Luzerne County plans apartment rehabilitations while exploring green energy options

Luzerne County is set to embark on a significant housing initiative aimed at rehabilitating existing properties rather than constructing new ones. During a recent government meeting, officials confirmed that they have acquired land and are collaborating with the land bank and the Department of Economic Development to kickstart this process, with construction expected to begin next year.

The focus will be on rehabilitating apartment buildings, which allows for a more scalable approach compared to single-family homes. This strategy is part of a broader effort to explore various housing models across different counties, including plans for new construction in Lackawanna County.

A key aspect of the initiative is the commitment to green energy solutions, with discussions highlighting the goal of reducing utility costs to near zero. However, officials acknowledged the challenges of integrating expensive green technologies into local residential settings. The current pilot program will not include single-family homes, but plans for these will be developed by 2027.

Community members expressed enthusiasm for the green initiatives, with one official offering support for the project. As Luzerne County moves forward with this housing strategy, the focus remains on creating sustainable living environments that can adapt to the needs of the community.