Council introduces multiple measures to change Scranton’s parking system, including transfer of garages and meter changes
Loading...
Summary
Council introduced a package of ordinances and resolutions that would amend the city’s 2016 parking concession and lease agreements, extend metered enforcement hours, authorize transfer of parking authority assets to the city, and consider a financing plan for Community Development Properties Scranton Inc.
The Scranton City Council introduced a set of ordinances and resolutions that collectively would alter how the city’s metered parking system and parking garages are governed and operated. The measures, introduced into committee for further review, include amendments to the 2016 concession and lease agreements with Community Development Properties Scranton Inc. (CDPS), changes to meter hours and rates, and steps to accept ownership of parking authority assets.
On the floor the council introduced: an amended and restated concession arrangement relating to the Scranton Metered Parking System and Scranton Parking Facilities System (agenda item 5e); an ordinance to change metered-parking rates, extend hours of enforcement, and add a service fee for some payment methods (5f); a resolution approving a financing plan for Scranton Lackawanna Health and Welfare Authority to undertake a project for Community Development Properties (5i); and resolutions authorizing the city to accept and assume rights and obligations in the metered parking system and to acquire title to parking garages owned by the Scranton Parking Authority (5j and 5ks). Several smaller traffic- and school-zone ordinances were also introduced (5b, 5c, 5d) for committee review.
Council members and multiple public speakers raised questions about the financial terms and long-term implications. Joan Hoduanas, a Scranton resident, reviewed CDPS’s backup and said the nonprofit was seeking $200,000 a year for 10 years, refinancing authority of up to $35 million, transfer of meters and garages to the city, and other changes, and she questioned whether COVID alone justified CDPS’s revenue shortfalls. Tom Coyne (Manuka) and others said the proposed package contains many changes that should be split into separate bills and asked whether the city would assume bond liabilities; he also expressed concern about expanded enforcement hours and Saturday meters affecting downtown access and events.
Council members said Grow America/ABM (the concession operator) would attend caucus next week to answer questions; the mayor or administration staff asked citizens to submit questions in writing in advance to Frank Boldenberg, the city clerk, to be posed during caucus. Council members stated the city would not be liable for existing bonds and said the parking authority, which has no operational authority over the concession operator, is expected to be dissolved as part of the transfer discussions.
The introductions were voice votes; councilmembers signified support for introduction on each item. Council scheduled caucus time for the operator to appear and asked for additional documentation in advance, including a list of properties owned by the Scranton Redevelopment Authority (SRA) requested by a council member. Public commenters asked for clearer financial estimates from CDPS and Grow America/ABM about projected revenues from added hours and Saturday enforcement, and about liabilities the city might assume if ownership transfers proceed.
Council members indicated follow-up steps: a caucus with the concession operator to address questions, a Blighted Property Review Committee meeting scheduled for July 28, and requested materials (SRA property list and financial estimates) ahead of future hearings.
