A group of Downtown Wilkes-Barre residents hopes to buy an empty lot in the city’s River Street Historic District and transform it into a perennial garden and youth education area.
Jamie Smith, who lives at South Franklin and West Ross streets, and came up with the idea in collaboration with his wife, Jenni, and their neighbors, Michael and Tish Last, addressed city council members last week to inform them about the effort and solicit their support.
Smith said the group wants to purchase the empty lot at 64 W. Ross St. from the Lower South Valley Land Bank, which acquired it last year through a tax sale, at the land bank’s asking price of $15,000, plus $1,000 for attorney fees, and funding the purchase wouldn’t be a problem.
Smith submitted a proposal to the land bank board, which tabled discussion at the last meeting because the meeting was running long.
Jamie Smith, of Wilkes-Barre, speaks about a proposal for a vacant lot at 64 W. Ross St. at a Wilkes-Barre City Council meeting on Thursday. (Steve Mocarsky / Staff Photo)
According to the proposal, garden design and installation would incorporate a variety of perennial flowers native to the region, ensure accessibility and safety for children and families and utilize eco-friendly and sustainable gardening practices with inspiration and influence from projects completed by the local architects Bohlin Cywinski Jackson such as the Pocono Environmental Education Center and Ballard Library and Neighborhood Service Center.
Because it’s located in the heart of the historic district, the property would be a perfect place for students to photograph nature in a neighborhood filled with historic buildings and architecture, including the Osterhout Free Library, Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA, Wyoming Valley Art League’s Circle Center for the Arts, Sordoni Art Gallery and the Zebulon Butler House and Museum, just to name a few, Smith said.
Smith, a professional photographer, is founder of Social Fabric Collective, a nonprofit organization that provides professional photography equipment, education and inspiration to high school students as a means of community engagement and enrichment through the arts.
While his students, 90% of whom are on scholarships, would utilize the venue, it would also be available for many types of educational and community programs.
Michael Last, David Pedri, executive director of the Luzerne Foundation, and Jessica Cronauer, executive director of Leadership Northeast, were listed as supporting references in the proposal.
Smith said many other community leaders also voiced support for the initiative, including Wilkes University President Greg Cant.
Council Chairman Tony Brooks, whose district includes the property, thanked Smith for the brief presentation and praised the work his nonprofit has been doing for local youth.
Councilman Stan Mirin also offered support.
“I think it’s a great idea. I probably speak for everyone. I would love to have one of these in my district as well. I’m sure everybody here would. It’s beautiful, a great idea,” MIrin said.
Mayor George C. Brown said the council meeting wasn’t the appropriate forum for Smith and a group of supporters who accompanied him to address the topic because it’s ultimately the land bank board’s decision, but he met with the group after the council meeting to discuss their issue.
Smith said on Monday that he recently learned Children’s Service Center also submitted a proposal for the lot and the downtown residents group members are seeking as much community support for the garden and education area project as they can.
The land bank meets next at at 9 a.m. June 11 at the Earth Conservancy, 101 S. Main St., Ashley. Discussion of proposals for the West Ross Street lot is on the agenda.
Originally Published: May 26, 2025 at 3:57 PM EDT