Senator Argall taking action for White Haven Center future

FOSTER TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A defunct state-owned facility sits empty in Luzerne County, costing taxpayers big bucks for maintenance. The state won’t say exactly how much, but a state senator is introducing legislation to increase transparency.

The White Haven Center closed last year. It provided services to people with intellectual and physical challenges.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services closed the White Haven Center in 2023.

Senator Dave Argall wants to see the facility either sold or given a new purpose.

“This valuable piece of property right at the White Haven exit just off of I-80 is sitting empty and the state’s taxpayers are on the hook to maintain it, to make sure that the grass is mowed, make sure that the buildings don’t deteriorate,” Senator Argall explained.

Senator Argall is introducing legislation that will require the administration to give exact estimates for the yearly costs of each state property since the institutions were closed, expected costs associated with each property if they are not sold, and costs relating to demolition or refurbishment.

“There’s no way that the state taxpayer should have to pay for millions of dollars each year to maintain the property if those buildings are going to be torn down. I would hope they could be reused,” said Senator Argall.

Senator Argall noted the former Allentown State Hospital as the worst-case scenario for a similar site.

It required millions of taxpayer dollars each year for upkeep and security until it was razed in 2020, 10 years after closing.

“We don’t want that to happen here in White Haven,” Senator Argall added.

28/22 News reached out to the Department of General Services and we’re waiting on a response.

The legislation also addresses the Hamburg Center in Berks County and the Polk Center in Venango County, both of which closed in western PA.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.