City of Scranton Council Responses | October 13, 2026

Council President Tom Schuster asked the following question(s):

• May City Council have an update and timeline for construction, easements, etc. in reference to the Meadow Brook project in Green Ridge?
  • The state is finalizing the last change of plans that will only impact 1 parcel. We have 10 remaining easements. The rest have been finalized. The project should go out for bid next year, with construction also potentially beginning next year.

Councilman Sean McAndrew asked the following question(s):

• Councilman McAndrew, along with Councilman Flynn, respectfully ask if the city administration may kindly follow up with DPW and SPD regarding the illegal dumping in and around Leggetts Creek and Rockwell Park in North Scranton. Neighbors report trash and a couch remain in the creek and area of the baseball field as of Tuesday afternoon. Mr. McAndrew asked again if SPD may kindly review the cameras around the park for any assistance they may provide and to please increase police patrols in that area?
  • Based on the additional information provided by Councilman McAndrew, DPW was able to locate the couch and winch it up the embankment. Because we did not have an initial location of the couch when it was first reported, crews were looking in the wrong portions of Legetts Creek.
• Mr. McAndrew asked if the city administration may visit Council caucus next Tuesday, October 13th, to discuss the 2027 Capital Budget.
  • The timing of this request is questionable, given that during this process we offered to appear and attend to discuss but were informed our attendance was not needed, and that amendments were made and the budget adopted without request for a dialogue with Administration officials about specific concerns. Such a meeting would be premature at this specific point in time until we further discuss a path forward to rehabilitate this key piece of legislation.

Council member Dr. Jessica Rothchild asked the following question(s):

• Dr. Rothchild highly praised the city administration and Parks & Rec on the opening and status of the Pinebrook Splash Park on Capouse Avenue. She stated that on her visits to the park, she claims an garbage or sewage type odor was detected near the park area on two recent trips and asks if the source may be identified and resolved?
  • Pennsylvania American Water was sent out to investigate the sewer and is addressing the issue.
• Council member Rothchild asked if city management may assist Code Enforcement with the dumpster and vacant property issue at 1513 Pine Street. Please see follow up request sent via Scranton311 on September 26th. Empty dumpster with poor placement on street for weeks and property condition remains unchanged.
  • The dumpster at 1513 Pine Street was removed, and the property has also been condemned.
• Dr. Rothchild asked if city management may follow up with city Code Enforcement for the two neighboring properties at 229 Harrison Ave & 231-233 Harrison Ave. Council member Rothchild claims both properties are in disrepair, eyesores at this area entering the city, and no recent movement. She noted that 231-233 Harrison Avenue was previously listed for demolition in 2025.
  • The city is conducting a title search on 231-233 Harrison Avenue
• Council member Rothchild asked if the city Code Enforcement solicitor may advise status and next steps toward the possible demolition of the property at Rear 621 Alder Street. Dr. Rothchild acknowledged this property is at the magistrate pending a plea, however, she asks how this issue may be expedited.
  • Rear 621 Alder Street has been condemned. Code Enforcement will work to add it to the agenda of the next HAB meeting. An abandoned vehicle was also recently removed from the property.
• Dr. Rothchild asked if Council may be provided with an updated listing of properties on the city demolition listing in addition to the below related queries;
  • How many properties have been demolished?
    • The demolition list is an evolving and dynamic list based on the length of time a property remains condemned without improvements being made. During this period, property ownership often changes, which may restart the process, including the issuance of a demolition letter and scheduling of a Housing Appeals Board hearing.
      
      Depending on whether and when improvements are made, a property may be released from condemnation or the demolition process may need to begin again, requiring updated documentation such as an asbestos report, title search, and engineer’s report.
      Given the fluid nature of this process, it is not feasible to provide a definitive listing of properties slated for demolition, as the status of individual properties can change over time.
  • May she have a listing of previously demolished properties?
    • Properties demolished in 2026 include:
      • 136 Throop Street
      • 915 Euclid Avenue
      • 1016 Stafford Avenue
      • 410 North Main Avenue
      • 1409 Watson Street
    • Council is being provided additional confidential information on pending demolitions in a separate attachment.
  • Properties that were removed from demolition status, and reason if available?
    • To provide the best information, what is the timeframe that Councilmember Rothchild would like reviewed for properties previously scheduled for demolition.

Councilman Mark McAndrew asked the following question(s):

• Regarding the Euclid Avenue One-Way Street and streetscape project, Mr. McAndrew asked if additional signage to assist drivers may be added as the work is completed.
  • The city will add additional signage. Once the one-way ordinance is passed the city will then be able to notify Google to update their mapping software.

City of Scranton Council Responses – October 13, 2026 | PDF

Last modified: October 14, 2026