SCRANTON, Pa. — Two July water main breaks in downtown Scranton left University of Scranton buildings without water and under a boil-water advisory. Many downtown businesses and residents faced similar disruptions and several are still dealing with the financial impact.

The first of two water main breaks happened on July 16, just two days before Scranton was set to host a FIFA fan zone for the FIFA World Cup. Although the event proceeded, many local businesses were forced to close because of water damage according to an article published by WVIA News. A second water main break came less than two weeks later on July 27, compounding damage downtown and extending to the university’s campus.

Susan Falbo, administrative facilities assistant at the university, reported in an email that Weiss Hall’s basement flooded when Pennsylvania American Water attempted to restore service after the break. 

“Weiss Hall has no domestic water,” Falbo wrote. “Water to Weiss Hall has been turned off. At this time, we do not have an ETA for return of water service.”

Among those affected off campus was Northern Light Espresso Bar and Café, which sits on Spruce Street in downtown Scranton. The business posted on Instagram that the shop would close July 19, later reopening for takeout-only service until Aug. 21, over a month after the first water main break. 

Similarly, Freedlove, a boutique on Spruce Street, also experienced significant water damage in its shop and had to temporarily close. As of October, Freedlove is still closed and is working to repair and reopen the store. 

“It’s incredibly difficult for small businesses when unexpected situations like this happen after putting so much time, energy, and care into our businesses,” Freedlove wrote on its Instagram. 

The breaks come after the start of Scranton’s downtown streetscapes project, an initiative designed to make the city safer and more walkable. The City of Scranton said in a news release that the project includes constructing new sidewalks and curbs, installing accessible ramps and moving utility cables underground. Construction associated with the project had affected some small businesses in the area. Changes in traffic patterns, sidewalk closures and parking challenges affected foot traffic to these businesses said Nadine Bryant, owner of Freedlove.

For small businesses, those disruptions can compound quickly. After a slow summer driven by construction, Freedlove and Northern Light faced compounding losses from the water breaks. According to JPMorganChase, the median small business can only withstand 27 days with no cash inflows to their business. After the second break, businesses started to speak up about their frustrations.

“Small businesses are the heart of this city, but right now it doesn’t feel like it,” Bryant wrote.. “I’m asking the City of Scranton to step up. Take accountability. Show up for the businesses that have been impacted… I don’t want sympathy, I want action.”

In a news conference, Mayor Paige Cognetti publicly pressed Pennsylvania American Water to replace the water main as soon as possible. Cognetti acknowledged that the water main, which runs just over a mile, would be a big project, but understands they cannot sustain another disruption like this again. She urged businesses to fill out the company’s online personal and property damage form though she noted that the company does not typically cover business revenue losses. 

Cognetti and her team also launched a public response form for business owners to report losses from the water main breaks. The data will be used by city leaders and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to gauge the total economic impact. Despite the efforts of Scranton leadership, no state grants have been provided to these businesses. 

“I haven't really had anyone reach out to me about the loss of business or the financial impact this has had on my business,” Bryant said. “I don't expect the City to be able to make everything right. But I would like to see more communication…and a conversation about what resources or assistance might be available. We're the businesses that are here every day, investing in downtown and helping make it a destination.”

Despite the hardship, these breaks have highlighted a strong sense of community fostered in Scranton. Zummo’s Cafe, another local coffee shop, posted to Instagram on July 28 that they would be selling iced mocha lattes to benefit Northern Light. For one week, all sales from those lattes went directly to Northern Light. Northern Light expressed its gratitude in an Instagram post, writing, “Overwhelmed and very thankful for you all!”

In another instance, Customers bought all available items at Freedlove’s pop-up sale in one day. The pop-up sale was intended to sell the store’s remaining inventory so repairs could begin on the physical space of the store. The three-day sale ended after one day because of the outpouring of support from loyal Freedlove customers. 

“The response from the community honestly meant more to me than I can really put into words,” Bryant said. “The sale did extremely well, but for me, it wasn't really about the sales numbers…What meant the most was seeing how many people came out because they genuinely wanted to support us.”

Small businesses depend on consistent community support, not just when experiencing hardship. For University students, the surrounding area serves as their primary community while in school. Bryant said support from the campus community is important to downtown businesses and encouraged community members to choose small businesses when possible. 

“The biggest thing I would say is that your support really does matter. If you have a favorite local business, keep going back…and when you have a choice between shopping locally and shopping online or at a large chain, remember that your dollars have a much more direct impact when you spend them locally,” Bryant said.

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