Posted on July 27, 2026

Berks Community Forum – The Challenge of Blighted Properties in Reading

Berks Community Forum – The Challenge of Blighted Properties in Reading

Who owns Reading’s blighted homes — and why is it so difficult to find them?

This community forum explores an investigation by Berks reporter Hanna Holthaus into 286 properties on Reading’s September 2025 blighted list. Her reporting found that identifying property owners and locating reliable contact information was often a challenge, complicating efforts to hold owners accountable.

Hanna is joined by Reading Managing Director Jack Gombach, Community Development Director David Barr, and Greater Berks Development Fund President Deb Millman to discuss the impact of blight on local neighborhoods and potential solutions for Reading and communities across Pennsylvania.

Read the investigation at https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2026/05/reading-pennsylvania-blighted-buildings-ownership-analysis-local-government/

#ReadingPA #BerksCounty #Blight #Housing #CommunityDevelopment #SpotlightPA

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From the program: Berks County Community Forums




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