Section 1543 - DefinitionsThe following words, terms, and phrases, where used or referred to in this act, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except in those instances where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
(a)"Authority" or "Housing Authority." A public body and a body corporate and politic created and organized, in accordance with the provisions of this act, for the purposes, with the powers, and subject to the restrictions hereinafter set forth.(b)"Bonds." Any bonds, interim certificates, notes, debentures or other obligations of the Authority issued pursuant to this act.(c)"City." Any city of the first, second, second class A, or third class. "The city" shall mean the particular city for which a particular housing authority is created.(d)"Clerk." The clerk of the city or the chief clerk of the county, as the case may be, or the officer charged with the duties customarily imposed on such clerk. In cities of the first class, clerk shall mean the clerk of council.(e)"County." Any county of this Commonwealth other than a county of the first class. "The county" shall mean the particular county for which a particular housing authority is created.(f)"Federal Government." The United States of America, the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works, or any other agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, of the United States of America.(g)"Field of Operation." The area within the territorial boundaries of the city or county for which the particular housing authority is created: Provided, however, That the field of operation of any county authority, except as hereinafter provided, shall not include a city, unless its authority has never been authorized to function pursuant to section 4 , or, if authorized to function, has ceased to do so pursuant to section 4.1 of this act. For the purposes of section 14.1 of this act only, "field of operation" shall also include any county, city, borough or incorporated town, or any portion thereof not included in said area, in which the housing authority exercises its powers under the provisions of section 14.1 of this act.(h)"Governing Body." In the case of a city, the city council or other legislative body thereof, and in the case of a county, the board of county commissioners or other legislative body thereof.(i)"Government." Includes the State and Federal Governments, or any subdivision, agency or instrumentality, corporate or otherwise, or either of them.(j)"Housing Project" or "Project." Any work or undertaking-- (1) To demolish, clear or remove buildings from any slum area, or to adapt such area to public purposes, including parks, playgrounds, swimming pools or other recreational or community purposes; or (2) to provide safe and sanitary dwelling accommodations by means of new construction, or the reconstruction, restoration, reconditioning, remodeling, or repair of existing structures for persons of low income, such work or undertaking may include buildings, land, equipment, facilities, and other real or personal property for necessary, convenient or desirable appurtenances, streets, sewers, water services, parks, site preparation, gardening, administrative, community, health, recreational, educational, welfare or other purposes; or (3) to accomplish a combination of the foregoing. The term "Housing Project" or "Project" may be applied to the planning of the buildings and improvements, the acquisition of property, the demolition of existing structures, the construction, reconstruction, alteration, and repair of existing improvements, and all other work in connection therewith. (k)"Mayor." The mayor of the city, or the officer thereof charged with the duties customarily imposed on the mayor or executive head of the city.(l)"Member." One of the members of an Authority appointed in accordance with the provisions of this act.(l.1)"Mixed-use Projects." Any project that includes a commercial, industrial, market-rate residential or retail component, and either-- (1) a low-income housing component; or (2)is within a two-mile radius of a low-income housing project owned, leased, either in the capacity of lessor or lessee, held or financed by an Authority. (m)"Municipality." Any county, city, borough or township.(n)"Obligee of the Authority" or "Obligee." Any bondholder, trustee or trustees for any bondholders, any lessor demising property to the authority used in connection with a housing project, or any assignee or assignees of such lessor's interest, or any part thereof, and the Federal Government when it is a party to any contract with the Authority.(o)"Persons of Low Income." Persons or families whose income shall not exceed the amount specified in section thirteen. (p)"Real Property." Lands, lands under water, structures, and any and all easements, franchises, and incorporeal hereditaments, and every estate and right therein, legal and equitable, including terms for years and liens by way of judgment, mortgage, or otherwise.(q)"Slums." Any area in which there is a predominance of structures which, by reason of dilapidation, overcrowding, faulty arrangement or design, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or any combination of these factors, are detrimental to safety, health, and morals. The singular shall include the plural, and the masculine the feminine and neuter.
1937, May 28, P.L. 955, § 3. Amended 1943, May 26, P.L. 658, § 1; 1949, May 20, P.L. 1614, §§ 1, 2; 1965, Dec. 22, P.L. 1167, § 1; 1967, Nov. 16, P.L. 495, No. 242, § 1; 2006, Nov. 9, P.L. 1355, No. 145, §1, effective in 60 days [ 1/8/2007].