How do you want to see Scranton move forward? (Wilkes-Barre: neighborhood, high school)

[Magritte25]

One huge thing that I think is woefully overlooked by Scranton and Wilkes Barre alike is Public Transportation. I know many people who would do much more in these cities at night if public transportation were available and dependable.

Take games at the stadium in Scranton. If there were public transport there, I'd be there lickety split. My husband drives, but I do not. And even if I did, we only have one car.

Public Transporation is the way to go, IMO.

[ScranBarre]

Originally Posted by Magritte25

Public Transporation is the way to go, IMO.

Sadly there are too many naysayers here for that to happen. Just look at everyone flipping out over the prospect of being able to take a train to NYC for a fun day-trip because it might "import the city trash." (as if they couldn't already get here via bus). They'd rather continue to sit in rush-hour back-ups on I-81 through the metroplex than to encourage smart long-range urban planning, mass transit, etc.

[Magritte25]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

Sadly there are too many naysayers here for that to happen. Just look at everyone flipping out over the prospect of being able to take a train to NYC for a fun day-trip because it might "import the city trash." (as if they couldn't already get here via bus). They'd rather continue to sit in rush-hour back-ups on I-81 through the metroplex than to encourage smart long-range urban planning, mass transit, etc.

Unfortunately, I believe you are right. I've never seen a whole area of people who so look down on public transportation. It's so sad. There are so many advantages to the area as a whole but people here are too caught up in the "car = worth" mindset.

[NYRangers 2008]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

A "traffic nightmare" on a few evenings a week would be a good thing to help spur nearby business growth. The stadium could have an attached garage for parking, and there should be a small visitors' kiosk of sorts right in front of the turnstiles with all sorts of pamphlets, brochures, menus, etc. from city businesses. Some Yankees players could do "meet-and-greets" on occasion at places like Poor Richard's, Kildare's, Andy Gavin's, etc. Pittsburgh, in many ways "Scranton on steroids," has TWO stadiums adjacent to its downtown core, and that most certainly hasn't detrimentally impacted that area.

I think the location of the Wachovia Arena in WB Township is a perfect location for an arena. It's right off of I-81 and those business around it must prosper every time there is an event like a Pens game or a concert. There are hotels, stores and restaurants right there. I don't believe there is enough land immediately in or around Scranton to build a baseball stadium. But, once again, who is going to foot the bill for this stadium? If it's the Yankees fine, but not with taxpayer money.

[NYRangers 2008]

Originally Posted by Magritte25

Unfortunately, I believe you are right. I've never seen a whole area of people who so look down on public transportation. It's so sad. There are so many advantages to the area as a whole but people here are too caught up in the "car = worth" mindset.

I don't look down on public transportation and I'm not caught up in the "car worth" mindset either. I just love the freedom a car brings me. I can get in and go anywhere at anytime and I don't have to wait for anybody. If I didn't have my car I think I would go mad, since I spend so much time out of Scranton.

[Magritte25]

Originally Posted by NYRangers 2008

I don't look down on public transportation and I'm not caught up in the "car worth" mindset either. I just love the freedom a car brings me. I can get in and go anywhere at anytime and I don't have to wait for anybody. If I didn't have my car I think I would go mad, since I spend so much time out of Scranton.

That is not exactly what I meant. After all, we own a car as well. What I meant was that people seem to look down on those that use the city bus system. It's kind of a joke around here. Ask around about the people who take the bus in Wilkes Barre and you will see what I mean.

I am happy that we have a car as well. I spend a lot of time in Wilkes Barre, but we do go other places that you simply need a car to get to - Knoebel's, Lehigh Valley area, state parks, etc.

[NYRangers 2008]

Originally Posted by Magritte25

That is not exactly what I meant. After all, we own a car as well. What I meant was that people seem to look down on those that use the city bus system. It's kind of a joke around here. Ask around about the people who take the bus in Wilkes Barre and you will see what I mean.

I am happy that we have a car as well. I spend a lot of time in Wilkes Barre, but we do go other places that you simply need a car to get to - Knoebel's, Lehigh Valley area, state parks, etc.

I would think the reason why those people would look down on those that take city buses is because they think they're better than they are because they have the money to own a car and they don't. That thought never crossed my mind when I see people on a city bus. But, I knew what you were getting at.

[go phillies]

Originally Posted by The-Electric-City

I agree with ScranBarre on the new minor-league stadium. Our stadium is already outdated.

A total waste of money to replace a stadium that's only 20 years old. There is nothing wrong with our current stadium....there's brand new party decks, and a brand new clubhouse that is on par with major league clubhouses. Unless the Yankees are willing to foot the bill for the stadium with no tax dollars, they should stay right where they are. They don't draw enough of a crowd to justify a new ballpark anyways.

Should they have built in downtown to begin with? Sure. But what's done is done and we can't afford to foot the bill for the multi-billion-dollar enterprise that is the NY Yankees.

[go phillies]

Originally Posted by Magritte25

What I meant was that people seem to look down on those that use the city bus system. It's kind of a joke around here. Ask around about the people who take the bus in Wilkes Barre and you will see what I mean.

If you've seen the crowds hanging around Public Square during the week waiting for the bus, you'll know why its such a joke around here. The types of riff-raff hanging around the square waiting for the buses, many of them cursing, smoking, getting into screaming matches, etc etc might be something that scares away a lot of regular working people from taking the buses.

I like to take walks on my breaks from work, but I try to avoid the Square, especially near the Kirby Center and the Anthracite newstand, because of all the yahoos that hang out there. There's more secondhand smoke there than inside a smoky bar.

[NYRangers 2008]

Originally Posted by go phillies

A total waste of money to replace a stadium that's only 20 years old. There is nothing wrong with our current stadium....there's brand new party decks, and a brand new clubhouse that is on par with major league clubhouses. Unless the Yankees are willing to foot the bill for the stadium with no tax dollars, they should stay right where they are. They don't draw enough of a crowd to justify a new ballpark anyways.

You're right. They just did major renovations to it 2 years ago. It's not like it's a relic or something. I was there the other day for a game and I was amazed at all the empty seats. Everyone was saying 2 years ago when the Yankees came that it was such a big deal and more people would come to the games. This turned out to be false. What makes people think that they would draw more of a crowd if the stadium was closer to or in downtown Scranton? I don't think it would make a difference. Besides, I liked the team better when they were the Red Barons.