Scranton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Scranton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Downtown Parking and Meter Kiosks
Residents voiced frustration over downtown parking conditions, citing broken kiosks and cars left parked all day by residents and downtown workers, which hurts local businesses.
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.