Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
18 issues in development
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Storage Shed Construction at 621 Deacon St.
A residential property owner requested a variance to construct a storage shed at 621 Deacon Street.
Montage Mountain Townhome Development
RUKH Development secured a height variance to build three-story townhome buildings on Montage Mountain Road.
Fidelity Building Purchase Due Diligence
Council debated and ultimately approved transferring funds to complete the purchase of the Scranton Electric Building for city offices and a real-time crime center, balancing financial caution against contract breach risks.
Davis Street Apartment Development and Traffic Impact
Residents and project engineers discussed traffic concerns regarding a proposed 24-unit apartment complex on Davis Street, specifically debating whether Cedar Avenue should be made one-way.
Board Residency Requirements and Appointments
Council members debated whether to appoint a non-resident volunteer to the Recreation Authority, ultimately voting down the nomination because he lives outside Scranton, emphasizing that city boards should be filled by residents.
Keyser Valley Flood Protection Project Easements
Residents and council members raised concerns over stormwater pipe installation gaps and easement costs in the Whitetail Drive / Fawnwood development area.
Federal Appropriations Funding Requests
The city is advancing two state-funded projects: $269,400 for fire station warning lights and $3 million for the Ash Street bridge replacement. These grants help fund vital public safety and transportation improvements without adding direct strain to local tax revenues.