The Lackawanna City Council has taken a significant step towards preserving the historic integrity of the Our Lady of Victory Basilica and its surrounding properties by approving a public hearing scheduled for January 28, 2025. This hearing will discuss the establishment of a historic property overlay district aimed at safeguarding the basilica, the former Baker Victory School, and the Ridge Complex, which includes the old hospital and infant home.

The basilica was recognized on the National Historic Register in February of the previous year, but this designation alone does not provide adequate protection against potential redevelopment. Without the overlay, properties could be sold and transformed under the central business district criteria, which could lead to drastic changes, such as converting the site into commercial establishments like bars or restaurants. The proposed overlay will ensure that any redevelopment maintains the historical character of the area.

City officials are collaborating with CNS Engineers, who are assisting in developing the overlay criteria. This initiative is part of a broader effort to follow best practices in historic preservation. The council emphasized that while the central business district will remain intact, the overlay will add an essential layer of protection for the basilica and its associated properties.

Additionally, discussions during the meeting touched on the potential for extending similar protections to other historic sites in Lackawanna, such as the local library. However, implementing a citywide historic preservation strategy would require the city to become a certified local government, a more complex process that involves establishing a dedicated board and adhering to state guidelines.

The council is optimistic that, if all goes according to plan, the necessary measures will be finalized by the end of the first quarter of 2025, ensuring the preservation of Lackawanna's historical landmarks for future generations.