Latest news with #PITTSTONTWP
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Indicators Forum focuses on housing crisis, educational collaboration
PITTSTON TWP. — As officials from The Institute gathered with local business and nonprofit leaders at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport on Tuesday for the 20th Indicators Forum, they shared signs of hope but also discussed numerous challenges facing the community — including a housing crisis and inequities in education — and ways to remedy the issues. Charlie Kasko, chair of the board of directors for The Institute — a regional data analytics and research organization — stressed the group remains focused on providing cutting-edge information to help the region grow and thrive. 'We deliver customized solutions and strategies that help leaders make informed decisions, accelerate growth and ensure long-term sustainability,' Kasko said. 'Our mission remains clear: to support the vitality of our region by equipping decision makers with the purest form of knowledge and data. The forum is more than just an event, it's a milestone in a two-decade journey of insights and impacts. The indicators have served as a critical lens through which we view our region — tracking trends in education, health care, infrastructure, housing, energy and the economy. These insights don't just tell us where we are, they illuminate the path forward. As we look ahead, we do so with clarity, purpose and a renewed commitment to data-driven decision making that builds a more vibrant, equitable and sustainable future for northeastern Pennsylvania.' Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for the Wright Center, added The Institute proves valuable information used by the organization all year. 'We use the data every single day to determine where we're going to place a clinic and where we're going to (focus) our efforts in order to address social and community needs,' he said. Johnson College President and CEO Katie Pittelli, Ed.D., chair of The Institute's advisory board — which features 14 institutions focused on regional issues impacting organizations and students — said she believes the collaboration between the different schools and groups helps move the area forward. 'Together, we make the region stronger by examining the issues and opportunities that impact us collectively,' she said. 'We've seen an increase in our college-educated and skilled workforce, which is critical for economic growth and innovation. The diversification of our economy has also contributed to our resilience, helped by thriving sectors such as health care, manufacturing and technology. There are still challenges ahead — particularly in ensuring equitable access to education and job opportunities for all residents — however we are moving in the right direction. We're working to create a brighter future, and the continued focus on strategic initiatives and community engagement will be vital as we strive to enhance the quality of life for all residents of our region.' * Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for The Wright Center, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) * Nathan Barrett, superintendent of the Hanover Area School District, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 2 Brian Ebersole, vice president of academic affairs and associate designated institutional officer for The Wright Center, provides remarks Tuesday morning during The Institute's annual Indicators Forum at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Jill Avery-Stoss, president of The Institute, noted while wages have increased over the past four years in the region, they haven't increased at the same rate as the climbing cost of living. 'One in five households in the region continue to report incomes under $25,000 a year, so there is a significant share of our households living in poverty,' she said. To earn a livable wage, a single adult needs to make about $43,000 per year to be able to afford housing, transportation, medical care and food, Avery-Stoss added. When you add in child care, a single adult with three children in day care must earn more than $128,000 to maintain that honest, dignified wage, she said. 'We have to continue to elevate the ecosystem here in NEPA to make it as inviting as possible,' Avery-Stoss said. 'We don't want to lose our graduates and we desperately need to reengage with the sizable share of the population — aged 16 to 24 years old — who are disconnected from education and the workforce. We have great labor force participation, but we also have many jobs that need to be filled. It's particularly important to focus on educating students about the diverse opportunities out there.' Nathan Barrett, superintendent of the Hanover Area School District, noted there has been a glaring drop in the number of people becoming teachers in the state over the past decade. 'In 2016, there were 18,000 teaching licenses issued by the commonwealth of Pennsylvania,' he said. 'For the last two years, we've had 6,000. There is a growing need for teachers due to the lack of support — so to speak — throughout the commonwealth. But that's not what I'm seeing. I'm very optimistic about the resources and opportunities that are provided to us.' In terms of the housing situation, Avery-Stoss indicated several factors, including employment growth, population growth, pandemic impacts and limited development, have led to higher costs of living. 'We've historically been known as a region with an affordable cost of living, but those factors … have put a strain on our housing stock which has added upward pressure to costs for renters and homeowners,' she said. 'We're looking at something of a housing crisis. Since 2019, the typical home values have nearly doubled, especially in Luzerne County where they've grown about 91%.' Avery-Stoss added the home values are up 81% in Wayne County and 71% in Lackawanna County — which are also significantly higher than the statewide and national numbers of 54% and 57%, respectively. Typical market rent has followed a similar trend since 2019 as rental costs have grown 42% in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre/Hazleton metro area compared to 35% at the national level, Avery-Stoss said. Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo praised officials from The Institute for developing a 'comprehensive road map' to address housing needs. The 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 analysis of existing zoning and planning codes, she said. 'This initiative is not just a plan, it's a vision for a brighter future — one that recognizes that housing is a fundamental pillar of economic development and community well-being,' Crocamo said. 'It's data, but it's also the faces of the people we live with. In my role as the county manager, I've gained a deep understanding of the multifaceted barriers and challenges related to housing in our region, and the significant impact these issues have on individuals and families. These challenges not only affect where people live, but they also have far-reaching consequences on their health, employment opportunities and educational performance. 'We all know stable and affordable housing is essential for fostering a thriving economy. When residents have access to safe and secure homes, they can contribute to their communities, pursue education and job opportunities. By addressing our housing needs, we are not only providing shelter, but also creating a foundation for growth, stability and prosperity for all the residents of Luzerne County and the region.'
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bi-County Airport Board hears report on May 7 roll-out of REAL ID
Apr. 24—PITTSTON TWP. — Mark C. Bailer, Scranton, director of public safety at the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, on Thursday reported on the May 7, roll-out of REAL-ID. Bailer, who started in the position on March 21, advised the Bi-County Airport Board to inform their constituents to be ready for the mandatory start of REAL ID. "Customers without REAL ID will still be able to fly, but the process will be twice as long to get through security," Bailer said. With federal REAL ID enforcement beginning May 7, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll, along with officials from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport, and the American Automobile Association, recently encouraged Pennsylvanians to prepare now. Getting a REAL ID is optional in Pennsylvania, but beginning May 7, travelers will need a REAL ID driver's license or ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification — such as a valid passport or military ID — to board a domestic commercial flight, and enter a military base or other federal facilities that require ID at the door. More than 2.6 million Pennsylvanians have gotten a REAL ID driver's license or ID card since they became available in the state in 2019. A passport is still needed for international travel. Federal REAL ID regulations require that PennDOT must verify the following documents: —Proof of identity. —Proof of Social Security number. —Two proofs of current, physical PA address. —Proof of all legal name changes. When a customer gets their first REAL ID, they will pay a one-time fee of $30, plus the renewal fee, which is $39.50 for a four-year non-commercial driver's license and $42.50 for a photo ID. In other business, the Airport Board: —Heard a report from Carl R. Beardsley Jr., executive director, on passenger activity. "As you can see, we are experiencing significant growth," Beardsley said. Beardsley said passenger enplanements for the month of March 2025 increased 27.7% to 21,475 — up from 16,814 in the month of March 2024. In March 2025, 3 departing flights were cancelled — 2 for weather and 1 for maintenance. Beardsley said this accounts for 130 (.5%) out of a total of 26,986 departure seats. Also, five arriving flights were cancelled — four for weather and one for maintenance. —Approved the Airport Use Agreement between the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport and Breeze Aviation Group, effective April 1, 2025. —Authorize the advertisement for bids for HVAC Maintenance Services. —Approved the financial report of Chris Dalessandro, Director of Finance, that showed for the month of March 2025, Airport Operations had an income totaling $135,640 compared to an income of $5,571 in March 2024 — a difference of $130,069. Dalessandro said year to date, the profit is $294,388, compared to a loss in 2024 of $267,577 — a difference of $561,965. Invoices received since the last meeting for supplies and services totaling $738,644.95 were approved by the Board. These invoices include major construction project costs of $316,5636.73. —Approved three appointments presented by Michelle Aigeldinger, Director of Human Resources: — Anthony Constantine, Dunmore, Maintenance 2, to be effective once confirmation of airport clearances and approved physical are received. — Bryan Cadwalder, Old Forge, to Maintenance 2, to be effective once confirmation of airport clearances and approved physical are received. — Jonathan Crawn, Dupont, to Maintenance 2, to be effective once confirmation of airport clearances and approved physical are received. —Heard updates from Stephen Mykulyn, P.E., director of engineering, on engineering projects. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
McDermott unanimously elected chair of Bi-County Airport Board
Mar. 27—PITTSTON TWP. — Luzerne County Council Member Lee Ann McDermott was unanimously elected chair of the Bi-County Airport Board on Thursday. McDermott replaces former Lackawanna County Commissioner Matt McGloin, who resigned earlier this month. McDermott had been serving as vice chair. McGloin resigned as a Lackawanna County commissioner to accept an assistant coaching position at Boston College football job that he quickly quit. McGloin, a former NFL and Penn State quarterback had agreed to join the staff of his former head coach, Bill O'Brien, at Boston College. McGloin abruptly decided to not take the Boston College job and he also decided to not return to his county commissioner's position. McGloin and fellow Democrat Bill Gaughan were elected in 2023 and took office as the county's majority commissioners in January 2024. Lackawanna County has not named a replacement for McGloin on the Board of Commissioners. McDermott thanked her fellow board members and immediately began the board meeting. A vice chair was not elected on Thursday. In other business: —Carl Beardsley, Jr., the airport's executive director, announced increased flights to Washington-Dulles International Airport. Effective March 31, there will be three daily departures and arrivals between Wilkes-Barre/Scranton and Washington-Dulles — departures at 6 a.m., 10:05 a.m. and 2:50 p.m.; arrivals at 9:42 a.m., 2:02 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Beardsley said the 10:05 a.m. departure and the 9:42 a.m. arrival are new flights that will be offered beginning March 31. —Accepted the resignation of Eric McKitish, Pittston, director of marketing, communications and air service development, effective April 7. —Appointed Mark C. Bailer, Scranton, as director of public safety, effective March 21. —McKitish reported that the deadline for Real ID is May 7. —Beardsley reported passenger activity increased in January and February. He said passenger enplanements for the month of January 2025 increased 47.6% to 20,444 from 13,849 in the month of January 2024. In January 2025, 11 departing flights were cancelled, all for weather. This accounts for 702 (2.6%) out of a total of 27,208 departure seats. Also, 11 arriving flights were cancelled, all for weather. Passenger enplanements for the month of February 2025 increased 32.8% to 19,962, up from 15,027 in the month of February 2024. In February 2025, 7 departing flights were cancelled, all for weather. This accounts for 379 (1.5%) out of a total of 25,714 departure seats. Also, 7 arriving flights were cancelled, all for weather. —The board approved a HVAC maintenance agreement extension with Scranton Electric Heating & Cooling Service Inc., Throop, for professional services until current HVAC project is completed. The total monthly cost is not to exceed $2,974.17. —The board welcomed Betty J. Teichman, Bloomsburg, as assistant airport director, who began working on Feb. 24. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
