Councilors discuss South Valley Land Bank activity and zoning limits for housing types

A council member raised affordable-housing concerns tied to zoning after reporting a sign for sale on a West Ross Street lot held by the Lower South Side Land Bank. Mayor George Brown and other officials reported the land bank recently acquired eight properties and said several have prospective purchasers.

During the March 27 meeting, a council member described classroom observations that many students are newly arrived to Wilkes-Barre and linked that to a need for more diverse housing types. The council member said single-family zoning on West Ross Street could limit development of denser housing such as duplexes or multi-unit buildings that might increase affordable options.

Mayor Brown said, “Tony, there's 8 properties, you're right, that the Lower South Side Land Bank had purchased,” and added that purchasers have been active and that there are plans for one large lot on South Franklin Street to be developed for housing. Council members said residents or developers can request more information directly from the land bank.

Council members discussed whether purchasers of land-bank parcels are required to provide permanently affordable housing; officials said the properties, once privately owned, are subject to market terms and “it’s their property,” but returning parcels to private ownership will restore tax revenue to the city.

No council action was taken at the meeting to change zoning or adopt a policy tied to the land-bank parcels. Council members suggested staff and the land bank provide more detailed information about zoning and intended uses for the acquired lots.