City Awarded Empire State Development Strategic Planning Grant for Binghamton Plaza Site
$75K State Grant to Support Next Phase of Redevelopment Vision, Public Input
(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)—Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Monday announced the City of Binghamton has secured a $75,000 State grant from Empire State Development to advance redevelopment planning at the Binghamton Plaza site under the State's Strategic Planning and Feasibility Studies Program (SPFS).
Mayor Kraham said: "Now with support from New York State's economic development authority, we're continuing to take bold action to realize a better future for this property and Binghamton's North Side. This study is the next step toward delivering on what North Side residents have spent decades calling for—real change that makes the Binghamton Plaza site a driver of economic development and revitalization. My thanks to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development officials for their support of our vision for the Binghamton Plaza and this next chapter."
The City will use the grant funding to create a detailed roadmap for redevelopment of 33 West State Street, the site of the Binghamton Plaza, and identify economic development opportunities following demolition.
The study will evaluate market conditions, economic impacts, job creation potential, infrastructure needs, zoning requirements and funding opportunities for potential land uses. Community engagement will play a critical role, with additional outreach planned to residents, businesses and other stakeholders.
The study will build on years of public planning efforts and public engagement covering the Binghamton Plaza site, including the North Chenango River Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) Study, the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan and the City's Comprehensive Plan.
The City expects to take control of the Binghamton Plaza site later this year after winning its eminent domain case against the owners in a unanimous decision by the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division.
The City plans to demolish the largely vacant shopping plaza in the coming months.
In May, the City hosted a virtual public engagement session with the New York State Department of State, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and experts from NJIT's Technical Assistance to Brownfields team to provide the community with information on the process for redevelopment of formerly contaminated sites like the Binghamton Plaza. The City plans to bring these experts together for an in-person workshop this fall for additional public engagement around the future of the Binghamton Plaza.
The City will issue a request for qualifications later this month for a consultant to lead the study.
Commissioner Amanda Lefton, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, said: "The successful cleanup of Binghamton Plaza demonstrates the importance of New York State's Brownfield Cleanup Program in addressing environmental contamination, safeguarding public and environmental health, and bolstering economic revitalization in communities across the state. The Strategic Planning and Feasibility Study award from Empire State Development provides opportunities for community involvement and visioning for future uses of this site to further benefit residents of this neighborhood and the environmental health of the larger Binghamton community."
State Senator Lea Webb said: "This is a critical step forward for the future of Binghamton Plaza. Binghamton Plaza has long been a key site with untapped potential, and this study will lay the groundwork for a thoughtful, community-centered redevelopment plan. Through this project, we can ensure the future of the plaza reflects our shared vision for economic revitalization, job creation, and long-term growth in the city of Binghamton."
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said: "Congratulations to the City of Binghamton for receiving a state strategic planning grant for the Binghamton Plaza. This will really help them zero in on the best opportunities for the future of the plaza, engaging all parts of the community in the planning process. Having watched this parcel deteriorate over the years, I know how important this is to the Northside neighbors who deserve a vibrant location they can be proud of."
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said: "The Binghamton Plaza site holds tremendous potential to drive economic growth, and this grant is a critical step in creating a clear, community-driven vision for redevelopment. Thank you to Empire State Development for supporting the advancement of this planning process. We look forward to seeing how it helps shape the future of such a key site for our region."
