WILKES-BARRE -- Casino gaming money is paying off for projects in Luzerne County.
The county will receive almost $13 million in state grants and a chunk of that will go into Wilkes-Barre revitalization.
Wilkes-Barre will receive about $2 million from state grants. About $500,000 of that money will go to Public Square, which some folks say can definitely use an upgrade.
"I think the sidewalks need a little work," said Jackie Lucas of Wilkes-Barre. "People can easily trip."
"It's a mess!" added Margaret Barteld."It needs a lot of fixing."
Public Square in Wilkes-Barre used to be considered a jewel of the Diamond City, but over time folks say that jewel has lost its luster.
The fountain, for instance, doesn't shoot water, something Ruthann Rudick of Swoyersville didn't know until she came to the square with her grandkids.
"They were expecting the sprinkler system and they were disappointed. We were disappointed with that!"
The fountain used to work, but it stopped in 2008.
"I remember years ago when I was down here, I remember kids running in and having a good time in the fountain," said Barteld.
The fountain will become a priority in the city's plan to renovate the square. They're calling it Project Innovation Square, and the city is receiving $500,000 in state gaming money to help fund it.
"We've been trying to get this side of the square completed, and this will help us," said Mayor Tom Leighton.
Renovating Public Square is something local business leaders say will help industry in Wilkes-Barre.
"As a first step to drive businesses to come back downtown," said Wico Van Genderen, Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce.
More businesses downtown is good news to businesses already there, like Center City Cafe.
"Any improvement means more customers, more people come to see it," said Regina Poplawski.
People visiting Public Square for the city's farmer's market also can't wait for the improvements.
"Everybody enjoys it, coming down to the farmer's market and everything," said Barteld.
"If the kids come, the parents have to bring them," Rudick added.
The city expects to receive the grant over the next couple of months. The renovations are still in the planning stages but could start sometime next year.