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AVOCA — Six years after Ss. Peter & Paul Church closed and three years after the acquisition of the church by the borough, Avoca has a state-of-the-art municipal building.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on a brisk Saturday morning at 950 Main St. where Ss. Peter & Paul Church once stood. In attendance were borough officials, state representatives and members of the Luzerne County District Attorney’s Office.
“It took a lot to get to this point,” Council President John Boone said. “We are about three years in making with site acquisition and securing the funding through grants and loan work.”
The church closed in 2011, and the borough purchased the land from the Diocese of Scranton for $144,000 in 2013. The church was demolished shortly after the acquisition to make way for the new municipal building that replaces the 106-year-old facility just a few blocks away on Main Street.
Leading the charge for the new borough building was the late councilman Joe Satkowski Sr., who passed away when construction began. Satkowski served for 39 years on council, 31 of them as president.
In a token of appreciation for Satkowski’s service, the council chamber was dedicated in his name.
“We’re happy and proud to dedicate the chambers to Joe,” Boone added.
According to Boone, the building is state-of-the art making it eco-friendly, utilizing LED lighting and energy efficient HVAC and air conditioning.
Barbara Satkowski, daughter of the late councilman, was on hand for the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the council chambers.
“It’s bitter-sweet. Obviously this is my father’s dream and passion, and him not being here, but yet I’m humbled and proud that council worked so hard to carry out his dream,” Satkowski said.
Satkowski Sr.’s intent was to preserve the heritage of the community.
“My dad once said to me what a beautiful place to put our new building, the home of the community. We always hold our home as being sacred, and now our new home is on sacred ground,” Barbara Satkowski said.
The building is also the home of the police department led by Chief Dave Homeschek. Homeschek is pleased with the new facility giving the department 21st century amenities.
“We have four-times the space (from the previous site), we have a patrol room with computers, bullet proof glass, a cell block where we can securely hold prisoners, which we never had in the previous building, an interview and processing room, weapons room, and a security system with video surveillance,” Homeschek said.
