Residents Demand Action on Illegal Parking and ATV Safety in Scranton
October 01, 2025 | Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania
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In the heart of Scranton's city hall, a palpable tension filled the air as residents voiced their frustrations during the recent City Council meeting on September 30, 2025. The gathering, marked by passionate pleas and pointed critiques, highlighted pressing issues that have long plagued the community.
Les Spindler, a local resident, took the floor to address the ongoing problem of illegal parking near Scranton High School. Despite clear signage prohibiting parking, he lamented that vehicles often obstruct traffic, creating hazardous conditions. Spindler recounted his own experience with the Department of Public Works (DPW), which took nearly three years to address a corner repair outside his home. While he expressed gratitude for the eventual resolution, he underscored the need for more timely action on community concerns.
The discussion shifted to the rising issue of ATVs and other unregulated vehicles on city streets. Spindler urged the council to enforce existing ordinances, citing safety hazards posed by these vehicles. He recounted a recent encounter where police pursued ATVs on a highway, questioning why Scranton's police department does not adopt a similar approach. His call for stricter enforcement resonated with many in attendance, who shared concerns about the reckless behavior of ATV riders and the potential for serious accidents.
Ron Ellman, another resident, echoed Spindler's sentiments, criticizing the city’s handling of parking regulations and the impact on local businesses. He expressed discontent with the allocation of funds, suggesting that financial support has disproportionately benefited a select few property owners rather than the broader community. Ellman proposed the idea of free parking permits for handicapped individuals, highlighting a perceived lack of attention to the needs of vulnerable residents.
As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the residents of Scranton are eager for change. Their voices, filled with urgency and concern, reflect a community grappling with safety, accessibility, and the desire for a more responsive local government. The council's next steps will be crucial in addressing these issues and restoring faith in the city's commitment to its residents.
Les Spindler, a local resident, took the floor to address the ongoing problem of illegal parking near Scranton High School. Despite clear signage prohibiting parking, he lamented that vehicles often obstruct traffic, creating hazardous conditions. Spindler recounted his own experience with the Department of Public Works (DPW), which took nearly three years to address a corner repair outside his home. While he expressed gratitude for the eventual resolution, he underscored the need for more timely action on community concerns.
The discussion shifted to the rising issue of ATVs and other unregulated vehicles on city streets. Spindler urged the council to enforce existing ordinances, citing safety hazards posed by these vehicles. He recounted a recent encounter where police pursued ATVs on a highway, questioning why Scranton's police department does not adopt a similar approach. His call for stricter enforcement resonated with many in attendance, who shared concerns about the reckless behavior of ATV riders and the potential for serious accidents.
Ron Ellman, another resident, echoed Spindler's sentiments, criticizing the city’s handling of parking regulations and the impact on local businesses. He expressed discontent with the allocation of funds, suggesting that financial support has disproportionately benefited a select few property owners rather than the broader community. Ellman proposed the idea of free parking permits for handicapped individuals, highlighting a perceived lack of attention to the needs of vulnerable residents.
As the meeting progressed, it became clear that the residents of Scranton are eager for change. Their voices, filled with urgency and concern, reflect a community grappling with safety, accessibility, and the desire for a more responsive local government. The council's next steps will be crucial in addressing these issues and restoring faith in the city's commitment to its residents.
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