City Council Faces Backlash Over Homelessness and Residency Issues

During a recent Scranton city council meeting, significant discussions emerged regarding the city's approach to homelessness and residency waivers for city employees. A council member criticized the current strategy, labeling it the \"homeless avoidance initiative,\" and expressed concern over a perceived lack of action to address homelessness in Scranton. The member pointed out that while neighboring Wilkes-Barre has a plan in place, Scranton's leadership appears to be ignoring the issue, which has sparked protests from community members demanding tangible solutions.

The conversation shifted to the topic of residency waivers, with the council member advocating for a comprehensive review process rather than a singular choice for waivers. They argued that the current system lacks transparency and fairness, potentially disadvantaging qualified candidates. The member also highlighted the financial implications of residency, noting that moving out of the city could relieve individuals from school taxes, raising questions about the city's commitment to its residents.

Additionally, the meeting touched on legal concerns surrounding the city's treatment of employees and the implications of the Civil Rights Act of 1991. The council member referenced a previous court case where the city faced repercussions for not enforcing policies uniformly, suggesting that the administration's current practices could lead to further legal challenges.

The discussion concluded with a call for greater public involvement in decision-making, urging the council to consider putting significant changes to a referendum, allowing residents to have a direct say in the governance of their city. The meeting underscored ongoing tensions within the council and the community regarding accountability and the effectiveness of local governance.