lower Salford Township, Montgomery County; revoking a use restriction; and making repeals.

Impact

The provisions set forth in SB 829 could significantly affect local and state laws concerning land use and rights-of-way management. The bill includes releasing certain restrictions that may previously have bound the usage of particular lands within Lower Salford Township. In exchange for these easements, the township is committed to developing recreational features, such as hiking trails and scenic areas, thereby enhancing community engagement with local resources and promoting outdoor activities. This aspect aligns with broader goals related to recreational space development and the improvement of public amenities.

Summary

Senate Bill 829 primarily authorizes the Department of General Services in Pennsylvania to grant and convey easements for various projects, including a road realignment in the Township of Manheim, and convey land to both Drexel University and the City of Philadelphia. The bill facilitates the abandonment of existing right-of-way while ensuring the governance and approval of relevant state authorities, such as the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Governor. By allowing these transfers, the bill aims to streamline land use for local development and infrastructure upgrades.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding SB 829 appears to be supportive, particularly from local officials and development advocates who acknowledge the need for updated infrastructure and broader accessibility of community spaces. However, there may also be concerns among historical preservationists regarding the balance between development and maintaining the integrity of significant local heritage sites. Thus, while progress and modernization are favored, the bill's implications on historical conservation efforts warrant careful consideration.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the potential environmental impact of the road realignment and the expansion of developed areas. Stakeholders may raise concerns about how these changes could affect existing local ecosystems. Furthermore, the bill's provisions for land conveyance and the release of restrictions signify a shift toward prioritizing immediate development needs, which could clash with long-standing community values around land stewardship and historical preservation.