Stroudsburg Eyesore May be Redeveloped

Stroudsburg, Monroe County - A lot that has been empty and overgrown since a massive fire in 2006 could soon get new life. "I think it is an eyesore right now," said Kathleen O'Shea of Sciota.

Eyewitness News talked to a lot of people who are very excited that something will finally fill the space that was once home to the Main Street Jukebox.

Barb Kleber of Long Pond said,"I'm always hoping that somebody is going to build here to bring business back to Stroudsburg." Kleber's hope could soon be fulfilled. A developer wants to put three buildings in the empty space. The project would have about ten stores, plus art galleries, restaurants and apartment space. Kleber smiled, "I think that is awesome. I think that would be great."

But before the projgect can move forward the Stroudsburg Borough Council has to change some ordinances. It would have to allow five story buildings. O'Shea reacted,"I don't think it is that huge. Five stories isn't overly big."

Regina Sayles of Stroudsburg added,"I think any kind of new buildings in Stroudsburg would be a plus to the downtown just because you literally drive by and see a hole."

Some people want to make sure borough leaders discuss where people who use the buildins would park. O'Shea noted,"The only difficulty I see with it is that I hope that they make parking for the people in the living quarters of that building."

But the developer hopes to put in an an underground parking garage. "That is fabulous then," remarked O'Shea.

The council also plans to consider rules that would require the developer to keep the building similar to historic structures and to have landscaping.