A Good Neighbor The University of Scranton is proud to call the City of Scranton home. Nearly 1 in 10 “Scrantonians” are University of Scranton students, alumni or employees, accounting for 8% of the resident population and thereby benefiting the city with federal population-based grants. VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS The University of Scranton meets or exceeds all of requirements for tax exemption in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Nevertheless, the University is the most consistent nonprofit in the City to provide an unrestricted, voluntary contribution. The University currently contributes $175,000 to the City of Scranton as well as $58,500 to Lackawanna County. Since 1983, the University’s contribution to the City have totaled more than $3.1 million and over $1.4 million to the County. SAFETY RELATED FEES The University also contributes to the City of Scranton through fees associated with fire safety. In the 2013-14 academic year, the University paid $36,000 in fees related to false fire alarms. USE OF FACILITIES BY COMMUNITY GROUPS Since 2004, the University has hosted 5,485 events by community organizations, waiving more than $649,095 in room usage fees. HILL NEIGHBORHOOD Home Program: Since its inception in 2003, through its $5,000 forgivable loan program, the University has helped employees purchase 28 homes in the Hill Section totaling $140,000 in loans and a total real estate value of $3,717,490. Camera Project: In the spring of 2015, the University installed twelve (12) video surveillance cameras at six (6) locations along Vine Street from Madison Avenue to Taylor Avenue. Through an agreement with the City of Scranton, the University incurs all expenses associated with the project and will make the video feed available to the Scranton Police Department. The estimated cost of this project, which will improve safety for the University and the Hill Section community, is $135,000. Lighting Enhancements: In total, the University has invested in lighting for 200 fixtures in 20 city blocks, with installations and fixtures costing about $40,000 per block, for a total of $800,000. In the fall of 2013, 22 high efficiency LED street light fixtures were installed in alleyways, increasing light levels and improving safety — a project totaling $20,000.
“Being in relationship with the University opens the Greenhouse Project to creative collaborations with the faculty, staff, and students who live where we live and share our cares. Access to the University’s resources and advisors, and the gift of enthusiastic student volunteers helps us grow a sustainable and healthy food community in Scranton’s Hill Section and throughout the city and region.”
— Jane Risse, The Greenhouse Project at Nay Aug Park