AUGUST 23, 2006 – Scranton Tomorrow has announced plans for a major study of the development of a Riverfront District in the areas adjacent to the Lackawanna River in downtown Scranton. Scranton Tomorrow is leading a coalition of major stakeholders, including the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA), the Scranton Area Foundation, Lackawanna County, the City of Scranton, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Lackawanna River Corridor Association (LRCA), the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and private developers of Riverfront properties and other community organizations, to create a Master Plan for the Riverfront. 

LHVA has obtained a $100,000 grant from Senator Robert Mellow and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to fund this study. LHVA is approaching the culmination of years of effort to develop the Scranton Riverfront Greenway on the west side of the Lackawanna River. The Greenway, expected to break ground in the Fall, will serve as the gateway to the proposed 40-mile trail along the Lackawanna River from Forest City to Duryea. This section of the trail will link Scranton’s central district with the Steamtown National Historic Site, the Mall at Steamtown, the Trolley Museum, Scranton High School and the County’s Intra Modal Transportation System. It also will provide access from the Riverfront to the neighborhoods of west, north, east and south Scranton and will serve as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike.

Scranton Tomorrow has engaged the services of project consultants Wallace, Roberts & Todd, LLC, to conduct a comprehensive, in-depth assessment and to make recommendations to restore the Riverfront involving various phases of a major restoration plan which, once implemented, will result in significant positive change for the greater Scranton area.  

“The restoration of the Riverfront is a great example of an effort in integration,” according to Rosemary Broderick, President of Scranton Tomorrow. “Our project consultants have already begun addressing important issues such as redevelopment, parking, recreation, dining, private and public sector business development, and creating an open and safe green space along the Riverfront.”  

This initiative acknowledges the tireless efforts of individuals and activists like Bernie McGurl, LRCA Director, and Natalie Solfanelli, LHVA Director and Scranton Tomorrow Board member, who have long advocated for environmental restoration along the Lackawanna River, according to Broderick.

The master plan will consider opportunities for establishing recreational activities, including boating, canoeing, hiking, and fishing, as well as bike trails, walking trails and entertainment and festival venues to draw residents and tourists to the downtown. The plan will study the need for green space and access roads to address future development needs. New business developer interest will drive the creation of new roads, a trail network and the overall restoration of the Riverfront.  

The project will be developed in several steps, and will include a survey of current land use in the area along the river, future land management, and the need to plan and facilitate public access, which will be critical to the Riverfront development.  

Immediate goals include the development of the Central New Jersey Freight building and major reconstruction of the Lackawanna Avenue bridge. Additionally, new parking, downtown living and continued clean up of the river will be considered. The key is to secure the support of major community stakeholders to initiate and sustain the planning and implementation process.   

Leslie Memolo-Collins, Executive Director of Scranton Tomorrow, noted that a detailed green space plan will identify where the bike trails and walking trails and other recreation areas will be located. “Our objective is to create a clear design scheme which includes all elements of the master plan. We envision this project as a focal point for promoting activities along the riverfront including the central point for future Riverfest activities, fireworks displays, dining and other activities in the future,” she said.    

According to Natalie Solfanelli, “The Riverfront project also addresses the need for environmental and historic restoration, and we are delighted to partner with Scranton Tomorrow to spearhead this important initiative. The Riverfront project will create a bright and attractive presence in the downtown while restoring and protecting our history. Along with the development of new condos and other downtown housing developments, dining and new recreational opportunities, the master plan will create a real showcase drawing tourists and local residents to the Riverfront area.  It will also be an exciting expansion of Scranton’s downtown business district.”    

Research has shown that cities throughout the United States, including Richmond, Baltimore, Harrisburg and Cumberland, are rediscovering the value of the urban riverfront as a tremendous community and economic development asset. “Our vision at Scranton Tomorrow is to work with community leaders to develop a plan for the restoration of the Riverfront that will transform our city into a real showcase,” according to Broderick.   

As Mayor Christopher Doherty has stated on many occasions, the City of Scranton is on the brink of a major renovation that will improve the quality of life and spawn further economic growth for the entire region. According to Broderick, Scranton Tomorrow is proud to be among several partners, including LHVA and the City of Scranton, to spearhead this major master plan for continued community and economic development.  

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