News

January 23, 2010

Despite budget cuts, county will spend some cash on riverfront

A new organization will seek sponsors for events in the park along the Susquehanna.

By Jerry Lynott jlynott@timesleader.com
Business Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – Budget cuts eliminate funding for county recreation sites, but commissioners plan to spend a “minimal” amount on the upkeep of the new $23 million River Common park.

The idea is to make the park self-sufficient and minimize the use of taxpayer funds to pay for recreational, social and entertainment events on the park located on the Wilkes-Barre side of the Susquehanna River.

Luzerne County commissioners are likely to open the $124.8 million spending package and “re-tweak it” by Feb. 15, said Tom Pribula, the county’s budget/finance chief.

But it will not include a substantial amount for the maintenance, Pribula said. “It’s going to be very minimal.”

Commissioner Thomas P. Cooney estimated the set-aside at $30,000 and said it will pay for expenses such as lighting and insurance that are ineligible for coverage by the county’s levee fee.

At one time the county anticipated using funds from the levee fee to maintain the park that opened in June, Pribula explained.

However, the fee imposed for the first time last year and expected to raise approximately $1.5 million can only pay for operation and maintenance of the levee system along the Susquehanna River, according to Jim Brozena, executive director of the county Flood Protection Authority.

The River Common saw limited use last year of its amphitheater and river landing because of the timing of the opening. Few events could be planned in such a short time and Luzerne County Tomorrow, the nonprofit organization that will oversee the planning of concerts, festivals and other activities, was not yet ready to handle the tasks.

Frank Pasquini, president of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Association and one of the people behind the nonprofit organization, said it will be similar to one set up in Hartford, Conn.

“We are hopeful this is another innovative step for us,” he said.

The organization, similar to RiverFront Recapture, which was created to hold events along the Connecticut River in downtown Hartford, will eliminate the need for taxpayer funds to program and market the River Common, he said.

The organization will seek sponsors for events at the park. In addition, it will raise money from corporations, businesses, individuals and private foundations for name sponsorships for such things as the amphitheater, benches, seating areas, portals and the 200 lighting fixtures. “There are literally hundreds of naming opportunities,” Pasquini said.

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