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Council introduces Meadowbrook easement ordinance after residents seek details
Summary
Council introduced an ordinance to acquire permanent and temporary easements for the Meadowbrook flood-protection project and agreed to share more information with neighbors at an engineers' meeting scheduled this week.
The Scranton City Council on Jan. 28 introduced an ordinance authorizing the acquisition of permanent and temporary easements, including the option to file a declaration of taking under the eminent-domain code, for the Meadowbrook flood-protection project.
The measure was introduced into its proper committee by voice vote. Council members said city engineers will meet with residents this week to provide project details and answer questions about construction timelines and temporary access to private property.
Eric Khetlebowski, a Ryerson Avenue resident whose property received a notice listing 127 square feet as a temporary easement, said at the meeting that he had tried to reach project staff and had not received a reply. “I need information. I need to know who I can speak to about it,” Khetlebowski said, asking the council to ensure direct contact and clearer timelines for homeowners.
Council members responded that staff would contact affected residents and that the engineers’ meeting scheduled this week would be used to share timelines and address access questions. The ordinance introduced authorizes staff to secure rights, franchises, licenses and titles required for the project and enables a declaration of taking under section 302 of the eminent-domain code if necessary; the introduction does not itself acquire property rights.
Why it matters: The easements are intended to allow construction and workspace for a flood-control project along Meadowbrook Creek. Temporary easements can affect driveways and property access; residents with mobility or caregiving needs raised concerns about how long access restrictions might last and who to notify.
What council recorded: The ordinance was introduced and sent to committee; a staff review and residents’ meeting were promised. Formal acquisition of any property rights would require separate actions by council or administrative filings.
Ending: City staff and engineers are expected to follow up with residents who left contact information and to report back to committee; the ordinance will return to council after committee review or additional legal steps if needed.
