>hanover Happenings

Bishop O'reilly 55, Northwest 41

By JOLYN RESNICK jolynr@leader.net
 Wednesday, January 30, 2002 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 9A 





WILKES-BARRE - There's a lot to be said for taking over control of state
streets in the city, according to Mayor Tom McGroarty. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``We could stop tractor-trailers, allow driveways,'' he recently told
council. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The mayor is looking to seal a deal with the Pennsylvania Department of
Transportation by April. McGroarty would not reveal which roads he is
interested in or how many miles might be involved. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 On Tuesday, McGroarty said he drove the streets, decided which he'd like to
have the state repair and turn over to the city, and wrote a ist for the state
that included ``everything but the kitchen sink.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The wish list, he said, ``is a mile long.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 For instance, he'd like the state to buy and install new street lights for
Public Square before the city takes it over, as well as possibly repairing the
sewer traps. He is also thinking about portions of Kidder and Washington
streets. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Routes 309 and 315 are likely not among the roadways PennDOT would consider
turning over to the city, said PennDOT spokesman Dave Krisanda. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The state offers streets to municipalities through a ``road turnback
program'' designed to reduce the number of state-owned roads, Krisanda said.
The state has more than 40,000 miles of highway to maintain - more than New
York and all New England states combined, Krisanda said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 There is no charge to take over the roads and the state fixes streets
before they turn them over, Krisanda said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Municipalities that take over responsibility for streets can ban big rigs
or allow residents to build driveways without going through the state for
permission. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``The state doesn't have any jurisdiction over local roads,'' Krisanda
said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Municipalities that take over state roads also receive additional liquid
fuel tax money from the state each year. Krisanda said municipalities receive
$2,500 per mile per year to maintain roads that are taken over - $700 more
than the rate of $1,800 per mile per year for roads already owned. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The list of state-owned streets within city limits is extensive, and might
surprise some. For example, portions of Market, South and North River,
Blackman, South, Washington and Kidder streets and Carey Avenue are all
state-owned. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The downside of ownership: the city will have to repair, maintain and plow
any roads it takes over from state control. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The state now pays the city $43,897 per year to plow and salt 16.28 miles
of state road each year, whether or not it snows, Krisanda said. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 ``I'm willing to work with people,'' McGroarty said. ``But I'm going to
negotiate the best deal for the city.'' &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Jolyn Resnick, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7210. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 CUTLINE: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

W-b Considers Takeover Of State Roads 
Control Would Allow The City To Ban Tractor-trailers Where It Wants To And
Could Bring Other Advantages, Mayor Mcgroarty Says.

W-b Considers Takeover Of State Roads Control Would Allow The City To Ban Tractor-trailers Where It Wants To And Could Bring Other Advantages, Mayor Mcgroarty Says.