DUPONT — Despite the abruptly hazardous weather conditions Tuesday, the borough council still held its first public meeting of 2016. Only three of five council members were able to attend.
Those in attendance, Stanley Knick Jr., Pena Henson and Jeff Kaminsky, voted to hold a special public meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 where the Luzerne County Housing Authority will give a presentation on their plans to take over a project to convert the former Benjamin Franklin Elementary Center on Walnut Street to a senior citizen housing center.
Input from residents will also be sought during the special meeting.
At 2015’s April meeting, all of the more than 30 residents in attendance supported intentions to acquire the land when informally polled by the council.
The borough has already obtained $290,000 in financing to move forward with the project, but Council President Knick indicated that Dupont would be more comfortable with the county housing authority assuming responsibility.
“It’s a win-win,” he said, noting that the project will result in local and school district tax revenue increases and that LCHA’s intentions for the site essentially mirror those of the borough.
According to Knick, any arrangement will have to include the borough being reimbursed the $290,000 that has already been committed.
He also hopes that any agreement between the borough and the housing authority will allow for the basketball courts that are currently there to remain for public usage.
Dupont will hold its next regular council meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9.
