A new rental housing project is being planned for the City of Scranton.

Greene County Development Corporation President Sid Jones says a four-plex rental unit is being looked at by Andy Rowland of Rowland Construction Company. Rowland recently completed a four, four-plex unit project in Jefferson, of which Jones says 10 of the 12 are occupied. Last week, the Greene County Board of Supervisors submitted a letter of support for a workforce housing tax credit application toward the project, and committed $10,000 from their economic development line item budget. 

Jones says the City of Scranton is looking to sell the lots to Rowland Construction Company, along with a ten-year tax abatement and making sure the utilities are at the site. He adds there is another partnership with a private business that is contributing as well.

“Have to give a big shout out to Scranton Manufacturing/New Way and Jim Ober. They’re also going to participate in that to a level of I believe $10,000. (I) Feel really fortunate that Andy (Rowland) wants to reach out to the smaller community, ‘Let’s do something there.’ If it works really well, then let’s look at a second one there and kind of approach it in that manner.”

Jones believes the project will happen regardless if the tax credits are approved by the state. The Scranton City Council approved at their regular meeting Tuesday night to schedule a public hearing on July 14th for a development agreement with Rowland Real Estate to sell the lots. The lots are at 900 and 902 Lincoln Street.