Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
17 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.