The closing on the former Pittston Hospital property, purchased by John Basalyga, was completed.
Tony Callaio file photo | For Sunday Dispatch
Multiple projects in the city are moving forward
The 3D model of what the cityscape will look like at the completion of Market & Main tower and a parkade for downtown Pittston.
Tony Callaio file photo | For Sunday Dispatch
The former First Presbyterian Church on Broad Street will be the future home of the Greater Pittston Historical Society. It will also include some housing.
Tony Callaio file photo | For Sunday Dispatch
This cutout shows the planned apartments on the second floor and the community space on the first floor of the former First Presbyterian Church, Broad Street, Pittston.
Submitted Artwork, file
PITTSTON — The state of the City of Pittston continues at a rate of growth that has been unmatched in housing, retail and infrastructure. Mayor Michael Lombardo is excited for the future of the Tomato Capital of the World.
The city recently agreed to sell its sewer system to Pennsylvania American Water for $26.4 million. The deal is expected to be finalized in 2026.
According to Mayor Michael Lombardo, PAW is the city’s water supplier, so it made sense to work out an agreement with the utility.
Lombard said one of the most significant liabilities to the city was the aging sewer system.
“When something happens to the 125-year-old sewer system, it is an unexpected problem and we pay a premium for the work,” Lombard said. “That has been the driving force in looking to sell off the sewer system.”
Lombardo stressed that the sale to PAW was not out of desperation or financial stress.
“We (the city) are in good financial shape with a healthy reserve fund, and we were in the best position to either sell or not,” Lombardo added. “The money from the sewer sale will be put to good use for other projects as well as putting $5 million to $7 million away as a reserve and sit on it and let the interest grow. I’m going to use the interest grown to build another reserve to offset property owner’s sewer fees with either a rebate or a bump up with the homestead exemption.”
Lombardo said the city’s relationship with PAW is good and strong, and would like to partner with future projects.
Lombardo said a portion of the $26.4 million would go into the Market & Main seven-story/American Theater project.
“I didn’t want to put the entire money into the Market & Main project; We still have some more fundraising to do for that project,” Lombardo said. “We are really, really close to bidding out the Market & Main project.”
The theater project is moving along, including being able to raze the existing Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance (GPRA) building once the new GPRA facility is completed.
Before construction begins at the new GPRA site at the former Triangle Motel, the existing sewer system has to be relocated from the rear of the property to the street side.
Pittston Hospital Project
Pittston Hospital project annexation is moving along with Jenkins Twp. for the City of Pittston to take over the entire property.
The closing on the buildings, including the former hospital, by new owner John Basalyga, has taken place. The purchase price was $400,000 with both municipalities splitting the profit on the sale.
All five easements have been granted to all five property owners utilizing an access road.
Jenkins Twp. will have a final public reading to complete the deal with Pittston.
In the agreement with Jenkins Twp., the City of Pittston would share future property tax revenue in perpetuity, estimated to be about $30,000+ per year for Jenkins Township.
Lombardo said that now that Basalyga has possession of the buildings, he expects the construction of upscale apartments to happen quickly.
Tomato Festival Lot Improvements
Mayor Lombardo secured grant money to build a permanent stage at the lower Tomato Festival lot closest to Main Street.
Initially, the plans were to build the structure along Main Street, but they were scrapped and changed to build the stage on the east side of the lot along Spring Street.
Lombardo said the parking lot would be reconfigured, along with removing the center island with the light pole, improving the drainage, and building the stage.
Look for that work to start late 2025 or early 2026.
First Presbyterian Church Project
The former First Presbyterian Church project has had the steeple roof and a portion of the main roof replaced. However, one section of the roof still needs to be replaced. Once that happens, you will see movement in cleaning out the building.
Architectural plans are in place to include building a second floor for housing in the church.
“I’m feeling good on where the city is and were we are going,” Lombardo said. “I’m looking forward to a new term to continue moving the city forward.”
