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Crews Repair Gas Lines at Taylor Housing Complex

TAYLOR — The Lackawanna County Housing Authority said a handful of residents may be able to return to their homes in the complex in Taylor Thursday night ...
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TAYLOR -- The Lackawanna County Housing Authority said a handful of residents may be able to return to their homes in the complex in Taylor Thursday night at 7pm, but the rest of the residents may not be home until the weekend.

Utility crews were back at this housing complex in Lackawanna County replacing gas lines on Thursday.

On Tuesday night, the 136 units in the development in Taylor were evacuated after a gas leak.

Residents haven’t been able to come back since.

The Lackawanna County Housing Authority, which owns the complex, decided to replace all the gas lines at the complex before the residents move back in.

Jim dartt/lackawanna county housing authority
"We didn't feel confident in the old lines and we didn't want to risk anyone's lives. Safety is the main concern for our residents," said Jim Dartt, Executive Director of the Lackawanna County Housing Authority.

The housing authority said despite the frigid temperatures things are moving along quickly, in the hopes that residents can come home soon.

Dartt said, "We have the cooperation of everyone. The borough, the school district, the utility companies, UGI, everyone is really just pitching in and helping us out."

The director at the housing complex said they'll move the residents back in two phases.

The first phase includes those who live in the Little League Blvd section.

The larger section, Kennedy Blvd, will be part of that second phase of moving back.

Which means residents might not be back home for a few more days.

"They get to come back to their homes. They're older now and they like to be alone," said Daisy Valentin of Scranton.

Valentin said her mom lives in the little league section and her dad lives in the Kennedy Blvd section.

They’re both staying with her and she said they’re glad they can go home soon.

Diane Chrobak said her mom is staying with her in Taylor for the time being and they’re staying positive.

"My mom loves it here. They've been really great. What are you gonna do? This happens," said Chrobak.

The Lackawanna County Housing Authority said when residents do return home, the heat will be back on and everything should be working.

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