(WBRE/WYOU) — The fate of three federal buildings in northeastern Pennsylvania is in doubt Wednesday night. After reports that they were targeted for possible sale or closure as part of the Trump administration's efforts to slash the size of the federal government.
The buildings in question are located in Luzerne County and house Social Security operations. It's still unclear what the fate of those federal buildings and the employees, around 1,000, are.
On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Congressman Rob Bresnahan told 28/22 News those buildings were removed from the "For sale" list, but at this point in time, the uncertainty remains for the local people who work in those buildings.
"All of this chaos is undermining the public's confidence in social security, and it's going to affect what happens is going to affect the public," American Federation of Government Employees President Barri Sue Bryant stated.
Bryant is president of the union that represents around 1,000 employees at the Social Security Administration offices in Plains Township, Luzerne County, near Wilkes-Barre.
Another social security building in Hazleton was also placed on the potential chopping block.
The list was posted on the General Services Administration (GSA) website. The agency oversees federal real estate. The list was abruptly taken off the website.
That in itself has led to a lot of speculation and fears among employees.
"We're not getting any direct information from any official sources, but we do know they took the list down off the GSA website," Bryant added.
28/22 News asked what would happen if the Plains facility is closed.
"It would have a great impact on practically the whole nation. Our building houses approximately 700, I think close to 686 people who work in the national 800 number," Bryant continued.
Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo says she is watching his situation very closely.
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"The buildings, I get it. We have to look at our buildings and how many buildings we own. What we need to upkeep, the going in the future. So I understand that. I'm really concerned for the employees," Crocamo said.
As is Hazleton Mayor Jeff Cusat with the uncertainty of the future of the social security office in his city.
"The important thing is the jobs and the convenience of the operations here in Hazleton. If the building is sold, the building is sold, you know. We care about the services that are provided to our citizens and jobs created for the area," Mayor Cusat explained.
A spokesperson for Congressman Rob Bresnahan tells the I-team they are being told the local federal buildings are "off the for sale list."
Also, a spokesperson for Congressman Dan Meuser says they are looking into the situation.
28/22 News reached out to the GSA for comment and clarification, and we have not heard back.
