Council to vote on proposed visitors bureau move to train station
Apr. 12—Luzerne County Council will vote Tuesday whether to relocate the county visitors bureau to the long-vacant former passenger train station in downtown Wilkes-Barre.
A proposed resolution calls for the visitors bureau to move a few blocks east from 56 Public Square to 33 N. Wilkes-Barre Blvd., the former Central Railroad of New Jersey Station that closed years ago.
Developer George Albert, managing partner in the investment group that owns the station, said extensive renovations would be completed by Dec. 15, when the visitors bureau is scheduled to move in according to a proposed five-year lease agreement.
The bureau would pay $2,700 per month for 2,100 square feet on the first floor of the station, the proposed lease stipulates. The lease includes two optional three-year extensions, at $2,887 per month.
Last week, county officials toured a potential alternate site for the visitors bureau, at the White Haven Area Community Library.
State Rep. Gerald Mullery, D-119, Newport Twp., proposed the White Haven site, noting it is close to heavily traveled highways and three popular state parks.
Other agenda items for Tuesday's voting session include:
A resolution approving the 2021 Luzerne/Lackawanna counties comprehensive plan. The 138-page plan, developed by county officials and a consultant, covers transportation, economic development, natural resources, housing and other issues. Council will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. regarding the plan.
A proposal from Councilman Walter Griffith to reduce the penalty fee on county property taxes paid between June 15 and Dec. 31 from 10% to 1%. The proposed resolution notes that the COVID-19 pandemic has inflicted financial hardship on the citizens of Luzerne County.
* A resolution to appoint a member to the county flood protection authority. Longtime board member William Falls resigned last month.
At a work session following the 6 p.m. voting session, council will discuss a request from Bluecup Ventures for a tax abatement on a proposed commercial warehouse project at a mine-scarred 360-acre site off state Route 309 in Hazle Twp.
The developers request that council approve a 65% tax reduction on new construction at the site. The reduction would apply only to new structures and not the land.
Tuesday's meeting will be held remotely. Instructions on how the public may watch or participate are posted to the county website: https://www.luzernecounty.org/1279/Public-Meetings-Online
Contact the writer:
570-821-2117
