Wyoming Valley West School District Joins Land Bank for Revitalization

The Wyoming Valley West School District has taken a significant step towards community revitalization by voting to join the Lower South Valley Land Bank. The decision, made unanimously on January 14, 2025, aims to address local blight and enhance property values within the district and surrounding areas.

Established in 2022, the Lower South Valley Land Bank is an inter-governmental entity designed to acquire abandoned, tax-delinquent, or blighted properties. Its goal is to facilitate their redevelopment, thereby rejuvenating affected communities. According to Ted Ritsick, a planner with Hailstone Economic and staff administrator for the land bank, “The more partners that the land bank has, the better. It helps us better serve the communities that are members and ensures that redevelopment decisions reflect the needs of those communities.”

The Wyoming Valley West School Board’s vote comes at a time when the district is actively seeking ways to improve its financial standing. Board President Charles Kamus emphasized the importance of revitalizing blighted properties, stating, “We’re always looking to increase our tax base, because that’s how we invest money back into our children.” Superintendent Charles Suppon Jr. echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential benefits of joining the land bank for the district’s future.

The Lower South Valley Land Bank currently includes six municipalities—Ashley, Hanover Township, Kingston, Nanticoke, Newport Township, and Wilkes-Barre—as well as the Hanover Area School District. Alongside Wyoming Valley West, other municipalities such as Luzerne, Edwardsville, and Larksville are also considering membership, with motions expected at their upcoming council meetings.

Approval for new members requires ratification by the Land Bank Board of Directors and existing constituents. This process is anticipated to unfold over the coming months. Ritsick noted, “At our meetings, we’ve had public discussions on new members, and our board has expressed favorable opinions on all of the municipalities and Valley West school district joining.”

The Lower South Valley Land Bank has already demonstrated its impact on the community. In its 2025 annual report, it was revealed that the land bank successfully sold properties in Ashley and Newport Township, generating $37,500 in revenue. Additionally, it has approved the sale of 13 more properties, including a vacant lot in downtown Wilkes-Barre designated for community use.

In Nanticoke, the land bank facilitated the demolition and site clearing of a residential property, addressing safety concerns. Ritsick described the past year as “very productive,” reflecting on the land bank’s efforts to tackle local blight.

The establishment of the Lower South Valley Land Bank is part of a broader initiative authorized under Pennsylvania state legislation passed in 2012. This legislation empowers municipalities and school districts to form land banks to remediate blighted properties, which can depress local property values and create hazards. The authority allows land banks to collect proceeds from property leases and sales, providing vital funding for their missions.

In its inaugural year, the Lower South Valley Land Bank secured a $500,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan, alongside a $200,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement program. This funding has helped the land bank expand its operations and enhance community services.

Beyond property redevelopment, the land bank is also initiating a homebuyer assistance program. Funded by a $280,000 PHARE grant, this program offers eligible households up to $10,000 for down payments and closing costs, aiming to promote homeownership and stability in the region.

Ritsick emphasized the importance of collaboration among municipalities, stating, “By adding these potential new members, it unlocks the things that the land bank has to offer.” This collaborative approach not only improves efficiency but also allows smaller municipalities to leverage resources and maximize their impact on community improvement.

As the Wyoming Valley West School District joins the Lower South Valley Land Bank, it represents a concerted effort to combat blight, enhance community welfare, and ultimately invest in the future of its students and residents.