Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
Upcoming
City Council
The council will consider a resolution to submit a $650,000 grant application to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Empire Street and McLean Street Bridges Rehabilitation Project. They will also vote on seven resolutions authorizing the disposal of old records from various city offices including the Controller's Office, Tax Office, and others.
- $650,000 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant application for Empire Street and McLean Street Bridges Rehabilitation Project.
- Disposition of records from the Controller's Office (21 boxes, 2015-2017).
- Disposition of records from the Tax Office (6 boxes, 2019-2021) and Accounts & Finance (4 boxes, 2016-2022).
- Disposition of records from OCD Office (11 boxes), City Clerk's Office (7 boxes), and Miscellaneous (3 boxes garbage bags).
- Disposition of records from Special Events/Business Licenses (11 boxes).
Zoning Hearing Board
The Wilkes-Barre Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing on July 15, 2026, to decide five zoning appeals. Applications include a special exception for a coffee shop, variances for setbacks and storage, and a group residence for ten people.
- Ferando Puerie: special exception to convert nonconforming insurance office to take-out coffee shop at 352 East Northampton Street (R-2 zone)
- Adam Lorts: special exception to establish a group residence for five residents each at 226 and 228 Barney Street (C-N zone)
- Allendy Lopez: variances for storing eight vehicles, an 8.5' x 40' industrial storage container, and a side yard setback reduction at 210 Jones Street (C-2 zone)
- Jose Francisco Jose: variance to reduce side yard setback from 10 ft to 4.5 ft for subdivision at 274½ Carey Avenue (C-N zone)
- Claudio Saico: variance to reduce side yard setback from 5 ft to 4 ft for a 20' x 20' second-story rear addition at 434 East South Street (R-1 zone)
Recent meetings
Zoning Hearing Board
The Wilkes-Barre Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing on June 17, 2026, to consider six zoning appeals. Items include a special exception to convert an insurance office to a coffee shop, variances for a pool, a rear deck, a bakery/deli conversion with a handicap deck, a bank sign, and a duplex conversion. All interested persons may attend.
- Ferando Puerie: special exception to change nonconforming use from insurance office to take-out coffee shop at 352 East Northampton Street (R-1 zone)
- Vianka M. Andujar: variance to waive side yard setbacks to install an 18-foot above-ground pool at 331 New Grant Street (R-1 zone)
- Joel Zitofsky: variances for two-unit dwelling and side yard setback waiver for rear deck addition at 123 South Franklin Street (S-1 zone)
- Roy Castillo: special exception for change to 3 apartments, garage, delicatessen, and bakery; variance for side yard setback for handicap deck at 159-161 Blackman Street (R-1 zone)
- People Security Bank: variances to waive front yard setbacks for a curved free-standing sign at 111 East Market Street (C-4 zone)
Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre
The Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority will consider renewing its directors and officers liability insurance policy at no increase ($2,955), hear reports on emergency elevator repairs and a central garage upgrade, and discuss a lease with Thomas Thompson. The board also will approve routine monthly bills that have been transferred to LAZ Parking.
- Directors & Officers policy renewal for $2,955 (no increase)
- Emergency elevator repair and contract central upgrade (LAZ report)
- Insurance for vacant coffee shop (Chairman's report)
- Central garage update from Panzitta (Engineer's report)
- Thomas Thompson Lease (Solicitor's report)
City Council
The City Council will consider a consent agenda that includes a resolution temporarily suspending the open consumption of alcoholic beverages ordinance for Rockin' the River events on three July dates, and a resolution appointing Finance Officer Brian Swetz to access confidential tax records from Berkheimer. The council will also approve minutes from previous meetings. Public input on pending legislation and presentations by council members are also scheduled.
- Suspension of open alcohol consumption ordinance for Rockin' the River on July 17, 24, and 31, 2026, from 5-10 p.m. in a designated area
- Appointment of Finance Officer Brian Swetz as liaison to Berkheimer to receive tax information and records for official purposes
- Approval of minutes from May 28, 2026 regular session, April 23 traffic committee, April 21 sanitary authority, and May 20 zoning hearing board
City Council
City Council is reviewing a resolution to temporarily suspend the open consumption of alcoholic beverages for the Rockin’ the River event. The body is also considering the appointment of a finance officer to access confidential tax records from Berkheimer.
- Proposed suspension of open alcohol consumption ordinance for Rockin’ the River on July 17, 24, and 31, 2026
- Proposed appointment of Finance Officer Brian Swetz as the liaison to receive tax records from Berkheimer
City Council
The Wilkes-Barre City Council will vote on a consent agenda that includes finalizing the 2026 Community Development Block Grant and HOME program budgets, which allocate $580,100 for street repairs, park upgrades, sewer maintenance, fire equipment, and public services. The council will also consider two ordinances updating parking regulations and approving land bank membership terms. Additional items include contracts for emergency shelters and message boards, temporary suspensions of alcohol and park hour rules for scheduled events, and approval of FEMA-required levee safety plans.
- Adopting the 2026 CDBG and HOME program budgets ($580,100) for street repairs, park improvements, sewer maintenance, fire equipment, demolition, and public services
- Approving a contract with Dilworth Paxson law firm to analyze the potential sale or lease of the city’s sanitary sewer system
- Purchasing an inflatable shelter system from Air Shelters USA, LLC ($81,331.88) and a digital message board from J-Tech ($33,975.00), both funded by an Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant
- Suspending open alcohol consumption rules for the America 250PA Concert Series #4 on June 20, 2026, and park hours for Night Golf Events at Hollenback Park through September 2026
- Amending Chapter 29 of the city code to update parking, stopping, and standing regulations (second and final reading)
Council unanimously approved all consent agenda items, including a resolution to hire Dilworth Paxson to analyze selling the sanitary sewer system, admission of new members to the Lower South Valley Land Bank, adoption of levee operation and emergency plans, and purchase of emergency shelter and message board. Final readings were given to the 2026 CDBG/HOME Action Plan and parking code amendments. No items were denied or tabled.
- Approved engagement with Dilworth Paxson to analyze potential sale/lease of sanitary sewer system (4-0)
- Approved admission of Wyoming Valley West School District and Luzerne Borough into Lower South Valley Land Bank (4-0)
- Approved temporary suspension of open-container ordinance for America250PA Concert Series #4 on June 20, 2026 (4-0)
- Approved Operation & Maintenance Manual and High-Water Operations/Emergency Preparedness Plan for Brookside Levee (4-0)
- Approved $81,331.88 contract with Air Shelters USA for ZUMRO inflatable shelter system with generator and HVAC (4-0)
- Approved $33,975 contract with J-Tech for digital message board with hydraulic lift (4-0)
- Approved temporary suspension of park hours for Night Golf Events on five dates in 2026 (4-0)
- Gave final approval to 2026 Action Plan (CDBG/HOME) and parking code amendments (4-0)
City Council
The council will hold final votes on two ordinances: adopting the 2026 Community Development Block Grant and HOME program budgets, and banning parking on Carey Avenue between 32 and 56 Carey. It will also consider resolutions to admit new members to the Lower South Valley Land Bank, temporarily allow open alcohol at a June 20 concert, hire Dilworth Paxson to analyze selling the city’s sewer system, and buy emergency equipment funded by federal grants.
- Final reading of ordinance adopting the 2026 Action Plan for CDBG and HOME programs, outlining spending on infrastructure, fire equipment, demolition, public services, and housing rehabilitation
- Final reading of ordinance banning parking on Carey Avenue between 32 and 56 Carey, with fines from $25 to $100
- Resolution to admit Wyoming Valley West School District and Luzerne Borough into the Lower South Valley Land Bank
- Resolution to authorize a contract with Air Shelters USA for a ZUMRO inflatable shelter system ($81,331.88), funded by an Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Grant
- Resolution to temporarily suspend park hours for five Night Golf events from May to September 2026
Zoning Hearing Board
The Zoning Hearing Board will hold public hearings to consider requests for variances and special exceptions. These applications involve residential conversions, business use changes, and building setbacks across various city zones.
- 190 Matson LLC: Request to increase apartment units from 12 to 14 and increase building height to 40 feet at 53 Woodward Street
- Imperium Automotive Group Inc.: Request to change nonconforming use to include auto vehicle sales at 305-307 Carey Avenue / 6 Corlear Street
- Jazmin Villanueva: Request to convert a single-family home to a 2-unit dwelling at 70 Academy Street
- Ariela Beltre Caro: Request to establish a beauty shop and supplies business at 411 East Northampton Street
- Edwin Vergara: Request to increase maximum building lot coverage from 40% to 74% at 90 Dana Street
Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre
This is a routine monthly meeting of the Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority. The board will receive reports from LAZ, the chairman, engineer (Central garage), solicitor, and executive director. They will also approve bills, noting that all recurring monthly bills have been transferred to LAZ.
- LAZ monthly report on parking operations
- Engineer's report on Central garage (Panzitta)
- Approval of bills; all recurring monthly bills transferred to LAZ
City Council
The City Council will consider authorizing up to $8 million in general obligation notes to refund existing bonds and fund capital improvements. They also have a consent agenda including a liquor license transfer to 788 Kidder Street, a contract with Simply Spatial for GIS and data services at $178,950, and an immunization services agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Health for $35,199.56. Ordinances up for final reading include the 2026 Action Plan for CDBG and HOME programs, and a first reading to amend parking regulations.
- Ordinance authorizing up to $8,000,000 in general obligation notes to refund Series C of 2015 and Series A of 2020 bonds and fund capital projects (second reading)
- Resolution approving transfer of restaurant liquor license from Hazleton to 788 Kidder Street (Burrito Loco WB, LLC)
- Resolution adopting a revision to the Act 537 Sewage Facilities Plan for Hanover Township affecting portions of Wilkes-Barre
- Resolution authorizing contract with Simply Spatial for GIS, IT, AI, and cybersecurity support ($178,950, funded by Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity grant)
- Ordinance adopting the 2026 Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant and HOME program budgets (first reading)
City Council
The City Council is considering an ordinance to issue up to $8,000,000 in general obligation notes for debt refunding and capital projects. The agenda also includes a liquor license transfer for Burrito Loco WB, LLC and several mayoral resolutions regarding data management and health services.
- Ordinance to issue up to $8,000,000 in general obligation notes
- Resolution to transfer a liquor license to 788 Kidder Street (Burrito Loco WB, LLC)
- $178,950.00 contract for GIS and data management services with Simply Spatial
- $35,199.56 agreement with the Pennsylvania Department of Health for immunization services
- Amendment to City Code regarding parking on Carey Avenue
City Council
City Council will hold a first reading of an ordinance authorizing up to $8 million in general obligation notes to refund existing bonds and fund capital projects. They will also consider resolutions to accept a $1 million RACP grant for a recovery house at 300 Courtright Avenue and to temporarily suspend open alcohol consumption for the Fine Arts Fiesta. Minutes from prior meetings will be approved.
- Ordinance for up to $8M in general obligation notes (first reading) to refund Series C of 2015 and Series A of 2020 bonds and fund capital projects
- Resolution authorizing $1M RACP grant for Wilkes-Barre Recovery House at 300 Courtright Avenue
- Temporary suspension of open alcohol consumption for Fine Arts Fiesta on Public Square from May 14-17, 2026 (wine only)
- Approval of minutes from March 18, 2026 Planning Commission and April 9, 2026 Council session
Parking Authority of Wilkes-Barre
The Wilkes-Barre Parking Authority will hold a routine board meeting with public comments, approval of prior minutes, and reports from LAZ, the chairman, engineer, solicitor, and executive director. The board will also approve monthly bills, noting that recurring bills have been transferred to LAZ. No major decisions or public hearings are listed on this agenda.
- LAZ monthly report and stripping quotes
- Approval of recurring monthly bills transferred to LAZ
- Review and approval of prior meeting minutes
- Reports from chairman, engineer, solicitor, executive director
City Council
The Wilkes-Barre City Council will consider an ordinance authorizing up to $8 million in general obligation notes to refund existing bonds, fund facility improvements, and purchase capital equipment. They will also vote on a resolution to accept a $1 million RACP grant for a recovery house project at 300 Courtright Avenue, and a resolution to temporarily allow wine consumption at the 2026 Fine Arts Fiesta.
- Ordinance authorizing up to $8,000,000 in general obligation notes for refunding 2015C and 2020 bonds, capital projects, and equipment
- Resolution accepting a $1,000,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant for the 'Wilkes-Barre Recovery House' at 300 Courtright Avenue
- Resolution suspending open consumption rules for wine at the 2026 Fine Arts Fiesta, May 14-17, 3 p.m. to close in Public Square
- Rescinding prior Resolution No. R0009-25 (passed Feb. 27, 2025)
Zoning Hearing Board
The Wilkes-Barre Zoning Hearing Board will hold a public hearing on April 15, 2026, to consider 10 zoning appeal applications. The agenda includes variances for residential conversions, special exceptions for nonconforming use changes, a continued hearing, and a request for a community garden. The board will also hear requests for manufacturing, a church sign, and mixed-use redevelopment.
- Continued hearing for Jazmin Villanueva at 70 Academy Street (variance to convert single-family to 2-unit dwelling, parking at 120 Academy Street)
- Northern Pet PA LLC special exception to add dog treat meat product manufacturing at 180 Darling Street
- Henry Mendoza special exception to change nonconforming use to mixed-use (restaurant, auto sales/service, 3 apartments, 2 storefronts) at 200-208 Carey Avenue
- Jamie Smith special exception and variances for community perennial flower garden/outdoor youth education space at 64 West Ross Street
- Anton Kiblytskyi variances for subdivision and single-family home construction at 263 Andover Street
City Council
The City Council will consider a resolution authorizing the police department to apply for a $22,820 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) for FY 2025. Funds would support community-based and non-community-based trainings, re-certification training, community policing, and saturation patrols in violent crime areas. The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from the Zoning Hearing Board, Traffic Committee, Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority, and the March 26 City Council regular session.
- Resolution to apply for FY 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial JAG grant of $22,820 for police training and patrols
- Consent agenda: approval of Zoning Hearing Board minutes from March 18, 2026
- Consent agenda: approval of Traffic Committee minutes from February 26, 2026
- Consent agenda: approval of Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority minutes from February 17, 2026
- Consent agenda: approval of City Council regular session minutes from March 26, 2026