[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6210060,"mediaKeyId","3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7","parentId",3727012,"title","Board approves conversion of commercial space to apartments at 329 West Market; neighbors press for drainage and cleanup fixes","audioSeconds",1379,"startMs",3439000,"endMs",4818000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7&start=3439&end=4818","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7/thumbnail_3439000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6210060/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Board-approves-conversion-of-commercial-space-to-apartments-at-329-West-Market-neighbors-press-for-drainage-and-cleanup-fixes","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210060-5002209a9050604a9f46e6ce94a03e21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190486&Signature=fv6hnMNcPo0NABX5qJGnak4dei93LLfMNhoN9vwTc8TBZ50e592y-V85WcjIEEc2oLZj6qJWAJBIswL4T0wJ2TfY81IuMdqbQpc~25iQRaClQcVv59Rg-LHv-DvmufBB6sLUJuR6ElItG7cyFDZyUrK39Pj8q4FmP9UT63LY8moDo6Cy9yvTB0eKjs0xj68cM-Pw2JYtWWZ-Kqv-pNHvcbneoAp3g56kylKTZmghbl4vQ0iPXsoqZmr-f-pIRZNVmDZt3WRqI8x5PQx8XNlNH2xTHXdSe~22J50W~AvX3BwBNqFSqjPx4sns1pPn6DYEo1iiLP4KbktpgaAyjr~2mQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Scranton, PA","date","2025-06-09T22:12:52.82Z","article","The Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance allowing 329 West Market LLC to convert two commercial storefronts to apartments in the existing front building and deferred consideration of a proposed rear addition to a future meeting. Neighbors used the hearing to press the owner on drainage, roof‑leader repairs and longstanding trash and overgrowth in the rear lot.

The conversion matters because the applicant said the commercial spaces have not attracted tenants and converting them to apartments would put the front building into full residential use; neighbors said the property’s current condition creates flooding and nuisance concerns for adjacent homeowners and a popular nearby restaurant.

Architect Jordan Clark told the board the project would create four apartments in the front building and that the owner can meet zoning standards for off‑street parking (about 17 spaces, including handicap stalls) once an existing lot is repaved and restriped. Clark said a larger rear addition is a later phase and not before the board at this hearing.

Longtime adjacent homeowners Fred and Lorraine Babarsky testified about drainage problems and missing roof‑leader piping that they said has allowed water into their cellar. Fred Babarsky said crews repaired only one of two removed leader pipes and that “water was coming in my cellar” after rain. Neighbors also described persistent trash, roll‑off dumpsters and overgrown vegetation that they said affect the nearby Casa Bella restaurant and block views.

Board members discussed making cleanup and drainage remediation conditions of approval but recognized legal limits: any enforcement tied to the zoning approval would need to respect the 30‑day appeal period and applicable code enforcement processes. The owner’s representative said the lot would be repaved, restriped and repurposed for parking and that the owner would, unofficially as a sign of good faith, start cleanup and gutter work immediately.

The board approved the conversion vote (4–1). The record shows the board emphasized that if the owner later seeks the rear addition, the property’s maintenance and drainage conditions would be considered at that time.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Zoning Hearing Board 6-4-25","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved converting two commercial spaces to apartments at 329 West Market Street and deferred a proposed rear addition. Neighbors raised persistent drainage, roof‑leader and trash problems; the owner agreed to clean the property as a sign of good faith but the board noted enforcement limits until appeal periods expire.","taxTitle","Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania","taxId",2973,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6210065,"Zoning board approves reclassification of 1415 Pine Street as two‑unit property",184,3219000,3403000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7&start=3219&end=3403","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7/thumbnail_3219000.jpg","/articles/6210065/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Zoning-board-approves-reclassification-of-1415-Pine-Street-as-twounit-property","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210065-978a0079840fd53d1e60b589804818af/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190486&Signature=L7BctrB92oDGZNtaJ190yVEmbkX7-86DiWF7013QFViwRh1aYvouuEHP213RkO0sgrcPVbfuNDDIUJ-iaxUNnN8HZNX4m6vNYiVyF6nHtGIm0gNH7ZX7omqggddlyFCHFLT~3UIhwVJIxkjWBC6Pzk5h4mdmKbA8WAKSqnS6MQtwbHwpMGLVFyR~8rG9cCiVHBj8xtDoqxeE9XwTqlDTYWSREpUlCZDWmTLh83TdYqR1qGkpgNmHW4ciFk5-zshX2ay1tG0avIzUaMwJpJgpA0mzGWBGlD0nkd3eSprSIB3vcIpGKxfsBwbSzYGooTcFaMiEoPN0QBYt3Roa-shxAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance recognizing 1415 Pine Street as a two‑unit property, allowing owner Lakish Kumar Patel to register the building as having two apartments.

The decision matters because the owner had been told by city staff that the structure was treated as a single unit for registration and trash billing, but the property includes a separate upstairs unit and a separate rear egress and parking area that the owner said accommodate two units.

Owner Lakish Kumar Patel told the board he bought the property within the past year and said it has separate upstairs and downstairs living spaces with rear egress and a concrete slab in back that can provide parking for two units. Zoning staff noted the property had been registered as a single rental unit in prior years and had paid for only one set of garbage services; the owner said he had not rented the units since purchase and is seeking to correct the legal status.

Board members confirmed the R‑10 zone permits two‑family units when parking and egress standards are met. The board recorded that the applicant has adequate parking in the rear and the required egress; staff and the applicant agreed to register both units and bring the property into compliance with rental registration and garbage billing.

The board voted unanimously to approve the variance. Chairman McDermott and board members Gans, Walsh, Morris and Welby recorded “yes” votes.

","The board granted a variance recognizing 1415 Pine Street as a two‑unit dwelling after the new owner explained the building’s layout and parking; the applicant was directed to register both units and comply with rental and garbage registration rules.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6210069,"Zoning board approves four‑day ‘Warp Tour’‑style event downtown with conditions and one‑year review",1484,1681000,3165000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7&start=1681&end=3165","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7/thumbnail_1681000.jpg","/articles/6210069/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Zoning-board-approves-fourday-Warp-Tourstyle-event-downtown-with-conditions-and-oneyear-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210069-10a534d2d45655b7198a8591a01f94ad/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190486&Signature=RSIavqgGIldS8f81jbnfu3dwo8EKRuhjNZEpgVXF8n8sUH2hykeNnNJ1N~zxJkWG~9t-u8whPHi16bp8wwArRGDZkGQMOjEWn7w9RcCrvSNYFNyi6Cg3LENW2UW25IfNKcvw34uvT9Q0zxsoqvXu6XwPACv8LvKCjIBf9zCriQSXx8S9IKJxcyk96qsMD161SbBWIlkaXxzveV4GOK0gauEi8MK1rNKzj0xCONX4HEuYWw0IQ8l~kqf2BTf1WwDQNBfh484-vJrzqc9sMtrInqZNBVYEl7bEm2n3CLiFzkxeyhTrGR1F75jur2B8VVOHO~IU3xxuvs4WOExuePz9bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board approved a four‑day temporary special‑event permit for a music and craft gathering organized by Josh Balz in the parking lot at 245–247.5 Wyoming Avenue, with conditions for crowd control, sanitation and a requirement that the organizer seek a new permit if he repeats the event next year.

The board’s decision matters because it allows a downtown storefront operator to stage an outdoor music and vendor event that aims to draw a few hundred attendees and to reinvigorate street‑level activity; the board conditioned approval on public‑safety measures described in the application.

Organizer Josh Balz, who owns the Ritz Theater across the street, told the board the event is “basically a thank you to Scranton for a year of letting us do what we were doing.” He said the outdoor portion would run daily from noon until about 6:30 p.m., with activity funneling inside the Ritz after that hour.

Balz said he expects 300–400 attendees in and out each day and described plans for barricades, a crosswalk attendant, licensed security personnel, five portable‑toilet units plus access to the theater’s restrooms, an on‑site EMT, radios for staff and a certificate of insurance covering vendors and staff. He also said small rides (five or so) would be provided by a licensed amusement vendor; Balz said the event would not include large rides or roller coasters.

The board examined safety provisions, traffic control and sanitation, and members discussed the city’s reluctance to close Wyoming Avenue. Dan (staff) confirmed the request qualifies as a temporary use under the code (a use limited to seven days or fewer); Balz asked for a four‑day permit. Several board members and staff said the organizer must obtain city permits and comply with any police or fire department requirements.

Supporters spoke in favor. Connor Kelly O’Brien, executive director of the Scranton Fringe Festival, told the board he had worked with Balz and urged approval, saying the event would help arts and economic activity downtown. Local musician Gustavo Mejia also spoke in support and said the show would bring the community together.

The board approved the temporary permit and recorded a condition in the record that the organizer must come back for a new permit if he seeks to repeat the event next year. The board noted that temporary permits expire after seven days and that future events would require a separate application.

","The board granted a four‑day special‑event permit for a stage and vendors on Wyoming Avenue tied to the Ritz Theater, approving security, sanitation and a condition that the organizer return next year for a new temporary permit if he wishes to repeat the event.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6210074,"Hearing on conversion to six units at Cedar Avenue continued for parking review",664,1005000,1669000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7&start=1005&end=1669","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7/thumbnail_1005000.jpg","/articles/6210074/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Hearing-on-conversion-to-six-units-at-Cedar-Avenue-continued-for-parking-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210074-a51304e299387b88a9c98d9ad48cbc06/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190486&Signature=iddHnd69jzFI-QLv5dpYgBcad8dTQQiNucOo9lbTmkrFDab1Ahs0Gxw5lW5uCuK6BuyHfloPeMp8C2LrYk232y5GPYq9GzObmuQGqvKbN3HkGInPsA1XyXbx1X0aS8UfCCX6x-ZQyeT6U7kb1s5y2ftZHHa34hmyUolkD~vMQ4JHRlSnj8~DiJUyu7lCLwSlmFgu~fH-eHLxiovcyPlzbM2qjWNiWYRcZRdg3dcS~9ZauGMnw1wD-nRvdK-29ARg9hP8lhVmsHINpvtTTTcgKiRKSfTNs9cxkiKobl4ICdsLuCIOwIOtt1a1ebu9mmXkixizwkzLyzixeP8BkHrb3w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Zoning Hearing Board on Wednesday continued a request by property owner Jose Figueroa to convert an existing mixed‑use building at 403–405 Cedar Avenue into six residential units, citing unresolved parking and permit questions.

The item matters because a conversion would remove commercial space and add residential units in a building that the board and staff said is currently grandfathered as a four‑unit property with two commercial spaces; any change could nullify existing grandfathering and trigger modern parking requirements.

Attorney Kyle Franceschi, representing Jose Figueroa, described the building as a corner property where the ground floor formerly hosted storefronts and the upper floors are being renovated. Franceschi said Figueroa and other out‑of‑state owners have rehabilitated blighted buildings into housing in the area. Figueroa told the board his contractor applied for permits, electrical meters were installed and then “we got a stop work order. And then the contractor disappeared on me.”

Board members focused on parking: staff said the site previously was legally registered as four units with two commercial spaces and grandfathered under older rules, but converting the building to six units may require six off‑street parking spaces. The applicant said he would attempt to secure parking on the rear lot or across the street, and asked for help identifying the lots’ owners.

After discussion the applicant requested a 30‑day continuance to investigate parking ownership and to return with documentation or a plan. Board member motioned to table the application to the next meeting; the board voted to continue the matter by unanimous vote. The board recorded no final decision on the special‑exception request.

The record shows the board allowed a continuance and advised the applicant to confirm ownership of rear and nearby lots, pursue leases if necessary, and provide a drawing of proposed off‑street parking (9-by-18 spaces) if the lot is owned by the applicant. Staff (Abraham) said permit files will be reviewed to clarify what inspections and permits were issued before the stop‑work order.

","An applicant seeking to convert a mixed‑use building at 403–405 Cedar Avenue into six residential units asked for a continuance; the Zoning Hearing Board agreed to table the matter to allow the applicant to pursue parking options and clarify permits and previous stop‑work orders.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6210079,"Zoning board approves garage at former land‑bank lot with conditions",733,269000,1002000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7&start=269&end=1002","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3727012-7164271cb3f825ed1e39ece25321feb7/thumbnail_269000.jpg","/articles/6210079/Scranton/Lackawanna-County/Pennsylvania/Zoning-board-approves-garage-at-former-landbank-lot-with-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6210079-c0474942a9f4890d880d76a44f8b751b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190486&Signature=W-e3GSD7C6vesdBDWCxxQNejGsLAPRSt2Q598HmbblUzbMtv8C~DsTVMw~iOGEPdja~xQSNmNySQMajK9Kfjo~O5ZvfMCuDuH~B3uoje-s5J6gbQF21KxiadAOkbQ~XuMMiup5vgJ~UZLNSkeobBL3ixzGDMGSWqaCsx0uSzlIzXpsBN6h-y9i0kkqe3TJzlJGtuZoz24kLYn9np8TSvP70mxoMNyaSuNf1vGI73xCwsX8FrTCnW0Q67FPPYbERysATstHHt9iY0GjOarmZkaesUzk-eiCniLaTvgg2pHfPIT4bIQXGTukMVrOyMqB2WbZfdte~-iatN0PnYN4Sf8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board on Wednesday approved a variance allowing Charles Wolff to build a 24-by-32 garage and paved lot at the corner of Luzerne Street and Dalton Street, provided conditions set by the board are met.

The approval matters because the property sits on a corner lot in an R-10 zone and will change how the parcel is used; the board added conditions intended to protect sight lines, neighbors and public safety.

Wolff, the applicant, told the board he plans to use the building “for my own vehicles,” and said the garage will be used to store and service his plow truck and dump trailer and to work on his personal vehicles. He said the lot will remain gravel and is not intended to be open to the public.

Board members and staff discussed driveway access, setback measurements and state review. Dan (staff member) told Wolff that if the board approved the variance the project would still need land‑development approval from the planning commission and a PennDOT highway‑occupancy permit for driveway access on the state road. As Wolff summarized, “Okay,” when told those were additional steps.

The board placed several conditions on the vote. Members required a 15‑foot front setback (rather than the 10 feet shown on Wolff’s plan), prohibited vehicle painting in the building, allowed air compressors needed for vehicle lifts, restricted all work to be done inside the building, and set an expectation that outside activity end by 8 p.m. The board also urged the applicant to design lighting so it does not shine across Kaiser Avenue into neighboring homes.

Members discussed fence rules for the front yard; the board noted a front yard fence in the residential zone cannot exceed 4 feet in height and typically must be at least 50% open. The applicant said he would not object to omitting a front privacy fence.

The board voted 5–0 to approve the variance. Chairman McDermott and board members Gans, Walsh, Morris and Welby recorded “yes” votes.

Directions and next steps from the record: the approval is contingent on compliance with zoning conditions and does not substitute for planning‑commission review or any necessary state permits. Staff (Abraham) will assist the applicant with the next steps in the permitting process.

Wolff declined to seek public traffic changes and acknowledged that state permits may be required for the curb cut. The board closed the item after the roll call.

","The Scranton Zoning Hearing Board approved a variance for a 24-by-32 garage at 442 Milwaukee Avenue with conditions including a 15-foot front setback, limits on painting vehicles, indoor-only work and an 8 p.m. finish time for outside activity. Approval will not replace required planning‑commission or PennDOT permits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves conversion of commercial space to apartments at 329 West Market; neighbors press for drainage and cleanup fixes

Zoning board approves reclassification of 1415 Pine Street as two‑unit property

Zoning board approves four‑day ‘Warp Tour’‑style event downtown with conditions and one‑year review

Hearing on conversion to six units at Cedar Avenue continued for parking review

Zoning board approves garage at former land‑bank lot with conditions