09-04-2025
Scranton receives $1.93 million for Clover Field improvements and more
Soon, dogs and children, among others, will get to enjoy upgrades at Clover Field.
A $1 million grant was received by the city of Scranton, state Reps. Kyle Donahue, D-113, Scranton, and Bridget Kosierowski, D-114, Waverly Twp., announced in a joint news release Tuesday.
The Main Street Matters funding was awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for projects in Lackawanna County.
'This is a big win for our community,' said Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti in a news release. 'The Clover Field renovation will provide more accessible recreation options in West Side for residents of all ages. We are grateful to the Commonwealth for recognizing the value of this project, and for the support of our state representatives Donahue and Kosierowski.'
State Resolution 154, dated Nov. 26, laid out the project's need for funding and authorized Cognetti and 'other appropriate city officials' to execute and submit a grant application by the city's Office of Economic and Community Development through the Commonwealth Financing Authority for a Local Share Account grant for 'up to $1,060,000' for Clover Field improvements.
The funding is to be used 'to assist with general conditions and services, site demolition and site preparation, site access, parking, and streetscape.'
Proposed recreation facilities laid out in the document include a 'dog park, playground, basketball and pickleball courts,' as well as grading, drainage, and stormwater management.
'We're doing a ton with the parks,' confirmed Chris Hughes, the city's communications director.
The release said the project aims to enhance community through recreation.
'The Clover Field Site Renovation and Recreation Improvements project will deliver modern amenities and infrastructure upgrades that promote public health, community pride, and neighborhood connectivity,' the release states, adding the dog park, playground, basketball and pickleball courts, and soccer field and parking renovation will provide 'a safe, social space for pets and their owners,' 'a safe and engaging place for children,' support for 'active lifestyles across age groups,' and an improvement in 'safety, accessibility, and overall aesthetics.'
The grant comes about two years after a fire damaged the fieldhouse at Clover Field. The fire was deemed arson, Fire Chief John Judge told The Times-Tribune at the time. The unoccupied building was slated for demolition.
In addition to the grant for Clover Field, Kosierowski and Donohue announced funds aimed at two other projects in Scranton, bringing the total amount of funding on projects in the city to $1.93 million.
Grants of $880,806 were provided to the United Neighborhood Community Development Corp. for 'Pine Brook at 601 Capouse Avenue Site Acquisition.' The funds are part of a project in progress to transform a blighted gateway of the Pine Brook neighborhood with 41 units of multifamily affordable housing on a 2-acre site at Capouse Avenue and Olive Street. The $22.5 million plan includes creating 'infill' housing in the lower Capouse Avenue area and revamping the defunct Penn Ridge pool, with the city taking the lead on that project. On Monday, The Times-Tribune reported Scranton's plans to replace the pool with a splash pad and playground.
The grants amount to $477,000 for site acquisition and $403,806 for site preparation.
Additionally, as part of the United Neighborhood Community Development Corp. project, the Sweeney's Beach area along the Lackawanna River will be connected to the nearby Chic Feldman Field.
Kosierowski said the Pine Brook project will provide for decent, affordable housing for low- to moderate-income individuals and families in Scranton, per a news release. She added the project will also complement the ongoing revitalization efforts that are invigorating Pine Brook and improve the economic, social and aesthetic standing of the neighborhood while adding 41 needed affordable, quality apartments.
'I am a big supporter of the Pine Brook Revitalization Plan that is spearheaded by United Neighborhood Centers in partnership with NeighborWorks,' Kosierowski said. 'This funding will assist with the acquisition and preparation of sites in Pine Brook that will provide for better housing options along this vital corridor.'
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania received $50,000 as part of Lackawanna County's total $1.93 million Main Street Matters grant package for the 115 N. Main Avenue Design project.
Donahue said funding for the 115 N. Main Ave Design Project and the rehabilitation of Clover Field will continue to advance the goals set forth in the West Scranton Neighborhood Plan. It aims to improve on the community character and commercial corridors of West Scranton by strengthening connections and enhancing community anchors to improve quality of life for residents.
The Main Street Matters program aims to help cities and towns across Pennsylvania repair historic buildings, improve pedestrian safety and provide direct support to small businesses. Other goals include helping revitalize downtown areas, helping businesses grow and overall improving community infrastructure.
