LATROBE OFFICIALS LOOKING TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND CURB BLIGHT

Officials in Latrobe are looking at ways to promote economic development and curb blight.  The Trib reports that one suggestion is a registration system that would hold homeowners responsible for vacant, abandoned properties.  The city also is looking to offer a real estate tax abatement to encourage owners to make improvements to their properties.  City manager Terry Carcella said there are about 40 properties in the city that are considered to be abandoned.