I’ve made another trip around the sun this past week, and what a glorious week it’s been. I haven’t seen fall-like weather in a very long time; sunny, no clouds and warm temps. Perfection.
After having a productive day of work on my birthday, I spent the evening with family, with cake, of course.
Family connections are so important, and the older I get, the more I realize how important it is to be with family. I guess that attitude changed a long time ago after my cancer diagnosis.
I had a chance to visit with Pittston Mayor Michael Lombardo where we spoke on all the happenings going on in the city.
It seems a lot is going on and connections are being made and progress is being shown with projects in Downtown Pittston.
The former dentist office was razed to make room for the new seven-to- eight story tower, complete with living space, retail, and the new American Theater that should seat at least 600 people.
Granted, the old theater had a much larger capacity (nearly three times more) but the new theater will be more intimate and still bring in some great musical entertainment, as well as plays and movies.
Initially, the tower at Market and Main was designed for eight stories, but the mayor said one story might have to be eliminated.
Another piece of good news is the future four-story parkade coming to the spot where the former Quinn’s Market sits. The mayor said he’s been feverishly looking for a grocer to put at the ground level of the parkade. Housing and retail may also occupy a part of the parkade.
With all the residents of the Waterfront Warehouse, the Infantino Apartments, and the newly-proposed tower, a grocer would be needed badly. If I were a grocery store owner, I’d be chomping at the bit to get into that spot. It would be a gold mine for business.
The other piece of business involves the future site of the Greater Pittston Regional Ambulance Association (GPRAA). The GPRAA will be moving from its current location and moving to the former site of the Triangle Motel next to Dollar General.
The motel was razed some time ago and grounds will eventually get prepped for a proposed 10-bay facility.
The current GPRAA headquarters will eventually be razed and a multi-story building will be constructed for housing and retail.
If anyone didn’t notice, Dock Street in Pittston, is now a one-way going east to west off of Main Street. You can no longer make the left turn off Kennedy Boulevard onto Dock to drop off mail or a parcel at the post office. It is very difficult to turn left off of Dock Street to get on to Main Street, where traffic could be quite heavy at times. Barriers are now up, as well as signs to warn motorists on the changes.
The mayor has a few other items he’s been working on for the city and will eventually unveil them over time.
State Senate Bill 1075
In this edition of the Sunday Dispatch, you’ll be reading about Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1075, which State Sen. Marty Flynn and others are trying to get through legislation. The bill concerns a tax break for senior homeowners living at their residence. Let me explain.
The stipulation is, even if you are a senior owning several residences, you only qualify for the tax break if you live in one of the homes.
As the mayor put it, he originally came up with the idea to help seniors with their homeowner taxes upon seeing the idea come to fruition in Philadelphia, where then-Mayor Ed Rendell was able to utilize a tax break for seniors.
It’s taken a few decades, but a municipality could adopt (or not) the exemption resolution, Lombardo said. The only issue I could think of is a municipality not wanting to participate in the exemption act because of lost revenue.
There are plenty of cash-strapped municipalities that could use all the taxes they could get their hands on, so again, something like this may not fly with the town you live in. As the mayor put it, the tax break could be used as a tool to help seniors.
Kamala Harris visits Wilkes
Well, Friday was a packed day and night as I mixed doing Sunday Dispatch work with covering Vice President Kamala Harris’ rally at Wilkes University.
Most people don’t know the routine for presidential or vice presidential visits regarding media.
We have to apply for a credential, and then wait to be accepted. Once accepted, you receive a letter from either the White House or the campaign with instructions on what to do on the day of the visit.
Photographers and videographers must bring equipment to the venue, drop it off and then you have to leave for several hours when the Secret Service does a equipment security sweep. That usually takes a few hours.
When you return at the appointed time, you get credentialed, and then the waiting game begins.
Once inside, you have to jockey for position at the media table. Here’s a tip: You’ll want to get a spot near a power strip.
Rallies are like a high school pep rally, but for adults.
Quote of the Week
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” – Robert Frost
Thought of the Week
“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” – Maya Angelou
Bumper Sticker
“When you change your thoughts, remember to also change your world.” – Norman Vincent Peale
