Binghamton Area News Roundup 8/30/25
Proposals for Clinton Street's Revival, LUMA preview, Tenant Strike, Police Chief Drama & more!
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‼️Must-Reads
🏚️🏙️Clinton Street is Being Revitalized...but how?
Those in Endicott know what a fresh coat of paint can do for a downtown strip after Washington Ave. finally got its downtown revitalization project grant completed.
Now Clinton St. in Binghamton is searching for proposals after recently winning the $10m grant for itself earlier this year.
The City Government says 55 projects totaling just under $119 million were proposed in response to its public call. This includes housing on vacant land, rehabilitation of historic buildings, community spaces, youth programming, public art, business assistance, and more.
Want next steps? Head to upcoming City of Binghamton Planning Committee meetings!
👮The Binghamton Police Chief Question - If New, Who?
Binghamton mayoral candidates Miles Burnett (D) and Jared Kraham (R) are facing off about how to go about selecting a new police chief if on-leave Zikuski is dismissed.
The problem? Only four people are legally qualified at the moment.
📽️🌈🌟LUMA
Want a sneak peek preview for what LUMA has in store for this year? You can see previews and a list of artists for this year's presentations on their website (or go in blind, as I typically prefer to do.
As of now, it looks like no ticketed events are listed, meaning the event (or at least the bulk of it as usual) is free to enjoy!
I'm personally very excited for the 'small works' projects listed with a focus on regional artists and the debut of artist "Electrick Me" from Bulgaria.
Founder Joshua Bernard can finally rest from his Facebook barrage, as the festival did indeed meet this year's frantic Kickstarter campaign.
The festival takes place Sep. 5-6 from 9 pm to around midnight.
🏚️Tenant Strike Incoming?
Binghamton Housing Authority tenants are threatening a strike after the board canceled a meeting to discuss concerns of mold, playground removal, pests - and massive rent increases.
City officials say the board canceled the meeting after they thought threats were made to their safety.
⚖️⛪Syracuse Diocese Abuse Victim Payments
According to diocese leadership in a letter published to its website, its plan to exit bankruptcy is set to be accepted by the U.S. Bankruptcy judge presiding over its case.
The diocese filed for bakruptcy in 2020 as a result of claims made following the passage of the New York Child Victims Act.
A $176 million trust fund, administered by an independent trustee, will award compensations to the sexual abuse claims the Diocese faces. This is divided between diocese leadership, its parishes, and other associated Catholic groups.
🏗️Building Broome
50 units of affordable housing along with 50 supportive units for residents in need of mental health services are being planned for an empty lot at 10-12 West State Street in Binghamton near Greater Good Grocery and the embattled Binghamton Plaza,. The project still requires environmental review and zoning approval.
An abandoned factory site in Binghamon's First Ward (a former Anzaroot property) is being redeveloped into...something?
A proposed solar farm in Chenango is facing resident pushback, citing worries about flash flooding risk.
Also, a reminder from the Press and Sun about the planning process for the controversial Maine-Union border "Broome Technology Park" that just got a $500k support grant, and Huron Campus' new revitalization project.
👋Openings and Closings
Upper Front Street in Chenango now has a new Taco Bell
Miss T.G.I. Friday's? Yeah, me neither. But a new Korean BBQ & Hot Pot joint is set for the Vestal Parkway location!
Kirkwood has a new medical practice focused on "caring for underserved communities."
Bella's Vape Shop on Main Street was shut down for...guess what
🌇Community Spotlights
Kolby Oakley, a Nashville up-and-coming country artist from Whitney Point, got a spotlight in NewsChannel 34 before his big homecoming concert at the Airport Inn Saturday (today!)
Beloved event Blues on the Bridge, set for 9/13, is taking on a bit more meaning this year as co-founder recovers from a debilitating stroke. Here's a GoFundMe to support the family in Tom Martinos' recovery.
Conklin's Universal Instruments got a NC34 spotlight, with them saying manufacturing onshoring efforts by recent federal administrations and New York State could give a big boost to their unique business supporting high-tech industries.
🏛️Politics
The Binghamton mayor and city council are sparring over Kraham wanting to use over $360k in Community Development Block Grant funding towards fire equipment, with other council members wanting it to be used for affordable housing needs.
Stefanik is stumping in Broome. Called back to being a legislator for North Country when her nomination for UN ambassador was rescinded with the Trump admin. citing tight congressional margins. Rumored to be challenging Hochul in the next governor's race, she spoke at the Broome County Republican Committee clambake. She talked about ICE, fracking, and more.
Rep. Nick Langworthy wants to drill natural gas - and he's trying to make the federal government force New York State to let it happen.
🏫Schools
Binghamton City School District is claiming "complete vindication" after a 6 year old controversy after four girls in 2019 alleged they were forced to remove clothing in the nurse's office.
SUNY Broome got a huge boost in enrollment, the biggest class since the pandemic.
👮Crime & Safety
A fire is being investigated that killed a toddler in the Town of Chenango. The family now has a GoFundMe to help rebuild their lives.
A dramatic murder suicide took place between Conklin and Montrose in an apparent family property dispute.
A faulty exhaust system led to a family of four to pass out...while driving on Robinson Street.
A bomb squad had to be called to a home across from Seton Catholic Central. Yeesh.
🏀Sports
Check out this WBNG spotlight on Vestal Football's new coach!
❤️Good News
Gambling for good? Tioga Downs gives big boost to the Southern Tier Veterans Support Group.
Over 2,000 residents and pets were helped by the "Healthy Broome" effort!
Other Stories
Should Columbus Park get a new name? A town hall next week seeks to answer that. After all, they did just feel the need to put the man's bust in a little protective cage.
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