Pittston council hears of changes

PITTSTON — City Administrator Joseph Moskovitz announced a slate of upcoming enhancements to the city’s downtown section during Wednesday’s regular council meeting.

Building permits have been issued for a new professional office building at the corner of Williams and Main streets and the much-anticipated condominium complex along the Susquehanna River on Kennedy Boulevard.

Additionally, the path has been cleared for Fuji Restaurant to open at the site of the former LaFratte’s Restaurant and Catering on Main street, and city officials anticipate that the Tomato Bistro will be opening its doors downtown in the coming weeks.

Moskovitz also announced the city has been awarded $1 million in Local Share Account funding derived from casino gaming.

Although the amount less than the $3.2 million that the city applied for, the sum will be utilized for the ongoing Main Street Revitalization Project. City officials will coordinate with state Department of Community and Economic Development officials to revise the scope and planning for future projects.

In other matters, Councilman Michael Lombardo announced the recent purchase of a Ford Interceptor to be used by the city’s fire department.

The multiple-use vehicle is equipped with state-of-the-art radio and computer equipment and will allow for greater departmental disaster response and coordination capabilities.

The $34,000 cost was completely federally funded, while the additional $6,000 in equipment was covered through a state grant.