In a remarkable stride toward revitalizing its urban landscape, Scranton has unveiled the first segment of its ambitious downtown streetscape project. Celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Lackawanna Avenue, this initiative is part of Mayor Paige Cognetti’s plan aimed at blending public and private investments to rejuvenate the city.
Mayor Cognetti emphasized the project’s importance, stating, “Our goal with all of this public infrastructure investment throughout the whole city, stormwater projects included, parks included, but very much so the streetscapes work downtown is to have public investment alongside the private investment. We want the city to not just look nice, we want it to be safe.” The mayor was joined by officials from various levels of government and Morgan Fetsock, the city’s engineering project coordinator, who cut the ribbon on the new sidewalks.
Standing on freshly laid pathways and in front of a repaired retaining wall, city council Vice President Patrick Flynn remarked, “It was in such disrepair for so long. It’s such an important piece of Scranton, right? So to see it be revamped like this and revitalized is just such an amazing thing for the city and for the future of the city.”
Funded with $20 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the streetscape project had a deadline to allocate funds by the end of September, according to Cognetti. The initiative not only focuses on surface improvements but also addresses underlying infrastructure, such as hollow sidewalks that had caused previous collapses.
Sidewalks and Safety
Progress is evident as sidewalks are being replaced across downtown Scranton, with some streets reduced to a single lane to accommodate the construction. This phase will see completion by the end of the construction season, covering key areas like Biden and Mulberry Streets and Wyoming Avenue.
Additional safety measures include relocating a bus stop near the Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel to a safer distance from traffic. These changes are vital as many sidewalks had been unsupported underneath, leading to potential hazards.
Future Work
Further developments are scheduled for spring, with plans to replace corners around Lackawanna County Courthouse Square and fill in existing vaults. Pennsylvania American Water has expedited the replacement of an old water main in coordination with this project, with work set to start in the spring along North Washington Avenue and Mulberry Street.
Mayor Cognetti noted, “We have a little bit more to go on the infrastructure itself, and then we will work on the traffic changes,” highlighting the comprehensive approach to the city’s transformation.
More Changes on the Horizon
Scranton’s streetscape plan also includes traffic modifications, switching some downtown streets from one-way to two-way and removing certain traffic lights to encourage safer driving speeds. This phase begins with a 90-day evaluation period involving temporary stop signs before permanent changes are implemented.
‘Invest in the City’
Positioned between the Radisson and the Hilton, the improved streetscape on Lackawanna Avenue serves as a welcoming gateway for visitors. “This is where people come for conferences. It’s where people come and stay for weddings and for you know their parents’ weekend. We want to make sure that people’s gateway to Scranton, and right between where they’re they’re staying, is is looking nice,” said Cognetti.
The project is already spurring private investments, evidenced by new businesses sprouting up downtown. “You see that with new restaurants, new bookstores, new brewpubs. There’s new coffee shops. There’s all sorts of businesses that we’re hoping to continue to come and invest in the city,” Cognetti added.
