Groups see business potential in West Scranton

Sarah Hofius Hall, The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
·2 min read

Jun. 23—SCRANTON — Miranda Pace sees pride and potential along North Main Avenue.

The West Scranton neighborhood coordinator, whose salary is supported by a grant announced Friday, plans to help strengthen businesses, beautify facades and bring the community together.

"There is so much pride for West Scranton," she said. "We want to make sure that pride is amplified."

NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania launched its 10-year neighborhood revitalization plan in 2020 and since then has started to beautify businesses, made improvements with the city to the parking lot on North Main Avenue and began a summer concert series at Allen Park.

Nonprofit and community leaders gathered Friday at Vincenzo's Pizzeria, whose recent patio expansion and improvements received support through the initiative. Where an old hardware store once stood, diners can enjoy trays of pizza and plates of pasta outdoors.

Before the lunch rush at the restaurant Friday, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance announced a $125,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to fund Pace's efforts. The funds will help support Pace's business outreach goals, including providing marketing support, managing the facade grant program and launching a business association.

Speakers recalled the thriving business corridor that once existed in West Scranton, which community leaders hope to see again.

"We really want to make sure West Scranton is a place where people can buy what they want and get the services they need," Pace said.

Funds will provide training for business owners through the University of Scranton's Small Business Development Center and access to student interns. When the business association launches, members can expect networking and peer support.

Pizzeria owner Vincenzo Cicco worked behind the counter, preparing pizzas for the lunch crowd. When Cicco opened the restaurant 34 years ago, an active business association existed. He looks forward to seeing that again and hopes that young people with ideas can open shops or take over for owners nearing retirement.

"We'd love to see more people continue to invest," he said.

Contact the writer: shofius@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9133; @hofiushallTT on Twitter.