Pocono News Section

Multi-Million Dollar Project Unveiled for Wilkes-Barre

Multi-Million Dollar Project Unveiled for Wilkes-Barre - Saturday, May 3, 2008 at 7:24PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill & Jill Konopka
Saturday, May 3, 2008 @ 07:24pm EST
WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY - A major revitalization project is beginning to take shape in downtown Wilkes-Barre. Nearly $20 million is being invested to turn an eyesore into new businesses and student housing. The new development will involve the demolition of rundown buildings at the corner of North & North Main Streets in Wilkes-Barre.

"This is a very important site to the economic rebirth of the neighborhood and the opportunity was there," Dave Yeager of the Radnor Property Group said.

The cornerstone of the new Main Street Gateway Project will be a new 95,000 square foot, four story, building. It will house retail space, a daycare and housing for 165 students from King's College.

"This really is, I think, a win, win, win. It's a win for King's. It's a win for the neighbors and it's a win for the city and the private-public partnership," King's College president Father Thomas O'Hara said.

Students from King's College say they're excited about the possibilities.

"These are basically eyesores. They're not attractive looking. I think the school needs more beds for the students," sophomore Dan Iampaglia said.

"I think it'll make it a lot easier, especially if the kids are on campus. You won't have to travel or bring a car up, which sometimes is a problem," freshman Sarah O'Doherty said.

Because of the project, Rodano's restaurant will also be forced to move a few blocks away to Public Square. Officials say demolition is expected to begin by summer.

"I think it'll definately be an improvement. Look how terrible it is now," King's College junior Tim Cassi said.

Work on the new development should be finished by next summer.