A Steering Committee consisting of municipal representatives, business leaders, elected officials and other important stakeholders has been established to help guide development of the Plans. The Steering Committee will meet several times throughout the development of the Plans. You are encouraged to contact a member of the Steering Committee to receive information on the Plans and to provide input.

Meeting #1 -- The first Steering Committee meeting for the new Plans was held on November 1, 2007 in Pittston. Over 60 people from around the two-county region attended this meeting where the committee members reviewed the Work Program Schedule, roles and responsibilities and watched a video. Please click below to view the presentation and photos from the meeting.

Meeting #2 -- The second Steering Committee meeting was held on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 Quality Inn in Pittston. Held at the completion of Phase A - Identifying Opportunities, the meeting provided an overview of current conditions in the two counties, recent and prospective development trends, and a picture of the future if trends continue for the next 20 years. Committee members were asked to share their thoughts regarding alternative ideas for the future of the counties as the process heads into Phase B - Visioning.

The Hazard Mitigation Plan will evaluate the potential for natural or technological hazards that could affect Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties and determine an approach to manage those hazards.

Meeting #1 -- The Planning Team held its first meeting with the Hazard Mitigation Committee on March 4 ,2008. Comprised of emergency management and hazard mitigation officials from across both counties, the Committee helped prepare a series of Goals & Objectives for hazard mitigation.

Meeting #2 -- The second Hazard Mitigation Committee Meeting was held on May 28, 2008. During this meeting, the Committee reviewed various vulnerability assessments, local, regional and state regulations, and the process to develop a mitigation plan.

Meeting #1 -- On March 12, 2008, the Planning Team held the first coordination meeting was held for all municipal officials to discuss the plans and schedule of activities. The meeting also emphasized the importance of municipal participation in the hazard mitigation planning efforts. Please click below to view the presentation from the meeting.

Meeting #2 -- The second Municipal Coordination Meeting was held on May 28, 2008. During this meeting, municipal officials reviewed various vulnerability assessments, local, regional and state regulations, and the process to develop a mitigation plan. Please click below to view the presentation and photos from the meeting.

January 2008 -- Over 100 stakeholders, municipal and county officials participated in a series of facilitated discussions over two days in mid-January. Topics of discussion included:

• Transportation;
• Land Development & Housing;
• Economic Revitalization;
• Utilities;
• Historic Preservation; and
• Natural Resources & Open Space Conservation.

These discussions are held early in the planning process to help the team understand the important issues that must be addressed in order to build a strong communities.

The first series of Public Information Meetings were held at different locations across both counties in October 2008. Held in the evenings of October 13, 14 and 15, the meetings were held at the Luzerne County Community College, Hazleton Area High School and the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency, respectively. Over 50 residents, stakeholders and other interested individuals attended the meetings, made comments on the displays and watched a video presentation. During question and answer sessions held after the video presentations, attendees discussed local and regional issues related to comprehensive planning. A summary of the meeting will be available soon.

Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties are currently preparing a draft Comprehensive Plan, Long-Range Transportation Plan and Hazard Mitigation Plan based on data collection, research and input from local residents and stakeholders. For over 30 years, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties have been partners in transportation planning, and recently completed the Open Space, Greenways & Outdoor Recreation Master Plan.

Home to over a half-million people in 116 municipalities, Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties are preparing these Plans to help establish a positive future for the area. The Plans will set the course for the future of the region, and guide and assist municipal officials in making day-to-day decisions concerning conservation and development. They will also help maintain and enhance our sense of place, and will establish a framework for investing in our communities.

Fact Sheet

Study Area Map

Work Program Schedule

News organizations are encouraged to contact Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties for the latest news and information:

You may also contact planning consultant Joe Bucovetsky at McCormick Taylor at (215) 592-4200 or jabucovetsky@mtmail.biz.