Developer reassures Pa.

layoffs loom as vote on aid nears

West Pittston residents
HARRISBURG (AP) — “We’re fighting to keep good Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-
Pennsylvania’s state and local jobs, to keep the economy roll- Calif., said Tuesday that Sen-
governments would be forced ing in the right direction,” ate Majority Leader Harry
to lay off a combined 12,500 Rendell said in a conference Reid, D-Nev., was “very opti-
By Patrick Sweet
Staff Writer
‘West Pittston years the apartments could
become shady.
public employees, including call with reporters Tuesday. mistic” about securing the 60
teachers, police officers and “Stand up and be counted for votes necessary to ensure its
isn’t really an “West Pittston isn’t real- firefighters, if Congress the American economy.” passage. A spokesman for Sen.
WEST PITTSTON — The ly an apartment building doesn’t send the state more The $26 billion bill would Bob Casey, D-Pa., said it was
run-down Hitchner Biscuit apartment building town,” Reynolds said. “I’m recession-related aid, Gov. Ed provide a six-month extension unclear whether any Republi-
Building in West Pittston town. I’m sure you sure you can understand Rendell warned Tuesday. of federal stimulus aid to cans would join Democrats in
will not be designated for our concerns.” The Democratic governor states and schools. The Penn- supporting the measure.
Section 8 housing once the can understand our Despite the building not has taken the lead in recent sylvania budget relies on $850 If a Senate vote fails, Ren-
four-story building is devel-
oped into an apartment
concerns.’ being designated as Section
8 housing, Hanley said the
weeks to rally support for the million in federal stimulus dell said he will have to bal-
federal bill, scheduled for a aid. The state-aid bill before ance the state budget by cut-
building. LISA REYNOLDS corporation will accept key Senate vote Wednesday. the Senate promises $600 mil- ting subsidies to public
That was the repeated West Pittston resident Section 8 vouchers if the Republicans oppose the lion for Pennsylvania, leaving schools and county-run
message Tuesday night at tenant passes all the appli- measure, saying the price tag Rendell to deal with a shortfall human services. He said that
the West Pittston Borough cation requirements. would add to the nation’s grow- of about $250 million. The bill means the likely layoff of
ants, Hanley said the cor-
Council meeting. The coun- Under fair-housing laws, ing debt. Democrats insist the also promises about $378 mil- 4,000 state employees, 3,000
poration will have strict
cil members present voted it would be illegal for them proposed aid would be covered lion to Pennsylvania’s school teachers and other school
application requirements,
unanimously to extend the t o t u r n aw ay t e n a n t s by cutting expenses and clos- districts, which are already employees and more than
including a minimum
termination date for the because they qualified for ing tax loopholes. They say laying off teachers or closing 5,500 local and county employ-
income to ensure rent gets
United Neighborhood Com- Section 8 vouchers. that without the aid, many buildings because anemic tax ees, such as caseworkers,
paid on time.
munity Development Cor- “You can’t stop someone moreAmericanswouldbesent collections hurt by the reces- police officers and firefight-
“We do criminal back-
poration’s purchase option f r o m a p p l y i n g , ” We s t to the unemployment line. sion. ers.
ground and credit checks
for the building. Pittston Mayor Bill Gold-
on every tenant,” Hanley
The extension from Aug. sworthy said, “but you can
said.
2 to Nov. 4 will allow the have controls.”

BLUE CHIP FARMS ANIMAL REFUGE

Lisa Reynolds, a West
corporation enough time to
Pittston resident, was con- psweet@citizensvoice.com, 570-821-2117
finish securing financing.
cerned that in five to 10
The corporation purchased
the building for $300,000
from the borough, which
2nd Annual
LOW COST SPAY/NEUTER
DANCE
purchased it at a tax sale.
The fireproof concrete
bu i l d i n g t h at f e at u re s MOBILE CLINIC FOR CATS
giant ovens once used for Eastern PA Animal Alliance Music By
cake and biscuit baking
Will be at Hazle Beer Deli,
will feature 18 apartments
ranging from one to three
bedrooms and 600 to 1,100
613 Hazle Street, W-B,
TUESDAY AUGUST 10 “Which Doctor
Please call for appt.
square feet.
“It’s going to be a very
classy, very clean place,”
994-5846
Ferals and stray cats welcome
& DJ George”
Some shots & worming available,
Michael Hanley, executive Limited space available. Saturday, August 7
director of the develop-
ment corporation, said.
• Food West Pittston Armory
In response to residents’ • Snacks Susquehanna Ave., West Pittston
concerns about future ten- • Refreshments 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
• BYOB (Doors Open At 6:00 pm)

MEGA MILLIONS
2500
• Chinese Auction
$
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2010

• 50/50 Drawing
4, 13, 20, 22, 56 • Door Prizes
per person
Tax Deductible Donation
Megaball: 32 Call 333-5265 For Info Or Reservations
Multiplier: 2 Or Purchase Tickets At Door
Jackpot: $42M

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