Latest news with #Crocamo
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Institute's 20th annual Indicators Report tracking the future of NEPA
May 20—AVOCA — Brian Ebersole, vice president of Academic Affairs at The Wright Centers, on Tuesday told a crowd of about 250 at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, that the 20th annual Indicators Report of The Institute is "the Super Bowl" of tracking the future of Northeast Pennsylvania. And to carry the metaphor a bit further, the report offered several touchdowns as it matriculated down the field of data, research and projections. Dr. Katie Pittelli, President of Johnson College, told the crowd, "We are all working together for a better future for NEPA." Teri Ooms, chief executive officer of The Institute; Jill Avery-Stoss, president; and Charlie Kasko, board chair, carried the ball most of the morning, offering key information and introducing several presenters on all main indicators. Ooms and Avery-Stoss said The Institute was founded on the belief that good data drives good decisions. Since 2004, the mission has been to serve organizations and communities by providing "empirical, objective research that drives discussion and informs action." For nearly two decades, Institute data and research on a wide range of topics have helped policymakers and community leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors understand and address some of the region's biggest challenges. The annual Indicators Forum is an opportunity to share this data and research. Conversations from past Indicators events have been a driving force behind many economic and community revitalization initiatives that produce positive outcomes in Northeast Pennsylvania. "It is our desire that the information in this year's program will provoke thought and discussion that reveal new priorities and continue to advance our region," Ooms said. Dr. Pittelli said the first Indicators report was in 2006 and covered approximately 40 Indicators in the region. In the coming weeks, the Times Leader will feature each of The Institute's Indicators and explain each in detail. Housing Romilda Crocamo, Luzerne County Manager, discussed housing in the region, and she spoke about the importance of The Institute and its work. "I stand before you today with immense pride and gratitude as we gather to applaud the remarkable work of The Institute in developing a comprehensive road-map to address our housing needs," Crocamo said. "This initiative is not just a plan — it is a vision for a brighter future, one that recognizes that housing is a fundamental pillar of economic development and community well-being." Crocamo said in her role as county manager, she has gained a deep understanding of the multi-faceted barriers and challenges related to housing in the region and the significant impact these issues have on individuals and families. "These challenges not only affect where people live, but also have far-reaching consequences on their health, employment opportunities, and educational performance," Crocamo said. "As we all know, stable and affordable housing is essential for fostering a thriving economy." Crocamo said when residents have access to safe and secure homes, they can contribute to their communities, pursue education and job opportunities, and participate fully in the economic landscape. "By addressing our housing needs, we are not only providing shelter, but also creating a foundation for growth, stability, and prosperity for all residents of Luzerne County," Crocamo said. Recently, Crocamo said The Institute responded to the county's call for proposals related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grants by putting forth an ambitious plan for a comprehensive county-wide housing needs assessment, which sought funding to address these pressing issues. "I am pleased to report that their proposal was awarded, and they have since prepared a detailed housing needs assessment," Crocamo said. "This thorough analysis encompasses community profiles, insights into housing development, interviews with housing professionals and community leaders, as well as a rigorous examination of secondary data and an analysis of existing zoning and planning codes." Furthermore, Crocamo said The Institute has compiled a series of well-considered recommendations, not only addressing the needs of Luzerne County itself, but also providing guidance for local communities, private developers, and nonprofit housing leaders. "As we review the report and its recommendations, we are taking proactive steps to form a dedicated housing committee and to re-evaluate our zoning and planning codes to better align with our communities' needs," Crocamo said. "Moreover, this commitment to housing is a testament to our collective responsibility to our residents. Every individual deserves a place to call home, a sanctuary where they can build their lives and dreams." Crocamo said the county's partnership with The Institute underscores the dedication to ensuring that everyone in the community has access to quality housing. "Together, we can create a future where no one is left behind, where families can thrive, and where our economy can flourish," Crocamo said. The county manager said Luzerne County is fully committed to working closely with The Institute to turn this road map into reality. "We understand that collaboration and innovation are key to overcoming the challenges we face in the housing sector," Crocamo said. "By aligning our resources, expertise, and passion, we can make significant strides toward fulfilling the housing needs of our residents." In light of these developments and with The Institute's pivotal role in facilitating regional planning discussions, Crocamo said she and the county are optimistic that more communities throughout Luzerne County will be inspired to collaborate and engage in "meaningful partnerships as we work towards enhancing housing solutions for all residents." Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Luzerne County Government Study Commission assesses creation of prison, public defender's boards
Apr. 30—Luzerne County's Government Study Commission recently reached a decision on the possible creation of a county jail oversight board and public defender advisory board. The commission is drafting a revised county home rule charter for voters to consider in the November general election. Initially, the commission considered a mandate for council to create both boards along with specifications on the board membership. After lengthy debate, the seven citizen commission members unanimously agreed to give council the option to create them as it sees fit through this added clause: "To promote the fair and equal administration of justice and to protect the county against potential litigation and liability, County Council may establish a County Jail Oversight Board and a Public Defender Advisory Board in accordance with state law." To ensure council seriously contemplates the matter, commission members said wording also will be added in a not-yet-completed transitional section setting a timeline for council to initiate a study of both. Prison board Before home rule took effect in 2012, decisions about prison staffing and operations were made by a prison board comprised of the three county commissioners, district attorney, county controller, sheriff and a judge or judicial representative. Under the current structure, the county manager oversees prison operations and selects a correctional services division head who must be confirmed by county council. Study commission member Stephen J. Urban expressed support for a prison board when County Manager Romilda Crocamo appeared before the commission in December. Urban, a prior county councilman, maintained that a prison board could "offer some advice" and possibly help reduce prison litigation. Crocamo told Urban that a prison board could appear to be a good thing in theory, but the facility had "become a political dumping ground" in the past. Crocamo said two county branches — correctional services and Children, Youth and Families — have more liability exposure due to the nature of their work, but the county has worked to implement positive changes, such as a medication-assisted treatment program for inmates suffering from opioid withdrawal upon arrival. Crocamo also retained Dauphin County-based Sweeney Corrections Consulting to examine prison operations and said this week a public report on its recommendations and findings will be released soon. The study commission initially considered requiring a board to oversee the county prison system operation and maintenance and ensure the health and safekeeping of inmates. It would have included seven to nine members, including at least three citizens appointed by the county manager subject to council confirmation. Public defender The commission's consideration of a public defender advisory board evolved from a suggestion by past county chief public defender Al Flora. The public defender's office must provide legal representation for qualifying indigent applicants. In a written communication earlier this year, Flora told the commission "the current organizational structure compromises the independence of" the public defender's office and threatens its "ability to provide competent and effective representation." Among other suggestions, Flora proposed creating a five-person "select committee" to hire and fire the chief public defender and oversee office operations. In this scenario, the county Court of Common Pleas president judge would appoint two members. Three other entities — the chief judge of the county's minor judiciary, the county bar association executive committee and county council — also would each appoint a member. Like the correctional services head, the current charter made the chief public defender one of eight division heads nominated by the county manager, with council majority confirmation required for a hiring to take effect. While the commission did not advance a select committee concept, it added a requirement for the manager to obtain council confirmation to remove the chief public defender. The commission's initial proposal to create a public defender advisory board would have established a panel of seven to nine members to assist the county manager in ensuring the office "receives the independence and support necessary to fulfill its mission." This panel would have included at least three citizens appointed by council. Commission debate When discussing both boards, study commission members raised questions about their powers and whether their creation was essential to improve operations. Based on the unknowns, the commission agreed council should be empowered to perform this analysis and act accordingly. Commission Chairman Ted Ritsick said Wednesday he expects the proposed charter will give council nine to 12 months — a time has not yet been approved — to initiate a study. "We agree this is important to consider, but it's something better viewed as a legislative function of council," Ritsick said. "The commission only has a very limited amount of time and cannot give this matter the due diligence it needs." Commission Vice Chairman Vito Malacari concurred, saying the recommendation will "force council's hand" to examine both boards and publicly report its determination. "It allows them as a legislative body to do the work of the people," he said. Malacari also expressed hesitancy to "tie the hands of council" by locking in a new structure for the public defender's office in the charter. He noted there is a movement pushing the state to address funding shortages and other issues encountered by public defender's offices that may impact future decisions. The commission will meet at 6 p.m. Thursday in the county courthouse on River Street in Wilkes-Barre, with instructions for the remote attendance option posted under council's online meeting section (scroll down) at Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Yahoo
Broadway Street Bridge closed immediately
NANTICOKE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Effective immediately, the Broadway Street Bridge that connects Nanticoke to West Nanticoke is shut down. According to Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo, a recent inspection uncovered 'advanced deterioration of load-carrying members' on the bridge. U.S. Secret Service nabs SNAP benefits skimming suspect Crocamo states that the county is working with PennDOT to implement the closure, with more information to come at a later time. There has been no indication as to how long the bridge will remain closed. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
