Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
34 issues with high priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Montage Mountain Townhome Development
RUKH Development secured a height variance to build three-story townhome buildings on Montage Mountain Road.
Cedar Avenue Traffic Regulation
Residents and former officials raised concerns about converting the 3100 block of Cedar Avenue to one-way southbound, citing traffic diversion through church property and missing engineering sign-offs.
Park Vandalism and Surveillance Needs in Green Ridge
Green Ridge residents and neighborhood association leaders expressed frustration over ongoing vandalism at Pretzel Park—including destroyed trees and uprooted benches—and questioned a three-year delay in installing promised park security cameras.
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.
Property Tax Reassessments and Impact on Residents
Concerns were raised regarding the ongoing review of tax-exempt status for thousands of nonprofit parcels within the city.
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.
South Irving Avenue Parking Restrictions
Residents expressed frustration over a newly erected no-parking sign at the dead end of South Irving Avenue that eliminated three parking spots, raising safety and convenience concerns.
DPW Director Appointment and Timing
Residents and council discussed the appointment of Patrick Cusick as DPW Director, noting questions about his residency and the retroactive effective date of his hire.
Immigration Enforcement Concerns in South Scranton
Residents expressed alarm and distress over recent ICE enforcement actions in South Scranton neighborhoods, raising concerns about community safety and trust.
ARPA Fund Transparency and Oversight
Council members raised questions regarding the oversight, criteria, and economic impact of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) awards and consulting contracts.
Department of Public Works Labor Negotiations and Contract Status
Residents and council members raised concerns that the DPW labor contract has been expired for over a year, prompting requests for updates on ongoing negotiations and litigation costs.