Pittston condo project gets the go-ahead

PITTSTON – Almost four years after plans were unveiled to construct a high-rise condominium project on Pittston’s waterfront, the project is again moving forward after some economic delays.

The redesigned project valued at $15 million will include a 5-story, 40-unit condominium structure on Kennedy Boulevard overlooking the Susquehanna River, architect Alex Belavitz said Friday afternoon during a press conference announcing the new design and commitment of state funding.

“It’s been retooled and redesigned based on prevailing economic conditions and the housing market all taken into consideration. Working with banks, working with market study firms, we redesigned this project to provide the city a catalyst mix-use project,” Belavitz said.

A separate one-story, 6,700-square-foot building facing Kennedy Boulevard is designed for commercial space. This area would be ideal for a restaurant, professional offices or other retail shops, city officials said.

The luxury high-rise will offer two-bedroom units ranging from 1,190 square feet to 1,500 square feet and a three-bedroom unit with 1,620 square feet. Condos are anticipated to start selling at $265,000, Belavitz said. As in the previous design, the project will still include a secured key-card-entry, underground parking for residents.

This project will utilize green energy strategies by maximizing energy conservation and using recycled materials where appropriate, Belavitz said. Solar and geothermal systems will be implemented in the design to offset power usage for heating and cooling.

Previously, Dickson City developer Daniel Siniawa planned to construct twin, 10-story condominium towers valued at $37 million on the site. Siniawa’s firm, Daniel Siniawa & Associates, will still construct the project – just on a smaller scale.

Siniawa’s firm will supply most of the project funding using private loans. State Sen. Ray Musto, D-Pittston Township, and state Rep. Mike Carroll, D-Avoca, helped secured $2.03 million in state funding to make the project a reality. The majority of the state contribution -- $1.5 million -- comes from the slot machines gambling taxes, another $345,000 allowing Pittston to purchase the former CareerLink building and $185,000 transferred from another project.

Pittston Mayor Joe Keating thinks this project will result in continued revitalization of downtown.

“With the views of the Susquehanna River, walking trails, shopping and so much more, this project could become the focal point for the community,” Keating said.

It will also help boost the city’s bottom line because, Keating said, Siniawa’s firm is not located in a Keystone Opportunity Zone and will not receive any city tax breaks. Developers working in KOZ areas across the state don’t pay state or local taxes on their property.

It’s unknown exactly how much tax revenue the city will generate from this new development.

The city owns the former CareerLink building and has an agreement to purchase the former Del Mar Dress manufacturing building, both on Kennedy Boulevard.

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Progress

New design and renewed commitment of state funding announced by architect.

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