Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
24 issues with medium priority
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Sales Facility at 420-422 N Main Ave.
An application was brought forward to operate a vehicle sales facility on North Main 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.
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.
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.
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.
Nay Aug Park Management and Oversight
Concerns were raised regarding a newly proposed parks and recreation manager position and potential conflicts with the Nay Aug Park Management Authority board.
Feral Cat Population and Animal Control
Residents urged the city to increase animal control staffing and provide more financial support for spay and neuter programs to address the stray cat population.
Historic Preservation and Demolition Appeal
Council evaluated and upheld the historic preservation board's decision to block the demolition of the Mattes Law Office building downtown.
Emergency Response and Public Works Employee Recognition
Council members praised Police Officer Joe Flesher for applying a life-saving tourniquet to an injured DPW worker and discussed ongoing support for municipal employees.
Sewer Planning Module Revision for 448 W. Market St. Housing
Council approved a DEP sewage planning module for a six-unit residential development on West Market Street, prompting calls for stricter parking requirements in zoning codes.
Fire Department Equipment Donations
The city accepted two financial donations totaling $4,500 to support the Scranton Fire Department, including a memorial contribution for equipment purchases.
University of Scranton Health Authority Financing Plan
Council reviewed a financing plan through the Scranton-Lackawanna Health and Welfare Authority to support a project at the University of Scranton.
Transportation Corridor
Amtrak is exploring a direct passenger rail line connecting Scranton and New York City. This means you could soon hop on a train and skip the grueling drive to the Big Apple.