x
Breaking News
More () »

Sprucing Up the Hill Section in Scranton

SCRANTON — Cleanup of a vacant lot in Scranton’s Hill Section is scheduled to take place this weekend and it is more than just a “cleanup.” This wee...
scr cleanup

SCRANTON -- Cleanup of a vacant lot in Scranton's Hill Section is scheduled to take place this weekend and it is more than just a “cleanup.”

This weekend, dozens of volunteers are expected to start cleaning up the blighted property that the Hill Neighborhood Association bought to make room for a space the community can enjoy.

“It's blight to the city and it doesn't look good. You have people coming in from other towns and areas and they are seeing all this blight and it's not being taken care of,” said Nicole Pettinato, Interim President of the Hill Neighborhood Association. “We want to get together and make sure the blight is cleared up."

The grassroots organization bought the property back in December for just under $1,000. Pettinato says the lot that sits at the corner of Clay Avenue and Poplar Street will act as a gateway into the hill section.

“Down on Jefferson Avenue, the university put together a whole green space there and a big sign that says ‘Historic Hill Section’ and we want to do something similar,” added Pettinato.

The cleanup will consist of mostly clearing the debris from the sidewalks and there will be more throughout the summer. People who live near the lot are excited to see the project begin.

“I guess it's going to be a little park which would be nice because we have a lot of kids in the area so that should work out well,” said Nette Mecca of Scranton.

Shawn Hallock of Scranton doesn't live near the lot but walks by it a few times a week. He hopes the property is turned into something families can enjoy.

"It's a good idea. You have kids here in this area so if they want to go play in the park it's right there,” said Hallock. “It won't make it look a mess. Those woods just make it look terrible.”

While the final plans for what the lot will become have not been set in stone. The hope is to have much of the work done by the end of the summer.

Before You Leave, Check This Out