As revitalization continues in Pittston with improvements to the streets, buildings and landscaping, it’s nice to know something good is coming West Pittston’s way.
It’s been over five years since a devastating flood inundated so many homes and businesses and West Pittston is still trying to recover.
As you drive in and out of streets in the Garden Village, you might be amazed at how many homes have been razed. Many homeowners took buyouts from the government so they could move to different locations. It’s estimated 30 to 35 homes will be demolished when all is said and done.
That’s a big hit for any municipality to take and, unfortunately, according to the buyout agreement, once a property has been vacated, nothing can be build on it. That essentially leaves that property without a tax base.
Adding insult to injury, the over 100-year-old sewer system needed to be updated and that process began before the 2011 flood. With winter in our grasp, a lot of the street and sidewalk construction has been halted.
If you’ve driven on Luzerne Avenue coming off of the Water Street Bridge, you’ll know what I’m talking about.
So far on Luzerne Avenue, the sewer and runoff water systems have been installed, curbs have been poured and new streetlights have been erected. The road is going to be not just paved over, but also rebuilt from the ground up.
Many of the curbs are lower than the current pavement level so Luzerne Avenue is going to be at a lower grade than it is now. Once the weather breaks for spring, look for a beehive of activity in that area.
Hopefully, for residents and businesses in that area, the inconveniences will only be a distant memory.
New business in town
Speaking of Luzerne Avenue, there is a new business that will have its grand opening at 11:30 a.m. Tues., Jan. 31. Legacy Baking Co. will open on the corner of Race and Luzerne Avenue, next to Agolino’s Restaurant and will offer free samples during its grand opening.
For many years, Joe Agolino had envisioned a bakery at the storefront of the building he owns. Many businesses have come and gone over the years in that spot, but in his heart of hearts, Joe believed baked goods would work.
After taking a huge hit with the flood of 2011, the second such flood since 1972, Joe decided he would be happy just having a tenant at that location.
The last tenant to occupy that space was a business owned by Agolino’s son-in-law Drew Salko, which has relocated, leaving the space empty.
For about a year now, Joe Agolino Jr. has been thinking of creating a new business and, after kicking it around, decided to act on selling baked goods.
Legacy Baking Co. was created and Joe Jr. was off to the races.
Why Legacy? According to Joe Jr., it’s simple; Agolino has been a main staple in West Pittston since the 1960s when his grandfather created the restaurant before his dad, Joe Sr. brought the establishment to new heights. Junior also wanted to honor the people of the community for the commitment and strength it has taken to come back from not one, but two, devastating flood disasters.
After having a soft opening a few weeks ago, the business was very well received. Legacy has been closed for about a week to reorganize, tweak and prepare for the grand opening.
In addition to cakes, pies, cupcakes and other baked goods, there is an in-house barista serving a full espresso bar. Organic coffees will also be served.
Joe Jr. is excited about the future of the baking company. All baked goods will be prepared fresh daily from the kitchen of Agolino’s Restaurant (a perk of knowing the owner).
If you’re having a party, Legacy Baking Co. will cater and, if your mother, grandmother or Aunt Sally has an old world baking recipe, Legacy will work with you to prepare those items from that recipe. That’s a pretty novel idea.
It seems to be a win-win scenario; Joe Jr. starts a new business and Joe Sr. gets a new tenant.
Good luck to Legacy Baking Co. Maybe this will be the beginning of seeing bigger things coming to the Luzerne and Wyoming Avenue area.
Quote of the week
“My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 now and we don’t know where the hell she is.” – Ellen DeGeneres, American comedian.
Thought of the week
“The soldier, above all other people, prays for peace, for he must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” – Douglas MacArthur, American general.
Bumper sticker
“The love that lasts the longest is the love that is never returned.” – William Somerset Maugham, English novelist.
