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Wilkes-Barre council hears resident complaints on tall grass, zoning and storm cleanup; staff says enforcement underway
Summary
Council members reported a wave of seasonal complaints about tall grass, garbage, an apparent unpermitted conversion at 29 Terrace Street, downed trees from a recent storm, and parked vehicles at 251 and 253 North Pennsylvania; staff said properties have been tagged and are in a 10-day notice process.
The Wilkes-Barre City Council spent part of its meeting addressing routine but persistent neighborhood issues: tall grass and garbage complaints, a zoning concern at 29 Terrace Street, storm damage cleanup and vehicles believed to be stored in the rear of residential properties.
Complaints and council comments: Mr. Barrett told the council staff has been receiving many complaints about high grass, trash and neighborhood appearance as seasonal growth and outdoor activity increase; he thanked Charlie for handling constituent emails. Mr. Brooks raised a neighbor's allegation that the property at 29 Terrace Street may have been converted into multiple rental units without zoning permits visible; Charlie said he had seen the property, would forward the complaint and would double-check with office staff. Mr. Bluske asked about the city's response to a recent storm; council members described large trees down on North Washington and Diabol and said small crews had been called to clear debris.
Enforcement detail: Charlie stated that properties have been tagged and that there is a 10-day notice process for violations such as vehicles stored on jacks; staff will continue follow-up. On the Sabre Room site, a motorhome missing a door was noted as a problematic parked vehicle and the Boleckis property drew repeated complaints; Charlie said enforcement is possible but some sites are complicated to address.
Outcome and follow-up: The transcript shows staff acknowledged complaints and described the standard notice and tagging process but does not record formal enforcement outcomes, citations, or deadlines beyond the 10-day notice window mentioned in discussion. Council members asked staff to continue following up and to check specific properties; no formal motions were recorded in the provided transcript.
