Hazleton’s transformation is in full swing as Mayor Jeff Cusat’s recent state-of-the-city address revealed a robust lineup of completed, ongoing, and future city projects. The city, which has been free from financial distress for over two years, is now focused on development and infrastructure improvements.
Mayor Cusat, serving his third term, chose to emphasize city upgrades over fiscal matters like the upcoming 22 percent real estate tax increase for 2026. His 10th annual address primarily highlighted the progress in city parks and plans to pave roads in the city’s northern areas using $10 million raised from bond sales last year.
“For the first time, we’re borrowing money to do something for us, not pay old bills,” Cusat stated during a Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce luncheon held at the Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts.
Amid slides of developmental projects, Cusat added a personal touch with an unexpected slide of his daughter, Khaleesi, amusing the audience of around 100 local leaders.
Parks and Infrastructure Developments
Upcoming city projects include a new pavilion at Roosevelt Park, a flag football field at West Court Playground, a padel court at Arthur Street Playground, and new amenities such as an ice cream stand and miniature golf course at City View Park. Additionally, Pagnotti Field and Columbus Court Park are slated for major renovations.
Paving an extension of Ferrara Avenue will facilitate the development of two new housing projects, further enhancing the city’s infrastructure.
Community Reaction
Rossanna Gabriel, executive director of the Hazleton Integration Project, expressed enthusiasm for the housing plans, stating, “It’s good because we are increasing in the amount of people that are living here, a lot of people now in the area. We don’t have more houses to offer. Increasing the opportunity for sports, for our children. Renovating parks, that’s a good idea. We need that.”
George Leitner, vice president of DHD Realty, shared a positive outlook on the city’s future, citing new business leases and the return of a historic street clock as signs of progress. “That little special thing of that clock, I’ve been waiting for it to work properly,” he noted.
In a follow-up interview, Cusat attributed some of the city’s progress to state grants secured with the help of local legislators.
Mayor Cusat explained his strategy of initiating new projects before completing others, likening it to a conveyor belt approach. “Because it takes so long to get something done,” he said. “If you wait for one thing to get done, it takes so much longer. So, my thought is, if I could start a new project every month, by the time one’s done, they’ll always be one in the in the hopper, almost like a mass producing or conveyor belt approach. We want to just keep everything rolling.”
By enhancing public spaces and infrastructure, Cusat aims to make Hazleton a desirable place to live. “I don’t just want people to come here because they have to or because the housing is cheap,” he emphasized. “I want people to want to come here, want to stay here, want to invest in the … community, want to be good neighbors. That’s how I grew up.”
