Urban development is a key focus for community leaders across Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, with plans to enhance downtown areas, transportation, and infrastructure by 2026. From revitalizing Market Street in Bloomsburg to addressing the I-80 expansion in the Poconos, local officials are setting ambitious objectives for the coming years.
WVIA News consulted with regional leaders, posing two crucial questions:
1. What is the most pressing challenge for your community this year?
2. How do you plan to tackle that challenge?
Below are their strategies for upgrading infrastructure, managing community finances, and ensuring public safety.
BLOOMSBURG
Mayor Justin Hummel:
For Bloomsburg, major financial control is essential, but the priority is upgrading Market Street. Hummel plans to pave this central road.
“We’re doing a big paving project on Market Street, which goes all the way from the river up to our town fountain,” Hummel stated. The town also seeks to foster a relationship with Bloomsburg University’s new administration while managing health insurance and other expenses.
CARBONDALE
Mayor Michele Bannon:
Carbondale faces the dual challenge of serving a declining population while preparing for growth due to new developments. Revitalizing the downtown area is critical.
Bannon advocates for community involvement and has gathered extensive data to guide the city’s future plans. Initiatives like the Heart and Soul initiative and PA Blueprint Communities are key strategies.
City Council President Joseph Marzzacco:
The city struggles with a shrinking population and revenues. Mayor Bannon’s efforts to secure grants have been pivotal in addressing these challenges.
HONESDALE BOROUGH
Mayor Derek Williams:
Williams aims to improve civic engagement and community relationships. Programs like Community Heart & Soul and the People’s Playground Project Initiative are designed to foster connection and gather new community input.
Borough President Tiffany Rogers:
Rogers focuses on bringing stability to the borough by hiring a full-time chief administrative officer, a role critical for managing daily operations and strengthening community ties.
JIM THORPE BOROUGH
Mayor Eric Cinicola and Council President Connor Rodgers:
Improving communication with residents is a shared goal for Cinicola and Rodgers. A 2.25-mill tax increase will fund road improvements, while efforts to enhance transparency continue.
PITTSTON
Mayor Michael Lombardo:
Tackling affordable housing and new developments is a priority. Lombardo supports initiatives that aid first-time buyers and seniors, aiming to create pathways to homeownership and improve housing options for older adults.
SCRANTON
Mayor Paige Cognetti:
Public safety is paramount, with investments in the police and fire departments. Cognetti plans to establish a community violence intervention organization to support families and individuals at risk.
City Council President Tom Schuster:
Financial accountability is critical as ARPA funds are set to expire. Schuster emphasizes project completion and budget management as the city faces several financial obligations.
STROUDSBURG BOROUGH
Mayor Ellen Currie:
Newly appointed Mayor Currie aims to enhance the borough’s emergency services and bring order to Stroudsburg.
Council President Matt Abell:
The I-80 expansion poses a significant challenge. Abell focuses on strengthening the downtown area and enticing developers through tax incentives to counteract potential negative impacts.
WILLIAMSPORT
Mayor Derek Slaughter:
Financial challenges are at the forefront, with tax increases and a potential home rule charter on the table. Slaughter plans to implement consultant recommendations to stabilize the city’s finances.
TUNKHANNOCK BOROUGH
Mayor Stacy Huber and Council President Ben Barziloski:
The focus is on revitalizing the downtown area by attracting niche shops and updating infrastructure to counteract the “Walmart effect” that led to business closures.
