Scranton Seeks Millions for Iconic 'Office' Streetscapes

Scranton is actively seeking $6.2 million in state Multimodal Transportation grants to fund four significant streetscape enhancement projects and one crucial bridge replacement. These initiatives aim to revitalize key areas across the city, improving infrastructure and public spaces.

One major focus is the Penn Paper complex, an iconic location globally recognized from "The Office." The proposed $1,118,905 grant, sponsored by Envoy Solutions, will fund streetscape improvements along Penn and Mifflin avenues and Vine Street. These upgrades include angled parking, bicycle lanes, enhanced pedestrian crosswalks, and maintaining two travel lanes in each direction. These changes are designed to boost safety, parking, connectivity, and business accessibility.

Additional funding includes a $500,000 grant for the "Gateway of Capouse Avenue" area, revitalizing sidewalks, lighting, and crosswalks near Scranton High School. A substantial $4.6 million grant covers the replacement of the deteriorated Elm Street bridge over Stafford Meadow Brook and streetscape projects on North Washington and Adams avenues, introducing new period-style lighting and underground wiring.

The city administration, led by Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, has presented resolutions for these grant applications to the City Council. These projects are crucial for Scranton's ongoing redevelopment and aim to create a safer, more accessible, and attractive urban environment for residents and visitors alike.