Wilkes‑Barre council previews multiple local‑share grant applications for ambulance, campus security, park lighting and downtown improvements

Wilkes‑Barre officials on Sept. 23 reviewed six proposed Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant applications to the Commonwealth Financing Authority that would fund emergency services, campus security, park lighting, a backup generator, downtown building upgrades and computer replacements for a local nonprofit.

The grants, discussed at a City Council work session that the mayor said will be voted on at the regular meeting Thursday, would pay for: an advanced life‑support ambulance ($367,472); a follow‑up campus security camera and emergency phone installation at King’s College (amount discussed as $476,045); lighting for the Wyoming Valley Challenger baseball field ($185,000); a backup generator for the Cole Street complex ($346,500); Penn Plaza revitalization including doors, HVAC and sidewalk work ($300,250); and 12 Windows‑11‑compatible computers for Wyoming Valley Alcohol & Drug Services ($10,000).

Why it matters: The requests cover…