Freeland Borough Declares Disaster, Closes Parks

According to a release from Borough Council, Mayor John Budda and Council President Lynn Falatko signed a declaration of disaster in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

"First and foremost, please do not panic in spite of the strong language in this document." the release begins. "The Borough's situation has not changed significantly since yesterday, and this is a procedural action filed with Luzerne County, following the latest updates from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, to ensure that the Borough is adequately prepared to respond should a need arise.

As the document explains, this declaration provides the Borough with greater financial flexibility, and alleviates some normal constraints which could delay a response."

All three of the Borough's public parks including the Freeland Public Park, Della Croce Field, and the Fourth Ward Playground were closed this morning following the declaration.

​Via the release:
"In light of the Declaration of Disaster Emergency signed by Freeland Mayor John Budda and Borough Council President Lynn Falatko, and filed with Luzerne County, on Monday 3/16/2020, all Freeland Borough Parks and fields (Freeland Public Park on Front Street, 4th Ward, and Dellacroce Field) are ordered CLOSED effective immediately. Signs and tape have been posted, and the Freeland Police Department will be patrolling the properties regularly, and removing violators."