Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
50 issues
Short-Term Rental Proposal on Monroe Ave
A property owner is seeking zoning relief to operate a short-term rental in a residential zone. The outcome could set a tone for how Scranton handles STRs in R-10 neighborhoods.
Junkyard/transfer station violation appeal
Keren Reakty LLC is fighting a city violation notice over a junkyard/transfer station on Sanderson Avenue. Neighbors may weigh in on whether the operation should be allowed to continue.
Eight-unit apartment building on Prescott Avenue
A variance is sought to build an eight-unit apartment building in an R-10 zone. Density in the hill section neighborhood is the question.
Scranton Housing Authority appointment
Paul Strunk is proposed to fill a Housing Authority board seat left open by Megan McDonough Alpert, serving through September 2031.
E-Bikes and Motorized Devices Rules
Two ordinances would modernize city code for e-bikes and other motorized devices — one updating the bicycle chapter, the other setting rules for motorized devices in parks.
Police records management system upgrade
A $500,000 state grant application would fund upgrades to the police department's records management system — the backbone of how officers file and retrieve case data.
Regulation of Kratom Sale and Possession
A carry-over ordinance would make it illegal to sell kratom and its potent derivatives, like 7-OH, to minors, with penalties for violations.
Local Share Account Grant Applications
Seven Local Share Account grant applications would fund everything from the Cultural Center's air conditioning to the Ronald McDonald House HVAC and a new Frances Willard Elementary schoolyard.
School District Eminent Domain Property Acquisition
Scranton schools may use eminent domain to take the old Penn Foster building because special ed enrollment is surging and space is tight. That could mean a big taxpayer bill and a property owner forced to sell. If you care about school capacity or public spending, keep an eye on it.
Bridge Rehabilitation Grant Applications
Council will consider seeking up to $2.79 million for the South Washington Street bridge over Roaring Brook and up to $3 million for the East Elm Street bridge. State grant money would spare local taxpayers much of the cost.
Municipal Budget and Revenue Projections
The 2027 general operating budget is balanced with zero deficit and no tax increase, thanks to spending cuts in professional services and strong interest earnings. Council asked for a line-item breakdown of professional services before voting.
Expiration of the tripled local services tax
The $52 local services tax, tripled under special legislation, expires after 2029 and is worth about $3.5 million a year to the city. Council discussed lobbying Harrisburg for a statewide $52 option so Scranton doesn't lose the revenue.
Access to Community Facilities and Neighborhood Centers
Seven Local Share Account grant applications would fund everything from the Cultural Center's air conditioning to the Ronald McDonald House HVAC and a new Frances Willard Elementary schoolyard.
Data Center Zoning and Potential Small Nuclear Reactors
Two carry-over ordinances would rewrite the city's zoning rules for data centers — a live issue as large computer facilities look for sites in the region.
Data Center Zoning Regulations and Nuclear Energy Concerns
Two carry-over ordinances would rewrite the city's zoning rules for data centers — a live issue as large computer facilities look for sites in the region.
Mayoral Succession
Scranton’s mayor is headed to Congress, and City Council—not voters—will pick who finishes the term. That means five council members could effectively decide the city’s next mayor. If you care who runs Scranton, this succession process is worth watching.
Koch Place vacation
An updated ordinance was introduced to close and vacate an unopened portion of Koch Place between Boland Court and S. Keastner Court, with a quit claim deed to Robert Trapper; the older version stays tabled.
Downtown Parking and Meter Kiosks
Council members pressed for details after learning the Streetscape Project should net about 69 new downtown parking spaces and that a business parking validation program has existed since 2016. A free holiday market program will support businesses hurt by the water main disruption, and four businesses had PAWC insurance claims approved.
Levee System Operations and Maintenance Manuals
Council formally adopted operations and maintenance manuals for the Albright, South Side and Plot Section levee systems, keeping the city's flood-protection documentation current.
2027 Capital Budget and Spending Plan
Council adopted the city's 2027 capital budget and reserve fund spending plan, locking in next year's big-ticket infrastructure and equipment spending.
Downtown stop-sign trial and traffic changes
Council is pressing the administration on whether all 13 downtown stop-sign conversions were properly approved — records show only seven approvals — and whether signals can be restored if testing shows lights are safer.
Euclid Avenue One-Way Traffic Designation
The ordinance making Euclid Avenue one-way westbound was pulled from the table for final action; a 2026 traffic study found a railroad bridge pier blocks drivers' sight distance at North Main Avenue.
Extreme Heat and Emergency Cooling Plans for Unsheltered Residents
A resident who experienced homelessness described overcrowded bunk rooms, a single shower, and cold treatment at the shelter and CIC, urging the city to do more for the unhoused.
Code Enforcement and Blight Mitigation
Mark Margavitch told Council a court ruled the city's code citation against him was 'manifestly deficient' and reversed his conviction, but he still carries a criminal record. He asked Council to direct the law department to support expungement; Sean McAndrew asked the solicitor to look into the request.
Illegal parking near Scranton High School
A resident says parents parking illegally on Seventh Avenue and Providence Road at pickup time are forcing drivers into oncoming traffic. He wants parking enforcement or police to act.
Hickory Street property acquisition
The city is moving to buy a Hickory Street parcel from the Redevelopment Authority for $1; the ordinance was introduced and goes to committee.
Home-Based Nail Salon on Washburn St
Mariola Lantigon is requesting a variance to run an appointment-only nail salon out of a home at 1826 Washburn St.
Multi-Family Conversion on Luzerne St
Sean Bingham is proposing to convert a three-family home into a four-family home at 1319-21 Luzerne St, impacting housing density.
Commercial Parking Reduction and Tent Structure at Jackson St
La Revolucion Mexicana LLC is asking for a parking reduction and permission to keep an outdoor tent structure at 2225 Jackson St.
Drive-Thru Coffee Shop and Parking Reduction at SouthSide Shopping Center
Brew Team Group wants to build a drive-thru coffee shop in the SouthSide Shopping Center parking lot while cutting 50 required parking spaces.
Townhouse Development at Farr St and N Sumner Ave
Residents pushed back against a proposal to build 14 townhouses, citing worries about cramped parking, stormwater runoff, and dangerous traffic patterns.
HUD 2026 Annual Action Plan Approval
Council approved the HUD 2026 Annual Action Plan, unlocking federal funds for community development, housing, and emergency grant programs.
2025 Financial Audit and Pension Health Improvements
The city's 2025 financial single audit was completed and submitted by Clifton Larson Allen, LLP, showing improvements in pension funding health and financial reporting timeliness.
Blighted Properties and Code Enforcement Concerns
Residents highlighted long-abandoned storage pods sitting on public streets and overgrown blighted properties, urging stricter enforcement and ordinance updates.
Tripp Park Community Center Maintenance and Winterization
Residents advocated for returning vacant city-owned buildings—specifically the Tripp Park Community Center and the former neighborhood watch building on Jackson Street—back to community control under a resident-run committee.
Infrastructure Maintenance, Pave Cuts, and Stormwater GIS Mapping
Residents raised major concerns about PA American Water cutting into Scranton streets and leaving temporary patches for months, causing vehicle damage and safety hazards. Speakers urged the city to enforce Chapter 412 of the municipal code regarding timely and proper road restorations and utility fines.
Traffic and Parking Safety on Local Streets
Tensions flared between the city council and the mayoral administration over traffic changes, specifically regarding the legality and planning of one-way conversions on streets like Euclid Avenue and Moyer Court.
Planning Commission Transparency and Public Notice
A resident questioned zoning board procedures and variance approvals for commercial self-storage facilities in residential areas, citing inadequate public posting and parking concerns.
Boarding Home Operation at 1010 Monroe Ave.
A proposal to establish a 7-room boarding home for traveling professionals and healthcare workers at 1010 Monroe Avenue was brought before the board.
High-Coverage Apartment Building at 616 Pittston Ave.
A developer requested a significant increase in allowable lot coverage to build an apartment building on Pittston Avenue.
Vehicle Repair Garage at 325 Green St.
A neighborhood property owner sought permission to use a rear garage structure for vehicle repairs in an R-10 residential zone.
Vehicle Sales Facility at 420-422 N Main Ave.
An application was brought forward to operate a vehicle sales facility on North Main Avenue.
Storage Shed Construction at 621 Deacon St.
A residential property owner requested a variance to construct a storage shed at 621 Deacon Street.
Self-Storage Facility at 1740 N Main Ave.
A proposal to construct a self-storage facility on North Main Avenue was scheduled for review under neighborhood zoning.
Fireworks and Illegal Vehicle Enforcement
Council members raised alarms over the surging, reckless operation of illegal ATVs and e-bikes on city streets, urging stricter enforcement and ordinance updates.
Multi-Family Conversion and Code Compliance at 617 Mineral Ave.
The board approved a three-family conversion on Mineral Avenue despite neighbor complaints about property upkeep and tenant activity, requiring safety upgrades.
Crime Rates
Scranton's violent crime rates have dropped under Mayor Cognetti, making the city a whole lot safer for everyone living and working here. It's a solid win for local safety that makes everyday life more secure.
Montage Mountain Townhome Development
RUKH Development secured a height variance to build three-story townhome buildings on Montage Mountain Road.
Day Care Center at 2328 Pittston Avenue
A proposal to convert a former retail flower shop into a day care center serving 20 children was approved with parking lot paving conditions.
Municipal Website Transparency and Missing Labor Agreements
A citizen proposed that City Council establish formal ordinance requirements for transparency and record-keeping for all mayor-created task forces and advisory groups. Council members listened to the recommendation regarding government accountability.