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Thursday, October 18, 2001 Page: 5A
The city is accepting bids for the sale of a former railroad freight
station.
The Laurel Line railroad freight station is part of the Cosgrove Park
complex, located off Market Street.
Council approved a subdivision of the Cosgrove park property at Wednesday’s
regular council meeting. Also approved was the advertisement for bids on the
property containing the station. The building is currently used for storage by
the Pittston pool.
Mayor Michael Lombardo said the city was approached by at least two parties
in the past year looking to develop the site, including a dance studio. “It’s
a nice, flat property, but doesn’t work into the future plans for Cosgrove
Park,” Lombardo said.
Lombardo said the historic preservation of the turn-of-the century freight
station would be foremost in any development of the site. “The city has the
right to reject any proposals,” he said. If sold, the deal would include the
station and parking space, Lombardo said.
The Laurel Line was a third-rail electric railroad connecting Wilkes-Barre
and Scranton. A passenger station, razed in the 1960s, also occupied the site.
Passenger service stopped in the early 1950s with freight service continuing
until 1976. The freight station was last used in the 1950s by the railroad.
“The building is in good shape,” Lombardo said. “The city would like to
get the property on the tax rolls and generate some income.”
In other council news:
Assistant fire chief James Rooney was promoted to deputy fire chief.
Robert Kelly was appointed to the police force as a special officer.
Council approved the sale of a city-owned property at 73 N. Main St. for
$2,000 to Kip and Cindy Alder of West Pittston.
Jean Yates and Ellen Mondlak were reappointed to the Pittston Memorial
Library board for a three-year term.
Patrick Cosgrove was reappointed to the Pittston Parking Authority for a
five-year term.
John Connors was reappointed to the Pittston Zoning Hearing Board for a
three-year term.
Ed Philbin