SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Geisinger is now looking to expand its operations in Lackawanna County, but some residents aren’t too happy about it. 28/22 News reporter Joe Mason got a closer look at the company’s plans and a response from the community.

In a city council public meeting on Tuesday night, Geisinger officials and community members sounded off on the health system’s plan to expand its operations in Scranton, but the project can’t move ahead without a change to the city’s zoning ordinance.

A release outlines plans for 41 inpatient beds, 19 postpartum beds, and 24 new emergency treatment areas.

Some residents are opposed to the lack of transparency from the city council on the expansion.

“If you want something, you need to let everyone know what it is that you want so that we can make an informed decision on whether it’s appropriate for that neighborhood,” Scranton resident Laura Augustini told 28/22 News.

“I hope that every resident in the Hill Section comes down and voices their opinion, and I don’t think it’s going to be very favorable,” Scranton resident Joan Hodowanitz added.

Other community members support it.

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“Pass these zoning changes so when the opportunity presents itself, as it seems to be presenting itself with Geisinger, they’ll be able to make due and do what’s necessary to continue to provide quality healthcare for the city of Scranton,” President, Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Bob Durkin, voiced.

“They’re unfortunately limited by their facility, and it is time to let them have the flexibility to expand,” Rich Foley, Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, said.

Geisinger officials say there’s a critical need that needs to be met.

“These improvements, and I cannot stress this enough, represent the absolute end of the line of what we can do with the hospital as it stands today,” Megan Brosious, Geisinger Chief Operating Officer, explained.

“If the zoning amendment is denied, we will be forced to look elsewhere in the county to expand. We are out of options, and the city and county need access to more care,” Nick Coleman with Geisinger Community Medical Center Clinical Operations warned.

Council member Thomas Schuster says Geisinger officials could work with the zoning hearing board on a special exemption or variance.

“We are aware that’s a process you can take, but in order for us to do that, we would have to invest a significant amount of the dollars that we have allocated for this project,” Brosious explained.

The resolution was tabled for further discussion.

Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti says she will propose changes to the ordinance this week.

She says, “As our local hospital systems face ongoing uncertainty, it’s our responsibility to do all we can to facilitate quality healthcare in Scranton.”

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