I love living near downtown Wilkes-Barre

[InfectedMushroom]

Going down Main street at night now is a total 180 from what it used to be like about 10 years ago. People walking the streets, better lighting and actual cars parked on the street! I mean I want to leave NePa, but it's hard to not notice the positive changes that have been taking place in the city.

Once the Sterling Hotel is renovated and the train station fixed, it will only look better. W-B has some fantastic old buildings and hopefully another decade from now, will be a thriving area. Imagine connecting the train station to the one in Scranton for direct to NYC trips and other various places. W-B could be sold as a great tourist place with a lot of local history and an escape from the big city.

[W-B proud]

Originally Posted by InfectedMushroom

Going down Main street at night now is a total 180 from what it used to be like about 10 years ago. People walking the streets, better lighting and actual cars parked on the street! I mean I want to leave NePa, but it's hard to not notice the positive changes that have been taking place in the city.

Once the Sterling Hotel is renovated and the train station fixed, it will only look better. W-B has some fantastic old buildings and hopefully another decade from now, will be a thriving area. Imagine connecting the train station to the one in Scranton for direct to NYC trips and other various places. W-B could be sold as a great tourist place with a lot of local history and an escape from the big city.

The difference between now and ten years ago is undeniable. I was in the new Rodano's today, and I couldn't believe I was in downtown Wilkes-Barre. It felt like I was transported to downtown Pittsburgh or Boston or something. What a place! I felt the same way the first time I entered the new movie theater. I used to drive cab in W-B during "the dark days" when everything was boarded up, and drug dealers, and hookers were the only people downtown after dark. It was run down, graffitti all over, empty buildings, smashed windows, homeless guys drinking 40's in the doorways of abandoned storefronts ect. It was ugly and dangerous. It has come along way from then and it still has a ways to go, but it definately is heading in the right direction. However, we desperately have to get the crime and homicide issue under control, or it will all be in vain. Who'll visit a refurbished downtown when our image is like a inner city Detriot neighborhood? as far as that rail line, it is just a bad idea for many reasons IMO (take the bus!), and I don't think Wilkes-Barre or scranton can ever be a tourist destination. People that want to travel usually opt for a fabulous big city, a vacation destination like the beach or Vegas, or beautiful outdoors areas. Who wants to visit dying, rust belt, "has-been" towns? That would be like me deciding to vacation in Binghamton, or Poughkeepsie. Why would someone want to go there either? At the most, it could be a regional destination for festivals, or concerts ect. I just don't see people from NYC saying "hey! let's pack up the kids and head to Wilkes-Barre for the weekend!" With that said, I do like what I am seeing, and judging from the post on this board, there seems to be a growing sense of pride in this city. Residents who used to hate and scorn this city, and used to be embarrassed to say they were from Wilkes-Barre seem to be gaining pride in this city again, and that is a great sign, and I hope the good vibes continue.