Wilkes-Barre · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Wilkes-Barre public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Election Mail Ballot Drop Boxes
Luzerne County is extending evening hours for mail ballot drop boxes in Wilkes-Barre ahead of the Nov. 3 election, giving voters more time to return ballots without relying on mail. If you plan to drop off your ballot, check the updated schedule so you don’t miss the deadline.
Traffic Safety and Speeding Enforcement
Residents from Hillside Street and nearby neighborhoods raised alarms about dangerous speeding, noisy vehicles, and cars ignoring stop signs. They asked the city for increased police presence and stricter ticket enforcement to protect children and pedestrians.
General Neighborhood Concerns & Public Maintenance
Residents reported infrastructure issues, including a sinking manhole on Brooklyn Street caused by drainage or structural erosion from nearby properties. They called on the public works department to inspect and repair aging street infrastructure.
Group Home and Multi-Family Residential Proposals
Developers and officials discussed plans for new housing units, storage facilities, and managing traffic, parking, and sidewalk safety in residential areas.
Community Facility and Historic Building Upgrades
The council discussed funding and renovation plans for historic community buildings and local service facilities to improve accessibility and modernize spaces for residents.
Multimodal Transportation Funding & Infrastructure
The city is applying for a $650,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to fund repairs on the Empire Street and McLean Street bridges.
Election Parking
Mayor Brown just made voting easier by offering free parking for anyone dropping off their mail-in ballot at the Luzerne County Election Bureau. No more scrambling for change or feeding meters just to make your voice heard.
Traffic Light Removal
Scranton is testing out removing traffic lights at 13 downtown intersections to see if traffic flows better and safer. Local drivers are completely split, with some thinking it's a great idea and others worried it's a recipe for accidents.
Holiday Garbage Schedule
Heads up, Wilkes-Barre! If you live in Downtown or South Wilkes-Barre, skip putting your trash out on Columbus Day because City Hall and pickup services are taking a holiday break on Monday, October 12, 2026.
Departmental Accountability and Resident Communication
A local resident filed complaints regarding unresponsiveness and inconsistent enforcement from city departments concerning parking spaces, driveway line painting, and code violations.
Senior Citizen Property Tax Relief
Local seniors face climbing property taxes and living expenses, threatening their ability to stay in their long-term homes. The city council is pushing state lawmakers to allow a property tax freeze for residents over 65.
Noise Ordinance Enforcement and Penalties
Councilwoman McClay raised concerns about property damage and noise caused by King's College students partying in March, asking the administration to speak with the college.
LSA Grant Applications for City and Community Projects
City Council reviewed and authorized multiple Luzerne County Local Share Assessment grant applications supporting Public Square Phase 3, City Hall renovations, local non-profits, and public works facilities.
Parking Violation Notification Delays
Residents are frustrated that parking ticket notices arrive weeks late in the mail, causing late fees to pile up before drivers even know they received a ticket.
Mobile Food Vendor and Code Ordinances
The owner of the Burnt Norton restaurant and supporters raised concerns after code enforcement ordered them to stop using certain cooking equipment due to a lack of a commercial Type 1 hood vent, creating severe financial hardship.
Winter Services Agreement
Residents and council members pointed out icy patches and snow piles remaining on city streets like South Street and in the Parsons neighborhood after recent storms.
Municipal Insurance Coverage Review
The city council reviewed its property and casualty insurance policies, discussing deductibles, property values, and vehicle fleet coverage.
Utility Construction Notification and Street Closures
Mayor Brown provided updates on ongoing sewer and water line repairs, addressing broken lines, contractor changes, and traffic impacts.
Stormwater Management and Sewage Backups
A resident followed up on ongoing flooding and drainage repairs along Darling Street, urging continued attention to prevent summer storm damage.
Commercial Garbage Ordinance Enforcement
Residents brought up concerns about new enforcement of garbage rules for small, long-standing downtown businesses that don't generate much trash. Council discussed whether older businesses should be grandfathered in or if exceptions can be made.
Utility Coordination and Neighborhood Disruption
Residents complained about severe road damage and mud from unfinished utility trench cuts on Dana Street and Scott Street. Council members discussed strengthening municipal pave cut ordinances and enforcement tools against utility companies.
Municipal Technology and Cybersecurity Services
The city council reviewed software and technology support contracts to maintain data management and cybersecurity for municipal operations.
Debt Refunding and $1.8M New Capital Funding
The city is exploring issuing about $8 million in debt to fund capital projects and restructure existing financial obligations. Council authorized hiring legal and financial advisors to prepare for the bond issue.
Boat Launch Parking Enforcement
Council requested stenciled pavement markings at the city boat launch to prevent non-boating vehicles from taking trailer parking spots.
Washington Street Bridge Property Negotiations
Negotiations and property acquisitions, including an apartment building, are underway for the Washington Street Bridge replacement project under a revised design grade.
Comprehensive Community Health Needs Assessment
Wilkes-Barre is spending $65,000 in opioid settlement money on school anti-drug materials, billboards, and fire department safety gear to comply with DEA rules.
Exit 2 Traffic Signal and Bridge Detour
A planned bridge project will set up a temporary traffic signal at Exit 2 and Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, which officials hope to evaluate and potentially make permanent.
Public Safety and Police Department Oversight
Residents voiced intense grief and concern over community violence and the handling of 14-year-old Laniyah Clark's murder case. Mayor Brown defended the police department, stating officers thoroughly investigated the matter.
Sanitary Sewer System Valuation and Potential Sale
The city has hired PFM Financial Advisors to evaluate the financial worth of the municipal sewer system, sparking resident concerns over potential rate increases and privatization impacts.
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance Revision
A local professional planner advised the council that updating the city's zoning ordinance must be grounded in a modern comprehensive plan, noting that the current plan dates back to 1972.
City Council 2026 Organizational Meeting and Leadership Elections
The City Council held its annual organizational meeting to elect leadership and set the stage for municipal governance in 2026.
Mayoral Election
Wilkes-Barre Mayor Brown is gearing up for a potential third-term run, meaning we're looking at a major local political race that's going to dictate the city's leadership and direction. If you live here, get ready for campaign season to start heating up as candidates vie for control of City Hall.
Liquor License Transfer
Wilkes-Barre City Council is voting on whether to approve a liquor license transfer that could shake up the local dining and nightlife scene in your neighborhood. Keep an eye on this if you're curious about new spots opening up nearby.
Fire Protection Rating
Wilkes-Barre just kept its top-tier fire protection rating, which means better safety for everyone and potentially cheaper homeowners insurance. It's a big win for the city's overall preparedness and your wallet.
Public Monument Removal
Wilkes-Barre quickly took down a public monument after finding a brick sponsored by the KKK. It's a clear sign of how cities are urgently re-evaluating historical displays on public property.
Police Chief Appointment
Wilkes-Barre just got a brand new police chief, which is a big deal for how neighborhood safety and local policing are going to be handled from here on out. If you live in the city, expect potential shifts in daily law enforcement priorities and community outreach.
Federal Lawsuit
Wilkes-Barre is being sued in federal court over its harsh 'one strike' housing law. This legal battle could force the city to completely overhaul how it handles local housing policies.