The City of Binghamton has received 55 project proposals totaling nearly $119 million in response to its public call for ideas under the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) State grant for the Clinton Street neighborhood. Mayor Jared M. Kraham highlighted the strong response from business owners, developers, non-profits, and community stakeholders, emphasizing the significant private investment and grassroots interest aimed at reimagining the First Ward.
Proposals submitted include plans to construct hundreds of new housing units on vacant land, rehabilitate historic and vacant buildings into residential and commercial spaces, support the growth of existing small businesses, create community spaces, expand youth programming, and install public art throughout the area.
The City’s Local Planning Committee (LPC), composed of residents, small business owners, community leaders, and government officials, will review the proposals. With public input, the LPC will recommend a selection of projects to the State for funding consideration.
Binghamton secured a $10 million DRI grant in February as part of New York State’s initiative to revitalize Clinton Street. Following his inauguration, Mayor Kraham convened a group of local stakeholders to develop a vision for the historic commercial corridor to support the DRI application.
The next LPC meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, at 3 p.m. at the First Ward Senior Center, and the sessions are open to the public.
