Partnering for a Better Greater Binghamton Winter 2010

Despite Tough Times, Greater Greater Binghamton Chamber’s Seminar

Binghamton Experiences Key Economic GAS DRILLING IN BROOME COUNTY:
Development Successes in 2009 An Economic Development and
We celebrated two key regional projects last fall.  Good Workforce Development Perspective
Shepherd Village in Endwell, a fee-for-service and continuing AND ECONOMIC FORECAST 2010:
care retirement community had its grand opening. This facility “What’s next in our Regional Economy?”
will employ more than 100 people with an estimated payroll
of more than $3 million.  The projected economic impact is Fifteen years ago, no one in the United States, had ever
more than $160 million dollars over the next 30 years.  Impress, heard of the Barnett Shale – except maybe a few geologists.
a metal can manufacturer, broke ground on a more than $30 Today, it’s the largest natural gas field in the United States,
million dollar facility in the Broome Corporate Park in Conklin.  producing four billion cubic feet a day. It supports thousands
This facility will likely employ more than 160 people over the of jobs and generates millions in tax revenue.
next five years.  It is projected to open in the fall of 2010. The Marcellus Shale formation that stretches across our area
One of our key industry clusters is modeling and simulation.  in New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia may prove to
Ed Link created the industry in Binghamton in the early be even more abundant. By one calculation, the Marcellus
20th Century.  Over the past year, we have partnered with field by itself has the potential to produce enough gas to
our modeling and simulation companies to promote the Link meet the entire nation’s needs for at least 14 years.
legacy and grow the local industry.  We debuted a short The Economic Development Committee of the Greater
video that starts with Ed Link and then describes the exciting Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present
work being done today within the industry.  The video had a panel discussion that focuses on the future economic
a prominent position before more than 19,000 participants at development and workforce development aspects of gas
the 2009 I/ITSEC in Orlando, Florida. drilling in our area.
I/ITSEC is the largest gathering in the world of modeling Join us on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at the Binghamton
and simulation professionals in the armed services, Regency Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as we discuss
government and private sector.  Our video played in a this important topic from:
loop on 8 different screens around the show including the A Natural Gas Industry Perspective from the American
tour buses which transported people back and forth to Petroleum Institute (API). API will outline how natural
their hotels.  The video may be viewed at www.bcida.com gas, including unconventional shale gas resources, is
Our work with local modeling and simulation companies vital to our nation’s energy future—fueling our economy,
includes a brochure that was widely distributed at the delivering heat and power to over 60 million U.S. homes,
I/ITSEC conference in 2008 and 2009.  This piece produced and providing our nation with a clean burning, domestic
in partnership with Riger Advertising of Binghamton energy source.
highlights the partners in our modeling and simulation cluster A Broome County Perspective with Joseph R. Sluzar,
including: Binghamton University, Broome Community County Attorney and Darcy Fauci, Deputy County
College, Concurrent, D&R Technical Solutions, Diamond Executive. Joe and Darcy will present their findings on
Visionics, L-3 Link Simulation & Training, Rockwell Collins, the “potential economic and fiscal impacts from natural
RPA Electronic Solutions, Sarnicola Simulation Systems, gas production in Broome County.”
Simulation and Control Technologies, and Virtusphere.  The A Workforce Development Perspective with Terry Stark,
brochure was judged superior by the Northeastern Economic Director, Broome-Tioga Workforce NY. Terry will explore
our future workforce
Developers Association at its annual meeting in Philadelphia.
needs, including training
and certification programs,
Continued on Page 2
Continued on Page 5
Economic Development Successes Greater Binghamton Chamber Expands
in 2009 Continued from Page 1 Buy Local Efforts
Our modeling and simulation initiative is part of an ongoing The Greater Binghamton Chamber of
and aggressive campaign promoting Binghamton’s assets Commerce is working to encourage
to senior executives across the United States.  Last fall, we Chamber member employees to take
sponsored the grand opening luncheon for CoreNet in Las advantage of cost saving opportunities
Vegas.  CoreNet is the largest association of site selectors made available to them. The Chamber
and corporate real estate executives in the world.  More than has long promoted a Member to
1,500 participants received an introduction to Binghamton’s Member Discount program to
technology, easy access to East Coast markets, and high
quality of life.  Participants received two follow-up mailings strengthen our local business community. As part of this effort,
that reinforced these core messages.  We’re hopeful that the Chamber prints and distributes thousands of “Member
as the economy continues to improve in 2010, even more To Member Discount Cards” through their membership for
executives will consider Binghamton for their next project. all employees to use. There are currently over 90 special
offers in this program. For a current and complete listing of
Last summer, Greater Binghamton and the BCIDA launched
these offerings, please visit www.greaterbinghamtonchamber.
BinghamtonBiz on Twitter.  Our feed is intended to promote
com. Click on the member tab and look for the Member To
Binghamton businesses to a global audience.  We have
Member discount.
attracted followers in small business, venture capital, and
media communities from across the United States.  Find us Additionally, the Chamber will be launching an effort to
on the web at twitter.com/binghamtonbiz.  BinghamtonBiz drive additional retail sales through a “Buy Local” campaign.
has a companion channel on YouTube where users may Window decals will be printed and distributed to chamber
find interviews with regional business leaders, virtual members in the Southern Tier to help shoppers identify
tours of key properties, and recent national commercials. member establishments. A Facebook page listing retail
discounts will encourage employees to become fans to learn
In November, the Milken Institute released its 2009 Best
of the “latest deals” out there. To become a fan, click the link
Performing Cities.  Greater Binghamton moved up 60 spots
from the logo above on the Chamber’s website. Social media
to number 65 from our 2008 ranking of 125.  Despite a
offers a free avenue for members to promote their specials and
challenging global environment, we rank highly for technology
the strength of the medium is growing daily. The committee
concentration as well as increases in high technology GDP over
strongly feels that this is a strong way to help engage our
2008. For a link to the overall rankings, visit www.bcida.com
membership and all of their employees. Chamber member
companies employ 45,000 people ~ that is a lot of buying
power.
STOC’s “20 in Their Twenties” to be
We want to keep as much economic activity as possible
Announced Soon! within our community and are hoping people will visit local
The Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition will be businesses instead of traveling outside the area or shopping
announcing the awardees of the third “20 in Their on-line.
Twenties” class at its monthly Networking Café on
Monday, February 8 at the McKinley in Endicott. The
event was attended by 200 people last year and is open Broome County Teams with Willow Run
to the public, with refreshments provided and a cash bar. Foods to Reduce Emissions
The “20 in their Twenties” initiative celebrates the future Broome County Planning has partnered with Willow Run
and current leaders in our community while recognizing the Foods to submit an application for $517,000 from the US EPA
accomplishment of young people throughout the Southern National Clean Diesel Program.  If funded, the application
Tier. These young individuals express these ideals with their will enable Willow Run Foods to equip 55 tractor trailers
actions, through their academic excellence, community with auxiliary power units (APU).  The installation and use
service, individual leadership, and professional achievement. of these APU’s by Willow Run will result in the reduction of
52 tons of nitrogen oxides, 1.22 tons of particulate matter,
Nominations are now closed and in the hands of a panel of
2.2 tons of carbon dioxide and the savings of nearly 50,000
independent judges. Awardees will be announced during
gallons of diesel fuel over their usable lifetime.  APU’s work
a gala reception starting at 5:00pm on Monday February
by allowing trucks to be run off of the much smaller and
8 at the McKinley. For more information and to secure
more efficient auxiliary power engine rather than the tractor
a complimentary reservation, contact Natalia Czabala,
trailer engine during times when they traditionally would be
STOC’s Administrative Assistant at 607-772-8863 ext 5, or
idling.  A decision on the grant is expected in February 2010.
nczabala@gmail.com.
2
Broome County Planning Tackles Emerson Network Power Dedicates New
Brownfields, Code Enforcement & Headquarters in Binghamton
Green Technology

Brandywine Corridor Brownfield Opportunity

Area Kicks Off
Broome County Planning secured a $175,500
grant from New York State to prepare a Brownfield
Opportunity Area plan for the Brandywine Corridor. 
This 137-acre swath of land in the heart of Binghamton
is the gateway to the community.  By preparing a
Brownfield Opportunity Area plan for this area, we Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR) and the
can focus public and private sector investment and global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™ dedicated
help the community achieve its vision.  We have the completion of its 40,000 square-foot headquarters facility in
hired Elan Planning and Design of Saratoga Springs, Binghamton’s Charles Street Business Park in early December 2009.
New York to coordinate this effort.  
“Thanks to state and local government leaders for their support,
In November of 2009, we conducted our first public as well as to general contractor T.J. Madison Construction Inc. of
meeting for this important project. In advance of Binghamton and the local workforce “that brought the facility to life,”
the meeting, the Planning Department staff mailed said Bill Fierle, Emerson Network Power President.
over 1,000 postcards to residents and property
Fierle noted that the new corporate headquarters symbolize positive
owners within the Brandywine Corridor and the
change rooted in a “deep and unwavering confidence in the company’s
surrounding neighborhood. The meeting was well-
ability to flourish – no matter what is happening in the business and
attended and resulted in many workable ideas for the
industrial world around us.”
redevelopment of this vital corridor.
The new facility houses general administration, engineering,
Elan will be working on the plan over the course of marketing and manufacturing operations. The Binghamton operation
2010. Once finalized, the Brandywine Corridor BOA manufactures power quality and surge protection equipment to
plan will guide grant writing and public investment protect mission-critical operations from disruptive electrical failures.
for this catalytic area.
“This has been a collaborative effort to produce a world-class
46 Corliss Avenue Investigation and Demolition showcase for Emerson Network Power’s best-of-class technologies,”
Fierle said, “including the industry’s most sophisticated research and
Demolition has begun on a former industrial site in development laboratory to ensure that all roads lead to Binghamton
the Village of Johnson City through the combined for the ultimate in power protection.”
efforts of the New York Empire State Development
Restore NY Program, Broome County Planning and Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), is
Economic Development, Town of Union Planning & the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™ from
Economic Development Departments, and the Village grid to chip for telecommunication networks, data centers, health
of Johnson City. In December 2009, demolition care and industrial facilities. Emerson Network Power provides
began on 46 Corliss Avenue, a deteriorated industrial innovative solutions and expertise in areas including AC and DC
building constructed in the 1890’s in the Endicott- power and precision cooling systems, embedded computing and
Johnson industrial spine. Originally housing Marshall power, integrated racks and enclosures, power switching and controls,
Furniture and later the Ozalid Company, the building monitoring, and connectivity. All solutions are supported globally by
has sat vacant since 1993. local Emerson Network Power service technicians.
 
For the demolition and cleanup of this abandoned
industrial property, the Town of Union used $57,397
of Community Development Block Grant funding
to leverage a Restore NY grant (Round II) from
NYS totaling $471,568.  To cover the additional
costs associated with engineering services, project
supervision, and asbestos air monitoring, Broome
County allocated $83,000 of Hotel/Motel tax
dollars.   An additional $25,000 for contingency Local officials join Emerson representatives to cut the
funding was approved by the County.    ribbon on the new Emerson Network Power Surge
Headquarters in the Charles St. Business Park
3
Greater Binghamton Innovation Center • $9 square foot second year
Graduates First Success Story • $11 square foot third year (3 year limit for tenants)
• There are also (10) cubicle spaces available for lease:
• $100 first year
• $130 second year
• $169 third year (3 year limit for tenants)
If anyone is interested in learning about the Greater
Binghamton Innovation Center, they should contact Darcy
Fauci at 778-2109.

The Greater Binghamton Innovation Center is marking its STOC and Binghamton University Present
first full year of operation and it is celebrating that milestone Technology Awards
by graduating its first success story! The high-tech incubator The New York State Center of Excellence in Small
has been home to nearly a dozen start-up businesses since Scale Systems Integration and Packaging (S3IP) at
late 2008. One of those tenants, White Knight Imaging, has Binghamton University and the Southern Tier Opportunity
experienced such explosive activity, that it is moving out to a Coalition (STOC) honored three individuals for
larger office space in the community. promoting economic development in the Southern Tier. 
 
White Knight’s John and Elin Barton have credited the Mark D. Poliks, Director of Research and Development
incubator with helping them to take their business to the next at Endicott Interconnect Technologies was recognized as
level. Technology Leader of the Year for his efforts shaping the
The incubator is located at 123 Court St. It is a Broome technology community through leadership in small-scale
County initiative aimed at supporting emerging businesses systems.   Zhihao Yang, Chief Technology Officer and Co-
in our community. This project came to fruition because of Founder of NanoMas Technologies was recognized as
assistance from both our federal and state representatives. As Technology Entrepreneur of the Year for his contributions
has been mentioned in previous editions of this newsletter, to the development of the technology economy through
Senators Clinton (former) and Schumer, secured a $250,000 the formation of new businesses, generation of wealth and
grant to assist our community in aiding entrepreneurs and exemplifying the risk-taking entrepreneurial spirit. David
growing our own jobs. The first quarter of a million dollars Gdovin, President of Diamond Visionics, was recognized
was used to build out the 1st floor of 123 Court St. into the as Technology Mentor of the Year for his efforts in shaping
high-tech incubator. the technology community through championing the STOC
vision as well as by offering his time, expertise and knowledge
Broome County was also fortunate to receive an additional networks in support of individual technology companies.
$250,000 economic development grant secured by New York
State Senator Thomas Libous. That additional quarter of a Awards were announced at the S3IP Annual Dinner on
million dollars was used to outfit the incubator with furniture November 11, 2009. The dinner featured remarks by U.S.
and technology as well as underwrite the operating expenses Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey (D-N.Y.), Assemblywoman Donna
for at least three years. Lupardo and Bahgat Sammakia, S3IP director, who provided a
brief overview of current project and activities. Frank Murray,
In addition to four office spaces available at affordable lease president and chief executive officer of the New York State
rates, there is a large room called a “hothouse” that includes Energy Research and Development Authority, provided
ten cubicles. Those cubicles are leased by start-ups that aren’t a keynote address. Sammakia and John Hayek, STOC’s
quite ready to occupy office space or who simply do not have executive director, presented the technology awards.
the need for that kind of environment at this stage of their
operation.
White Knight’s space will be occupied by one of the other
tenants who will move into that space leaving one office space
available for lease. There are at least 2 other cubicles available
for lease as well. The rest of the incubator is occupied!
Incubator Info:
• 4 spaces of various sizes(approx. 250 square feet,
350 square feet, 500 square feet and 550 square feet) S3IP Director, Bahgat Sammakia(left) and STOC Executive
available at a lease rate of: Director John Hayek(right) present the
• $7 square foot first year “Technology Mentor” award to
David Gdovin (center), Diamond Visionics President.
4
Regional Entrepreneurship Conference The primary purpose of the NYS Heritage Area program
at Binghamton University is to assist local communities in identifying, promoting
and developing opportunities for enhancing quality of life
The Southern Tier Opportunity Coalition, Binghamton and through stewardship and promotion of local resources and
Cornell Universities and others sponsored a daylong regional to support local economic development initiatives. This
Business and Entrepreneurship Conference on November 4th goal is achieved through the partnership and coordinated
at Binghamton University. activities of a wide range of local and regional organizations
with technical support and financial incentives from the state.
Over 100 people attended the conference which featured: County Executive, Barbara J. Fiala, was appointed this year
• The latest technology transfer initiatives from Binghamton to the NYS Heritage Area Advisory Council. The Council
and Cornell Universities advises the Executive and Legislative branch on New York
• Resources available from both universities for local State Heritage Area System program policies.
businesspeople and entrepreneurs
• Important considerations in business planning and There will be a state and local approval process that will
intellectual property begin in January for state recognition.  An “amendment” to
• Funding resources for start-up businesses. state law is required in order to recognize both Broome and
Tioga counties as the expanded boundary beyond the current
The conference featured a number of distinguished regionally communities of Binghamton, Johnson City & Endicott.  
and nationally known speakers and panelists from across Consultants for the project were Bergmann Associates of
the Southern Tier. Keynote speakers were Alan Paau, Vice Rochester, NY and the project was completely funded through
Provost and Executive Director for Technology Transfer and Department of State Qualities Communities Program.
Economic Development at Cornell and Eugene Krentsel,
Assistant Vice President for Technology and Innovation
Partnerships from Binghamton University. Hari Srihari,
Dean of the BU Watson School of Engineering, overviewed Greater Binghamton Chamber’s Seminar
resources available to small businesses from the University. Continued from Page 1
Bill Ritter, Assistant District Director for Upstate NY SCORE programs, the need for products and services by our local
and Mark Vallone from Levene Gouldin & Thompson spoke business community and a look at how other gas drilling
on business planning and intellectual property respectively. communities have responded to this issue.
Debbie Morello, Dean of Continuing Education at Broome The cost to attend is: $25 Advance / $30 Door for Chamber
Community College, moderated a panel on business funding Members; and $35 Advance / $40 Door for Non-Members.
featuring regional experts from Greater Binghamton, Ithaca,
Elmira and Syracuse. In February, the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
is pleased to present an Economic Forecast for 2010,
sponsored by M&T Bank on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the
Susquehanna Heritage Area Holiday Inn Arena at 7:30 a.m. Chamber members want to
Management Plan is Amended to Allow know, “What’s next” in our regional economy.
for Expansion
Gary D. Keith, Vice President & Regional
The Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Economist from M&T Bank, will deliver
Amendment was completed in December of 2009. It builds his economic forecast based on research
and expands upon previous planning efforts that have been and experience in the commercial
developed and implemented since the Susquehanna Heritage finance field. He has given insightful
Area was first recognized by the New York State legislature forecasts creating a clear picture of
in 1982. current economic trends in Upstate
New York, and in particular, the Greater
This plan has been undertaken to further identify, promote,
Binghamton area.
and develop the historic, cultural, recreational, and natural
resources of an expanded Susquehanna Heritage Area, which A representative from the Greater Binghamton Association
is proposed to encompass Broome and Tioga Counties. of Realtors will close the program with their insight into the
The Plan Amendment identifies a series of strategies for local real estate market trends and how this will impact our
communities in Broome and Tioga Counties. It provides an area in the upcoming year.
enhancement of their unique cultural and natural resources
that will guide the implementation of programs and projects The cost to attend is: $25 Advance / $27 Door for Chamber
which seek to foster economic revitalization and enhance Members; and $35 Advance / $37 Door for Non-Members.
quality of life throughout the region To register for these program, contact Kathi Murphy @ (607)
772-8860 or kmurphy@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.
5
Binghamton University – 2010 Advocacy Initiatives
As the semester comes to a close, Binghamton University
welcomes over 1,200 new University advocates who recently
registered to be a part of the Think Tank advocacy group.
This group now tops 6,200 University supporters, including
community members, faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni
and friends, who are all committed to helping Binghamton
University advance as an institution. Commission, President Lois B. DeFleur has been supportive
In the upcoming New Year, the University will focus its of SUNY reform efforts, especially those that can be
advocacy efforts on two critical initiatives: securing adequate implemented at no cost to taxpayers.
 
state support and flexibility, and continuing our efforts to Law School
develop a new law school.
  The University remains steadfast in its efforts to secure the
SUNY Budget Issues necessary SUNY, state and State Education Department
SUNY is being asked to implement an additional $90 approvals to establish a law school. Positive reports from
million dollar reduction and Binghamton University’s two external reviewers are expected shortly and the formal
portion is $3.3 million. This is the most serious reduction proposal for the law school will then be submitted to SUNY
for SUNY in many decades and is the highest proportion and the State Education Department.
 
cut to a state agency. This reduction comes on top of five While the University is working to meet its challenges,
years of declining state support and given the state’s financial another year of scholarly and academic growth for
outlook, more cuts may be likely. Although the University Binghamton University is anticipated. The University
administration has taken active steps over the last two years continues to attract the best and brightest students in the
to protect the University’s academic offerings, the continued state. Test scores of entering students continue to rise
budget reductions have had some adverse consequences, and are among the nation’s highest for public universities.
including larger class sizes, fewer class sections, and fewer Faculty break new ground every day with their scholarly
full-time faculty due to hiring freezes. contributions and research and apply innovative approaches
 
While New York State’s budget actions represent serious to student learning. They continue to receive worldwide and
challenges, the University is committed to preserving the national recognition for their research. Scott Craver, for
high-quality academic experience that students, parents example, an Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer
and alumni have come to expect of Binghamton University. Engineering, was honored at the White House this fall as
The administration is closely examining every aspect of one of only 100 recipients of the prestigious Presidential
campus operations to maximize efficiency and has instituted Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE).
both short and long-term approaches to reduce costs and Likewise, the staff is among the most creative and dedicated
increase revenues in key areas. These initiatives are paying anywhere. For the third consecutive year, Binghamton
off: scholarship support has grown 17 percent over the University has been rated a “Best Buy” by the Fiske Guide
past five years and the University’s research growth rate is to Colleges. And U.S. News and World Report for the
among the highest for universities in New York. Thus the 13th consecutive year included Binghamton University
University continues to enhance its research and scholarly among the elite Top 50 of public universities in the nation.
activity with increased external support from research Binghamton is also on the publication’s list of schools whose
grants; and investments in energy-reduction measures students graduate with the least amount of debt.
continue to help save money while the University reduces Be sure to read about some of the University’s tremendous
its carbon footprint. accolades and groundbreaking research at the Think
 
Legislation Binghamton website (http://think.binghamton.edu) where
supporters are encouraged to take a minute and sign up to be a
During the coming months, there will be a renewed push part of the Think Tank advocacy group. Think Tank advocates
for the state legislature to implement regulatory reforms, receive e-mails at critical points in time when the University
which will help the University pursue its goal of becoming needs their help. By clicking on the links included in the
the premier public university in the nation. Thanks in part e-mails, advocates can quickly and easily send messages to
to the support of Binghamton University advocates, the legislators on behalf of the University. University supporters
Senate and Assembly will likely review a “New Economy are also encouraged to submit their stories about Binghamton
and Innovation Act of 2010” for SUNY doctoral-granting University through the website so that they can be shared as
institutions. The proposed legislation seeks to implement examples of how the University touches people’s lives. These
many of the reforms recommended by the New York State stories will help put a face on the University and will also help
Commission on Higher Education. As a member of the build the case for state investment in higher education.
6
NYS Awards City of Binghamton Nearly The most significant commercial project is the renovation of
3.5 Million for Economic Development the long vacant Midtown Mall located in the heart of the city’s
Projects downtown business district for residential and commercial
use. The Binghamton Economic Development Office worked
with Larry Gladstone of Stellar 83 Court, LLC, for more
than a year to facilitate the development of apartments with
approximately 200 beds on the upper floors, and retail space
on the street level and lower floor. Bringing residents and
businesses to this downtown anchor will generate millions
of dollars in additional local commerce for years to come.
At 199 State Street in one of the city’s Art’s Districts, Restore
3 will support the renovation of a vacant property to house
Binghamton
Bi
B h Mayor M
M Matt RRyan OOutlines
li the Projects
h P j a Binghamton branch of GrafiQa Creative Services, a
Supported by Restore-Round 3 Awards marketing firm based in Oneonta. Additional upscale office
space for tenants will be available in the first quarter of 2010.
In September, the City learned that it had been awarded
In addition, the City’s commercial grant will allow for the
$3.4 million in Restore NY Round 3 grants, which will allow
demolition of the former bowling alley at 530 State Street,
the City to redevelop at least 46 residential and commercial
clearing the way for the Salvation Army to rebuild its
properties citywide.
Binghamton offices and community center on the site. Down
The City’s residential grant totals $2.2 million, and its the street at 5 W. State, the grant will assist Opportunities for
commercial grant is $1.2 million. Together, the projects will Broome’s renovation of a building and the relocation of their
leverage more than $23 million in new investment and support administrative offices. Finally the grant included funds for
more than 330 well-paying jobs throughout Binghamton.  demolition of the former McDonald’s property at 10-12 W.
State Street to make way for a Save-A-Lot grocery store.
The City’s Round 3 application builds on its Round 1 and 2
grants, which represent the State’s largest awards per-capita,
and have allowed the City to target more than 70 problem
properties.
“Our award-winning program has allowed us to renew our County-wide Code Enforcement Office
neighborhoods as never before, and our momentum is only Feasibility Study
building,” said Mayor Ryan. “By leveraging local resources, we’ve Each of Broome County’s 24 Municipalities is responsible
already targeted more than 70 blighted properties, and now for enforcing the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building
we’ll redevelop 46 more, including 41 residential parcels and Code in that municipality which has individual and varying
five key commercial parcels in the Chenango Street Corridor. office structures and strategies for enforcement. A county-
The City works with a wide ranging coalition of community wide code enforcement office has the potential to provide
partners through the Binghamton Healthy Neighborhoods improved efficiency and financial savings through streamlined
Collaboration to plan for and implement the Restore projects. operations and administration, providing a single point of
Prospective uses for the Round 3 residential and mixed-use contact for residents and businesses interested in locating in
parcels include houses for first-time homebuyers, combinations the County, and providing a structure that affords a broader
with adjacent properties, expanded yards, parking lots, green range of expertise and specialization.
spaces, and areas for commercial development. Broome County Planning, with the Town of Kirkwood
The City also will prioritize energy efficiency in the as a co-applicant, has received a $33,750 grant from the
redevelopment process. Deconstruction will take place New York State Department of State’s Local Government
at as many of the demolition sites as possible, and several Efficiency Grant Program to develop a County-Wide Code
of the new construction projects will be Energy Star rated. Enforcement Office Feasibility Study. The study will analyze
NYSERDA will assist with costs associated with meeting the the administrative, fiscal, legal, and political considerations
Energy Star standards. incidental to cooperative code enforcement. This includes
The City’s $1.2 million commercial grant will assist analysis of the nature and scope of services and functions
with the demolition and rehabilitation of several key to be performed by each local government, the number and
commercial properties, many of which are in the qualifications of staff necessary, how personnel and other costs
Chenango Street Corridor. Through these projects, will be shared or apportioned, the collection and distribution
the City anticipates leveraging $19 million in additional of fees, the responsibility for enforcement, and the liabilities
investment, and supporting more than 50 jobs. of the parties, among others.
7
 Some of the Projects Initiated and Completed in 2009!

County Executive Barbara Fiala joins Impress Group

Visions Federal Credit Union officials cut the ribbon on representatives at the groundbreaking for their new
the new Visions branch in Johnson City manufacturing facility in the Broome Corporate Park

Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan joins other officials and

neighborhood representatives at the groundbreaking George Harvey Justice Building officially rededicated
for the Northside grocery story in November following a $17 million dollar renovation
project is finalized

Newman Development Group proposes a new housing complex for downtown Binghamton