Sam Galski, Standard Speaker Journalist Profile

Articles

Services agreement between HCA, city nearing the end

Sep 23, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLETON — The city authority will make its final payment to the city of Hazleton next year through an agreement for police, code enforcement and other services, leaving a potential hole in the city’s 2025 budget that is equivalent to a property tax increase of between 5% and 8%. Representatives from both entities say they are hopeful they can negotiate an extension to the services agreement or work together in other ways to benefit the authority and city.
Rate increase looms for HCA water customers

Sep 22, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLETON — Water rates could increase for Hazleton City Authority customers for the first time since 2011, according to recently released budget projections. The authority board reviewed a tentative budget that would increase water rates by 12% to keep pace with rising operating costs and system improvements.
Developer suggests parking, storage as alternatives to apartment project at former city hospital

Sep 20, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLETON — Demolishing the former St. Joseph’s Hospital for parking or converting the building into a large storage facility are among alternatives pitched by a developer who originally proposed converting the building into apartments. OB International Development CEO and founder Ofra Beigel said recently that she doesn’t understand why the city won’t support the market value apartment project and warned that the building will continue to be targeted by vandals if it remains empty.
HCA approves abstractor fee increase to recoup research costs

Sep 19, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLETON — City authority board members increased the fee that the authority charges abstractors for researching customer accounts. The authority board voted to increase the research fee the authority levies on account histories and outstanding balance reports from $15 to $25 for scenarios involving foreclosures and sheriff’s sales. The vote cast Tuesday marks the first time that the authority board increased the fee in at least five years, HCA Director of Operations Scot Burkhardt said.
Community leaders, donors unveil all-inclusive playground in Hazleton

Sep 18, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLETON — Community stakeholders cut the ribbon for a roughly $1.2 million all-inclusive playground that administrators say will make City View Park a destination for outdoor activities.
Mayor eyes new headquarters for Hazleton police

Sep 17, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLETON — A former high school at 15th and Church streets could be a fully functional headquarters for city police by early January, Mayor Jeff Cusat said. The mayor confirmed recently that the city is moving forward with a plan to purchase the Gottstein Corp. building for $1.7 million and convert it into a public safety building that could eventually expand to house two city fire companies.
Long-awaited bridge replacement project to begin soon in West Hazleton

Sep 16, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

WEST HAZLETON – Work to repair a bridge in Valmont Industrial Park that has been closed since 2021 will begin in the next few weeks, the project engineer said. Council recently awarded a $1,580,546 contract to Doli Construction Corp. for work to install new wing walls, beams and a deck for a bridge on Jaycee Drive, engineer Dominic Yannnuzzi said. The work scope also includes street improvements near the bridge and installation of rock material known as rip rap along the bridge abutments, he said.
West Hazleton council promotes, hires officers following resignation

Sep 13, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

WEST HAZLETON — Police personnel highlighted borough council’s agenda Wednesday, as the governing body accepted the resignation of a longtime officer, promoted two members of the police department and hired two officers. Council accepted the resignation of Cpl./Det. Richard Naprava. He is stepping down for a position with the Luzerne County District Attorney’s office, council President Jim Schweitzer said. Naprava served with the department for at least 15 years, according to Schweitzer.
Hazleton City Council approves police hires

Sep 12, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLETON — City officials have taken a step toward expanding the police force. In a development that will bring full-time police staffing levels to beyond 50, council on Tuesday approved hiring five full-time officers. Two of the hires, Alexander Bishop and Zachary Kehler, recently graduated from the police academy and will begin a 16-week field training program Wednesday, Police Chief Brian Schoonmaker said.
Accessibility, parking lot upgrades underway at Hazle Twp. Community Park

Sep 11, 2023 | standardspeaker.com | Sam Galski

HAZLE TWP. â€” Contractors will work through the next few weeks to complete more than $200,000 worth of paving and handicap-accessible upgrades at Community Park. The supervisors approved a change order request that will increase the cost of the townshipâ€™s 2023 paving project by $205,410.27 for improvements to the parking lot and main stage/pavilion area at Community Park.