Binghamton Mayor Rich David gave his annual State of the City address at City Hall on Tuesday night.
The mayor discussed several issues, ranging from drug politics, green energy initiatives and development in Downtown Binghamton. David began his speech with what he referred to as his most important duty: public safety.
“Make no mistake — Binghamton is a law and order community,” David said. “We won’t tolerate criminal activity on our streets. We’re also a city that supports our police officers, understands the work they do and the dangers they face.”
David summarized and commended police efforts, referencing arrests made in relation to both a Feb. 14 shooting and a string of robberies on the West Side.
He also discussed increased transparency within the Binghamton Police Department, citing the 90 body cameras currently used by officers on duty and the department’s intention to purchase 30 more.
The 434 Greenway Project, a bike and pedestrian trail intended to connect Binghamton University to Downtown Binghamton, was also addressed. David said that more than $6.6 million in funding from both the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and the Upstate Revitalization Initiative (URI) were going to support its creation.
“It will serve as a critical link in the multi-use trail network across the Southern Tier, promote alternative modes of transportation and showcase to the community the city’s growing bond with our University,” David said.
Keeping with a theme of development, David also discussed his efforts to enhance State Street and the surrounding area. State Street construction is set to begin in the fall and he said the changes would improve the safety and appearance of Downtown.
“I announced the city secured $480,000 in federal funding for the State Street Improvement Project for new pavement, traffic signals and enhanced landscaping just steps from here outside City Hall,” David said. “It’s another step in creating a cohesive feel to our Downtown streetscape.”
Additional changes to State Street include a project underway at 70-72 Court Street. Last year, David had announced his intentions to turn the vacant lot into a commercial retail and residential complex. Mark Yonaty, the owner of Greater Binghamton Development, is responsible for the building’s construction.
“This is another bold step in the redevelopment of Downtown Binghamton,” David said in a press release. “This project will put a public property back on the tax rolls, generate private investment downtown and create jobs.”
All improvements see a transition period and, with construction ahead, some are concerned whether Downtown nightlife will be affected. But according to Larry Shea, the owner of State Street bar Tom & Marty’s, students are determined enough that nothing will deter their weekend plans.
“I’m not worried,” Shea said. “There could be a hurricane or another World War and you guys will still always get yourselves Downtown.”
Shea also said that Downtown development is a natural next step in Binghamton’s growth and evolution.
“Business owners and property owners Downtown are looking for that second retail,” Shea said. “We’ve got the restaurants and we’ve got the bars, and there are plenty of quirky and interesting shops. But getting those brand name retailers in Downtown is the next step for development.”
David shared a similar sentiment in reflecting on the city’s progress thus far. He said that there has been clear progress and more is on the horizon.
“Hometown baseball, Downtown lofts, craft breweries, art galleries, unique restaurants, events like the LUMA Projection Arts Festival, a vibrant business district and thriving neighborhoods,” David said. “This is what economic development in the new Binghamton is all about.”