SCRANTON, Pa. — The city of Carbondale wants to make millions of dollars in upgrades to improve infrastructure and recreation, from cleaning and adding Trailways to building a community amphitheater.
"The core neighborhood plan is important to us because we want to get into the neighborhoods. Start to develop a healthy, strong environment in our neighborhoods. I always say thriving, united, joyful, and safe neighborhoods and Carbondale," said Mayor Michele Bannon of Carbondale.
Bannon unveiled the Carbondale Core Neighborhood Plan earlier this week. The 10-year project, which will be assisted by NeighborWorks, is estimated to cost 4 to 5 million dollars.
The project aims to breathe new life into the oldest city in Lackawanna County.
"We recognize that it's really in need of a larger investment. So in order to do that, you need to have a plan. You need to start with a plan," said Todd Pousley of NeighborWorks Northeastern PA.
"It sounds amazing. It's just when is it gonna happen? You know, that's the thing," said Gerald Dimick.
While he's worried about the time frame, Dimick says money being put back into the city will benefit those who want to stay and raise a family there.
"They thought about the hotel, and they made it happen," said Dimick. "But I mean, Carbondale is pretty small. You could look on one side and see the rest of it."
One of the more significant projects in the Neighborhood Plan is replacing the intersection at North Main and Church Streets with a roundabout.
That construction would take place right outside Albert's Pharmacy.
"You know, as far as the big projects like the roundabout, that sort of thing. I think they really need to think about that before they, you know, try to make any drastic change to this part of the city. But as far as overall improvements to the city, you know, I do commend the work there they put it in," said Wall.
To learn more about the Carbondale Core Neighborhood Plan, click here.