Mayor Leighton's 2008 plans for Wilkes Barre (Wilkes-Barre, Washington: crime, hotel, homes)

[Chefkey]

Seems like Mayor Leighton is right on track with the statements I have read.

There is a PDF file that is more indepth but this transcript from him gives a good idea where he is trying to take Wilkes Barre. It sounds positive and bright, let's all work toward the common goal of bringing the area back to it's former glory.

Mayor's Transcript:

Through the cooperation of city council, community partners and county, state and federal government agencies, the City of Wilkes-Barre has achieved success during the past four years. There is still more work to be done, and my administration looks forward to continuing our city's renaissance throughout the coming year.

The Pine Ridge Estates housing development is growing, with two single-family homes under construction and 27 units already completed. Mill Street Homes, two affordable, single-family homes located on the vacant site of the former S & S School, will also welcome families. In each area, these attractive homes will add to the city's efforts to renew its neighborhoods by providing qUality housing opportunities for middle income buyers.

The condition of over 25 roads throughout the city will be improved through paving projects. Kirby Park will receive infrastructure upgrades, decorative lighting and electrical advancements. The park's track area will also see major renovations through the efforts of The Luzerne Foundation's public campaign, which will match donations from the public on a two to one basis.

Work is scheduled to be completed on the $22 million Intermodal Transportation Facility, which will include over 750 public parking spaces and will unify buses and taxis to one central location. The third phase of the Downtown Streetlight and Streetscape Enhancement Project will commence, lighting Franklin, Washington, Union and Northampton Streets. This substantial increase in public parking spots and street-level lighting will continue to encourage pedestrian traffic and business growth in the downtown.

This growth has included the opening of Quizno's Subs, Januzzi's Pizza, Butler Eyecare, Cafe Toscana, Thai Thai and more over the past year. Further down South Main Street, retail has been extended by Donn Michael's Salon, Capturing Memories by Denice and Tony Di's Pizza. In each case, private developers have shown their confidence in the city's future by investing their time, money and resources into the downtown. This trend will continue as more businesses choose downtown Wilkes-Barre as their home in the coming months.

Coal Street Park will be renovated by the City of Wilkes-Barre into a premier recreational area. Once a landmark, known for its fun activities and family atmosphere, Coal Street Park will again become a destination for residents and visitors. The adjacent Coal Street roadway will be widened into five lanes and extend directly into downtown.

Luzerne County's Riverfront Development Project has made considerable progress over the past year. Combined with CityVest's rehabilitation of the Hotel Sterling, the River Street corridor will once again become a grand entrance to the city.

The City of Wilkes-Barre will offer another year of fun, family-oriented events, including the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 16, the Cherry Blossom Festival on April 26 and 27, the Farmers' Market from June through November, the Fourth of July Celebration and the Christmas Parade and tree-lighting ceremony on November 22. Crowds at these annual events have been outstanding, and we are currently planning even more activities for you to enjoy.

During the next twelve months, my administration looks forward to turning challenges into opportunities, transforming plans into reality and continuing to lead Wilkes-Barre toward a bright future. Best wishes for a happy and safe 2008!

[WasPA]

Excellent....thanks for posting ^^^. Keeping my fingers crossed. A lot of work, time and money has gone into the effort thus far......it deserves every success.

I notice that all the crime watch groups in South Wilkes-Barre have decided to merge ...another positive move.