Headline Harrisburg

Seminar to Focus on Community Redevelopment

Next week, I will be hosting a seminar about land banks and their role in community redevelopment. The event will take place on Thursday, May 1, at 7 p.m., at the Southern Lehigh Public Library, 3200 Preston Lane in Center Valley. The seminar is free and open to the public.

The land bank law allows municipalities to create authorities that acquire, manage and develop blighted, tax-foreclosed properties. I have invited several speakers to answer questions about land banks and how they can be used as a tool to improve our local communities, including representatives from the Housing Alliance of Pennsylvania, DEP’s Land Recycling Program and a local engineer. The seminar is free and open to the public. 
  
Raising Lyme Disease Awareness 

Lyme disease is an illness carried by the deer tick that causes a general infection throughout the human body, which if left untreated can have serious consequences including nervous system damage and debilitating arthritis. The risk for contracting Lyme disease is highest during the months of April through July.

To better inform the public about this serious illness, the House passed a resolution designating May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

Experts advise avoiding tick-infested habitats, including heavily wooded areas, tall grass and other areas where deer may frequent. If that is not possible, individuals should take precautions and wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants; use insect repellents; and check themselves, their children and their pets for ticks following outdoor activities. Learn more here.
 
Fighting West Nile Virus 

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has awarded $98,382 to Lehigh County for its 2014 West Nile virus program. A combination of education, source reduction and mosquito control is used to reduce the risk of the disease. Last year, DEP detected 11 humans infected with the virus in Pennsylvania. 
   
PHEAA Grant Application Deadline Looms

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is reminding students and families that the 2014-15 Pennsylvania State Grant application filing deadline is May 1. Learn more here. 
 
PHEAA is also currently accepting applications for its Summer State Grant Program. The online application is available now. The program is for eligible students enrolled in the upcoming summer semester. Learn more here.