Pittston plans rebirth

PITTSTON – When Peggy Santich reminisces about Pittston’s glory days, she gazes at the local artwork on display at her 69-year-old family business on Main Street.

Santich, proprietor of LaBarre’s, recalls how the city streets were bustling with people as they shopped in downtown or enjoyed the latest films at the city’s two movie theaters. She said she hopes the city can revitalize itself to bring more stores into downtown.

The city is taking steps toward that goal though Gerard Mullarkey, executive director of the Pittston Redevelopment Authority, knows it will not happen immediately.

After three years of planning, work is under way to implement projects outlined in the city’s master plan.

The streetscape and waterfront projects are designed to improve the city’s central area, while other improvements are planned for the Tomato Festival lot and Cosgrove Park.

Mullarkey said he expects to someday see more people downtown in the evenings and on weekends.

“We’re trying to create a brighter, positive image for the city by creating a more inviting atmosphere,” he said.

The projects are partially funded through grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Highway Transportation Enhancement Funding Program, according to Mullarkey.

The two-phase streetscape project involves planting trees, installing sidewalks, curbs and turn-of-the-century-style lamp posts and burying electrical lines.

There is some inconvenience to motorists, pedestrians and merchants who have to work their way around the construction.

Business owners said they are being patient in the hope the city improvements will add to their bottom lines.

“It’s always exciting when you have a new remodeling town. It is always nice to move forward. At least they are trying,” said Costagliola, who lives with his family above the Main Street pizzeria.

The sidewalks in front of optometrist James Bozzuto’s Vision Associates offices on Main Street are torn up with orange mesh roping everywhere.

“Logic would say if you don’t have good sidewalks people won’t be walking,” he said.

Streetscape could be finished by Nov.

The first phase of the streetscape project, which will cost almost $1 million, is expected to be completed by November. Design work on the second phase will start in the next few weeks with construction beginning next year, Mullarkey said. The Redevelopment Authority has been notified that more than $1 million in government grants have been earmarked for the project. The city is spending $162,500 of its own funds on the project.

One dramatic improvement to the curb and sidewalk work will involve increasing the right turning radius at North Main and William streets.

The Redevelopment Authority hopes to secure funding within a few months to demolish the former Dave Billard’s store, which will allow it to widen the intersection, so tractor-trailers can make right turns easier at the intersection, Mullarkey said.

Authority members had hoped to renovate some space for office use but an engineering study of the interior and exterior of the building determined it would be too cost prohibitive.

“The city views properties with an open mind. There are some properties that are truly blighted and beyond saving,” Mullarkey said.

Officials foresee a day when residents will be able to enjoy the view of the Susquehanna River from condominiums on Kennedy Boulevard.

Two twin waterfront condo towers that architect Alex Belavitz of Facility Design Ltd. calls “the centerpiece” of the waterfront development plan, will be named Raphael J. Musto Towers in honor of the state senator’s work in securing funding for the project.

Lackawanna County developer Daniel Siniawa & Associates proposes the construction of two 10-story condominium towers on the site at a cost of $37 million. A courtyard providing access to the riverfront and a parking garage below the units are planned, Belavitz said.

The Redevelopment Authority is scheduled to take over ownership of the former state Bureau of Employment Security building on Kennedy Boulevard later this month. Authority officials will then develop an agreement with Siniawa so the building can be demolished to make way for the condos.

The authority will use $1.5 million in gambling funds from the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs to cover city expenses related to the riverfront project. Plans to restore the historic pump house and construct a replica of the Lehigh Valley Train Station near the Firefighters Memorial Bridge have been put on hold because of funding issues.

“Our master plan consists of activities we feel benefit the community in general, but the realization of accomplishing all the items is heavily dependent on the availability of funding,” Mullarkey said.

Recreation/entertainment a priority

Each year Pennsylvania American Water Co. reviews its distribution system to determine which pipes need to be replaced as part of the company’s system improvements plan.

Last week the utility company finished replacing 7,500 feet of water pipe estimated to be at least 100 years old on Main Street from Butler to Plank, doubling the size of the previous water main, company spokesman Sue Turcmanovich said.

Water company officials are scheduled to meet with paving contractors to set a time to repave Main Street. The utility company is paying for the paving as part of the $930,000 project.

Though Mayor Joe Keating is hoping for a bustling downtown, he’s also focusing on providing recreational and entertainment outlets for residents.

A vacant lot on Spring Street comes alive with people and activities every August as the Pittston Tomato Festival draws thousands of people. City leaders say the lot could be used year-round to hold other community-sponsored events if permanent stands and pavilions are built.

Keating expects the work to begin in the next few months with funding provided through a $500,000 state grant.

Half of that money has been spent on improving the Bill Lippert Little League Field on Church Street. Keating said the project costs are exceeding the budgeted amount with the city spending $289,000 to build a new field with irrigation system and lighting.

Plans to build a skate park have been revived. City officials are waiting to hear about a potential $377,100 grant from DCNR to build water and skateboard facilities at Cosgrove Park. Earlier this year, Keating said the city couldn’t find a company willing to sell insurance for a skate park. But after doing additional research and scaling down the size of the skate park, Keating said he found firms interested in issuing such a policy.

If the city receives the grant, part of it would help pay for a water spray park at Cosgrove Park.