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Residents press council over Local Share Account grants to Wilkes University and King's College; colleges describe economic impact
Summary
Public commenters questioned repeated LSA grant awards to Wilkes University and King's College, citing trees removed and unclear public benefit; college representatives presented economic-impact figures and employment numbers in response.
At the Nov. 20 Wilkes-Barre City Council session, several residents questioned the Local Share Account (LSA) grant process and whether recent awards to local higher-education institutions represent the best use of limited public funds.
A commenter said Wilkes University and King—s College had recently applied for or received LSA grants (including support for a nursing program) and asked whether the city was acting merely as a conduit. The speaker asked what direct benefits the institutions provide to residents, raised concerns about streetscape tree removals on Franklin Street, and questioned auditing and oversight of grant spending.
City leaders invited college representatives to respond. A man identified as "Mike" described Wilkes University—s annual economic impact on the Greater Wilkes-Barre area as more than $160 million, reported about 2,000 undergraduate and 3,500 graduate students and roughly 560 employees, and said the university contributes economically and through programs. A representative for King—s College said the college serves about 1,950 on-campus students and employs approximately 460 faculty and staff, and said many students receive financial aid.
Council did not immediately change the grants or rescind any applications during the session. Residents asked for clarity on whether multiple LSA submissions duplicate past awards and for transparency on how conduit grants are audited; those questions were raised but not resolved at the meeting.
Next steps: council staff will retain the proposals and proceed under the normal LSA review and evaluation process; residents seeking further accountability were advised to follow grant timelines and request staff reports.
