Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wilkes-Barre public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues with high priority
Group Home and Multi-Family Residential Proposals
Two continued hearings address group residences — one for eight adult women and one for six individuals — in R-2 zones, each with parking waivers. Decisions here shape where supportive housing can operate in the city.
Traffic Safety and Speeding Enforcement
A resident counted 13 cars running the stop sign near a school in 15 minutes and asked for improved signage and enforcement at every city school. The mayor met with school district, police, and code enforcement officials this week on the issue.
Refuse fleet replacement
The city's garbage packer trucks are wearing out, and DPW workers have complained publicly about breakdowns. Two new trucks are being funded through casino money via LSA grants, avoiding a hit to taxpayers — but one commenter warns the fleet will keep aging.
General Neighborhood Concerns & Public Maintenance
Residents described homeless encampments and abandoned buildings in Parsons, including a pigeon-infested structure and a home with collapsed windows. The mayor said cleanup responsibility lies with property owners including the Redevelopment Authority and a utility company, and that hazmat-certified contractors are required.
Community Facility and Historic Building Upgrades
The 1916 theater's roof is past its service life, and a prior $150,000 grant proved too small once bids came in high. The new request of $234,848, combined with the earlier grant, would let the community theater complete the whole roof at once.
Multimodal Transportation Funding & Infrastructure
The city is applying for a $650,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to fund repairs on the Empire Street and McLean Street bridges.
Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief
Local seniors face climbing property taxes and living expenses, threatening their ability to stay in their long-term homes. The city council is pushing state lawmakers to allow a property tax freeze for residents over 65.
Noise Ordinance Enforcement and Penalties
Councilwoman McClay raised concerns about property damage and noise caused by King's College students partying in March, asking the administration to speak with the college.
LSA Grant Applications for City and Community Projects
City Council reviewed and authorized multiple Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant applications supporting Public Square Phase 3, City Hall renovations, local non-profits, and public works facilities.
Mobile Food Vendor and Code Ordinances
The owner of the Burnt Norton restaurant and supporters raised concerns after code enforcement ordered them to stop using certain cooking equipment due to a lack of a commercial Type 1 hood vent, creating severe financial hardship.
Winter Services Agreement
Residents and council members pointed out icy patches and snow piles remaining on city streets like South Street and in the Parsons neighborhood after recent storms.
Municipal Insurance Coverage Review
The city council reviewed its property and casualty insurance policies, discussing deductibles, property values, and vehicle fleet coverage.
Utility Construction Notification and Street Closures
Mayor Brown provided updates on ongoing sewer and water line repairs, addressing broken lines, contractor changes, and traffic impacts.
Utility Coordination and Neighborhood Disruption
Residents complained about severe road damage and mud from unfinished utility trench cuts on Dana Street and Scott Street. Council members discussed strengthening municipal pave cut ordinances and enforcement tools against utility companies.