The phrase “Downtown Binghamton” tends to conjure — at least in the mind of most Binghamton University students — images of late nights and early mornings of intemperate debauchery (for more evidence, see Pages 8 and 9 in today’s issue). But the newly-formed College for Community and Public Affairs (CCPA) could change all that as early as next year, when it moves to its new home along the Chenango River.

The four-story Binghamton University Education and Community Development Center is still under construction, but is expected to open its doors on Washington Street by the beginning of the next academic year. Its 72,900 square feet will house the entirety of CCPA, including:

*the masters in public administration and development and social work programs

*an internship center

*academic advising facilities

The University will likely also use it for hosting conferences, and CCPA may share space with other BU departments and Broome Community College.

Students in CCPA will attend classes at the center (whose name, like that of the BU Events Center, awaits a donor generous enough to complete it) throughout their Binghamton careers. Recently-named Dean Patricia Wallace Ingraham says that plans for getting commuter service to the building are in the works, and it’s likely that students running late will provide a boon to the local taxi industry.

The cabbies aren’t the only ones excited about the economic boon hundreds of commuting students and faculty could create for downtrodden Downtown, whose main attractions beyond the State Street bars are an ailing department store, a head shop and assorted pizza-and-subs establishments. Commerce associations and the city government are watching and waiting for opening day to see just what kind of development might ensue.

“I think it’s going to be a big part of the resurgence of the urban center,” Binghamton mayor Matt Ryan said over the phone last week. “And now that that’s started, it’ll start a dialogue between all the potential partners,” including local business leaders and the nonprofit urban development corporations, whose daunting task it is to revitalize Broome County one job at a time.

“I think they’re becoming more and more involved in the vision [of better town-gown relations],” Ryan said, “that will help us to recreate our Downtown and help the whole area. It’s already a great school, but in terms of how it affects the community, it’ll be more than just an academic institution — it’s going to become a catalyst for economic growth in the area.”

BU, for its part, is preparing for the educational gains to be derived from sticking college students right in the city center, under one roof. “By putting together these fields, I believe you’ll get great synergy,” said BU president Lois B. DeFleur. “It’s easier to have opportunities for the students,” she added, which will include internships at local think tanks and small-business development. “Some of the things we’ve done here are very innovative. You know Binghamton, we’re one of the best.”