PITTSTON — City mayor Michael Lombardo had a dream 20 years ago about bringing a college campus to the city’s Main Street.
His dream came true Thursday as the city of Pittston and Luzerne County Community College held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the M&T Bank Educational Campus.
“I realize it’s been a lot of hard work,” Lombardo said. “I might have thought of the idea, but it didn’t become a reality without a lot of hard work from (former Pittston City) Mayor (Jason) Klush, by the administration, but it’s awesome to be here.”
Speaking at the ceremony were Lombardo, Thomas Leary, LCCC president; Brian Gill, LCCC Board of Trustees chair; Carmen Magistro, Vice President of Commercial Banking Division, M&TBank; Sen. John Yudichak and Rep. Mike Carroll.
A 1998 graduate of LCCC, Magistro once served on the school’s board of trustees and now sees his two worlds collide.
“I’m honored, to be honest with you,” he said of being a part of the event. “Specifically, because I’ve always been an advocate for Luzerne County Community College, I graduated from Luzerne County Community College prior to getting my four-year degree and graduate degree. I asked to be on the board of trustees due to my advocacy for the school. I wanted the school to grow.”
The 12,000 square foot campus is located at 13 S. Main St., site of the former M&T Bank Building that became vacant in 2013.
The renovations cost $2 million with funds obtained through the city’s Redevelopment Authority.
M&T Bank donated the building to the city for $1 for a $374,000 tax credit through the city’s Neighborhood Assistance Program Tax Credit and the city then leased it to LCCC for 15 years with option periods after that.
Leary, who was the Vice President of Student Development at LCCC 20 years ago when the idea of bringing LCCC to Pittston was first discussed, said it’s another opportunity for the college.
“We now are right in the midst of what they’re doing in the city,” he said. “They’re emphasizing arts, culture and a synergy with opportunity in the city. You walk down Main Street, and it’s a model for a city. We’re now part of that renaissance and the impact of the college will be greater as time goes on.”
The building holds 10 classrooms and can accommodate approximately 400 to 500 students, Leary said.
Classes start Monday, Aug. 27 and Leary said he’ll be at the building when it officially opens.
“I have to be at so many places but I have to be here that first day,” he said. “I love to watch people come through the doors for the first times. I think people are going to be very happy with what they see.”
