Scranton council approves fund transfer to complete purchase of downtown building for proposed real‑time crime center after heated debate

Scranton City Council voted on July 16 to transfer funds needed to complete the purchase of a downtown building that the administration says will house a real‑time crime center, closing a contentious discussion about the timing and cost of the project.

Supporters argued the acquisition is necessary to provide space close to city hall and to equip the police department with a central operations hub. Councilor Doctor Rothschild said the facility could improve access for frequently visited departments and called the location beneficial for public access. "I always stated that I appreciated the ease of access that that building would bring us," she said.

Opponents said the purchase process was rushed and lacked basic documentation. Councilor Sean McKendree said he was "concerned the previous council was rushed by the administration" and said inspections, appraisals and written plans were not in hand when the original purchase was approved. McKendree urged caution because the city faces many other pressing infrastructure and neighborhood needs.

Councilor Mark McCanjoe said he supports a real‑time crime center in principle but warned the council to "keep administration's feet to the fire" on oversight and to avoid cost overruns. Several councilors stressed uncertainty about long‑term staffing and operating costs for a center that, councilors and public commenters said, will need continuous monitoring to be effective.

The ordinance before the council (File Accounts No. 22‑2026) would amend line items in the 2026 capital budget and the capital reserve fund spending plan so the city can finalize the purchase. Council discussion repeatedly returned to the project's fiscal prudence: members who opposed the timing argued city neighborhoods still face urgent needs such as road repairs and blighted properties.

Despite objections, the chair called for the vote and declared the ayes prevailing after a roll‑call/voice tally. The motion to transfer funds passed; the chair stated that failing to complete the transaction could risk forfeiture of the down payment and possible contract consequences.

In the same meeting, council adopted three related financial items: a finance committee measure to transfer and close inactive special city accounts (File Council No. 21‑2026), a resolution authorizing application to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for up to $250,000 in recruitment incentives for law enforcement (Resolution No. 69‑2026), and a resolution authorizing a Department of Justice Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office funding request for up to $500,000 to purchase police technology and equipment (Resolution No. 70‑2026). The chair declared each item legally and lawfully adopted after roll call.

The debate left several follow‑up questions open. Councilors asked the administration for the five‑year budget projection prepared by Pell (requested to inform future capital decisions), detailed cost estimates for renovations and staffing the proposed center, and continuing oversight plans for expenditures related to the building.

What happens next: Council approved the fund transfer to complete the purchase and advanced the project to implementation planning; council requested additional financial projections and said it will monitor renovation and staffing plans in future caucuses and meetings.

Provenance: topicintro at SEG 1622; topfinish at SEG 1970.