Scranton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Data Center Zoning Regulations and Nuclear Energy Concerns
Two zoning ordinance amendments and outside consultant correspondence are on the agenda about how Scranton should regulate data centers. This could shape where large data facilities can build and what conditions they face.
Bridge Rehabilitation Grant Applications
The city plans to apply for up to $2.79 million and $3 million in state Multimodal Transportation Fund grants to rehabilitate the South Washington Street bridge over Roaring Brook and the East Elm Street bridge at Hertz Court.
E-Bikes and Motorized Devices Rules
Two proposed ordinances would update city code to define and regulate e-bikes, e-scooters, and other motorized devices — including where they can operate and rules for city parks.
Levee System Operations and Maintenance Manuals
Three resolutions would formally adopt operations and maintenance manuals for the Albright, South Side, and Plot Section levee systems — key flood protection infrastructure.
2027 Capital Budget and Spending Plan
The city's capital budget and reserve fund spending plan for fiscal year 2027 is up for adoption consideration by the Finance Committee. It determines which infrastructure projects get funded next year.
Regulation of Kratom Sale and Possession
An old-business ordinance would make it illegal to sell or give kratom and its potent derivatives like 7-OH to anyone under 18, with penalties for violations.
Data Center Zoning and Potential Small Nuclear Reactors
Lawmakers are considering amendments to the city's zoning ordinance to specifically regulate data centers and related operations. These rules will shape where and how large-scale technology infrastructure can be built in Scranton.
Euclid Avenue One-Way Traffic Designation
The ordinance making Euclid Avenue one-way westbound (to fix a dangerous sight-distance problem at North Main Avenue) was tabled pending a public hearing held this evening and comes back for a vote next week.
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.
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.
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.
Downtown stop-sign trial and traffic changes
Members questioned the downtown stop-sign conversion: the test is running while streets are still one-way and construction is ongoing, the ordinance listed 7-10 intersections but the city announced 13, and business owners say they were blindsided about lost parking during the retail season. A caucus with Reilly Associates is set for November.
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.
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.
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.
Home-Based Nail Salon on Washburn St
Mariola Lantigon is requesting a variance to run an appointment-only nail salon out of a home at 1826 Washburn St.
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.
Short-Term Rental Proposal on Monroe Ave
The board evaluated a request for a variance or special exception to operate a short-term rental property on Monroe Avenue.
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.
Municipal Budget and Revenue Projections
Council President Schuster pointed out that the city is running a $1.2 million deficit in the first quarter, breaking several years of positive budget surpluses.
Blighted Properties and Code Enforcement Concerns
Residents highlighted long-abandoned storage pods sitting on public streets and overgrown blighted properties, urging stricter enforcement and ordinance updates.
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.
Infrastructure Maintenance, Pave Cuts, and Stormwater GIS Mapping
Residents raised major concerns about PA American Water cutting into Scranton streets and leaving temporary patches for months, causing vehicle damage and safety hazards. Speakers urged the city to enforce Chapter 412 of the municipal code regarding timely and proper road restorations and utility fines.
Local Share Account Grant Applications
Council approved multiple LSA grant applications to fund fire department boilers, a DPW salt conveyor, and a community center recreation shell.
Extreme Heat and Emergency Cooling Plans for Unsheltered Residents
Residents and council members discussed the severe lack of overnight shelter space, resource limitations, and weather-related challenges faced by the city's unhoused population.
Access to Community Facilities and Neighborhood Centers
West Scranton residents asked the city to hand over keys to vacant city-owned buildings, such as the former Hyde Park Neighborhood Watch building, so neighbors can run community programs and watch groups without costing the city money.
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.
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.
Storage Shed Construction at 621 Deacon St.
A residential property owner requested a variance to construct a storage shed at 621 Deacon Street.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Montage Mountain Townhome Development
RUKH Development secured a height variance to build three-story townhome buildings on Montage Mountain Road.
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.
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.
Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Coverage
Councilman Sean McAndrew pressed the administration for transparency regarding the city's emergency ambulance capacity, highlighting that the city lacks a dedicated municipal ambulance service despite charter responsibilities.
Emergency Medical Services Contract and Operations
Council questioned the administration's timeline and communication regarding ambulance services and the upcoming RFP process.
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.
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.
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.
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.