LEIGHTON & KANJORSKI ANNOUNCE SIGNIFICANT FUNDING FOR COAL STREET PARK RENOVATION PROJECT

CLICK PICTURES FOR LARGER VERSIONS

WILKES-BARRE, PA -  Mayor Thomas M. Leighton announced today that the City of Wilkes-Barre’s $13.7 million project to rehabilitate Coal Street Park into a premier recreational complex has received $12 million in tax credits through the efforts of Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski, state and county officials.   

“The renovation of Coal Street Park is a great example of how municipalities like Wilkes-Barre, working in cooperation with county, state and federal levels of government and the private sector can provide outstanding offerings for their residents.  Through the cooperative efforts and support of officials such as Governor Edward G. Rendell, Congressman Kanjorski and the Luzerne County Commissioners, this public park will be completely renewed,” said Leighton. 

The New Markets Tax Credit is a $19.5 billion federal initiative that provides incentives to attract private investment for business growth and community development opportunities in underserved neighborhoods.

Congressman Kanjorski added, “These $12 million in tax credits are especially important because they are providing money to a project that might not have otherwise received funding during these turbulent times.  Many states and municipalities, like Wilkes-Barre, have recently encountered difficulties in issuing bonds at affordable rates to fund roads, bridges, schools, and sewer projects, because of the economic downturn.  Fortunately, we have the New Markets Tax Credit to help fill this void and ensure the completion of needed projects, like the Coal Street Park renewal.”

In addition to the Congressman Kanjorski’s acquisition of the New Markets Tax Credit, the Coal Street Park Renovation Project has garnered the support of other local, county and state officials.  Recognizing the tremendous economic impact that the project will have on the area, Wilkes-Barre City Council passed the funding for construction financing on its first reading.  The city has been awarded a $4.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, a $1 million grant from Luzerne County and is listed as a top project by Senator Bob Casey.  The park will be financed through a collaborative effort with PNC Bank and a non-profit organization formed by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.    

Coal Street Park:  Offerings and Amenities
The 31 acre park will be extensively rehabilitated, injecting life into one of the city’s most highly trafficked roadways, creating an attractive entrance to downtown Wilkes-Barre and providing excellent public recreation offerings.  The centerpiece of the project will be a two-story structure which will house a 500-seat hockey rink, state-of-the-art training facilities and office space.  In addition, this facility will offer many opportunities for the public to ice skate, as well as participate in organized youth and adult ice hockey leagues, tournaments and sports camps.

“The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins look forward to having a presence in the City of Wilkes-Barre at Coal Street Park.  The Coal Street location will provide outstanding resources for the team, as well as for members of the public who love to play ice hockey and other sports,” said Jeff Barrett, CEO of the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.  

The former Ice-A-Rama structure will be renovated and connected to the new two-story new construction.  The physical landscape of the park will also be reshaped with the demolition of the pool and the addition of amenities.  Over $600,000 has been earmarked for the construction of two lighted basketball courts, tennis courts, an ADA playground and a multi-use sports field.  The park will once again welcome youth sports teams to its grounds and aesthetically enhance the surrounding residential area.  Improved parking, lighting and security cameras will ensure the safety of the public who will enjoy these facilities and programs.

“The renovation of Coal Street Park reflects the City of Wilkes-Barre’s commitment to investing in the quality of life of its residents.  So many people have fond memories of ice skating, playing basketball, tennis and other sports there.  As a result of this project, a whole new generation will be able to enjoy the facilities at Coal Street Park,” said Leighton.

Facility Construction
Highland Associates, Clarks Summit, is the design architect and Premium Builders, Wilkes-Barre, is the construction manager on the project.  Construction is scheduled to continue for the next 18 months.