SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Scranton City Council voted Tuesday night on a zoning amendment that would allow for a local hospital expansion.
The zoning change allows Geisinger Medical Center in Scranton’s Hill Section to expand both outward and upward.
Council voted 3-2 in favor, approving the zoning change.
Gerald Smurl, Dr. Jessica Rothchild and William King voted in favor, with William King and Thomas Schuster voting against the change.
This result was met with groans and jeers from many in attendance, accompanied by warnings they had made the wrong decision.
Before the meeting and the vote, a public hearing allowed area residents, local officials, nurses, doctors and Geisinger representatives to share their thoughts on the matter.
As person after person took to the podium for their three minutes, one thing became clear: all in attendance were passionate about both the topic and their stance.
Those in favor say the zoning change is crucial for Lackawanna and surrounding counties, and new facilities built from its approval will aid in what they call an emergency room crisis.
During the hearing, some council members and representatives with Geisinger shared what they say are plans for the expansion: more hospital beds and a larger draw for medical students to stay in the area following their graduation.
Geisinger is the only level two trauma center in Lackawanna County, and staff say it serves neighboring counties and states when needed.
More beds, they say, would reduce stress on the emergency room, which those with Geisinger claim has become overcrowded, resulting in longer wait times and less access to care.
While also acknowledging the need for increased emergency healthcare, Scranton Hill Section residents painted a different story than those in support of the zoning change.
They worried the expansion would result in a parking garage, creating what they call “an eyesore in their backyards,”
Some residents worried Geisinger would not adhere to a promise to limit vertical height to 75 feet, despite the new zoning allowing for up to 100 feet.
Opposed residents, along with the opposing councilmen, feel the decision to vote on the change was rushed, and they worry Geisinger won’t uphold their promises or respect the surrounding neighborhood.
State Representative Kyle Donahue reassured these residents during the hearing, saying the expansion comes with clear plans from Geisinger.
“I will do everything in my power to make sure the promises Geisinger has made are keptand they start to become good neighbors,” he said.