Author name: Tarik Abdelazim

The Money Coming to Local Governments under Biden’s American Rescue Plan is Staggering and Fully Flexible: We Must Not Let Mayors, County Executives, and Governors Squander this Unprecedented Opportunity

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Back in 2009 and 2010, as local governments started to drown in the wreckage of the Great Recession, Washington didn’t even bother to show up to lend a hand. Our federal leaders from both parties were too busy shoveling tax dollars to the very same Wall Street firms that imploded our economy and ultimately wiped-out […]

The Money Coming to Local Governments under Biden’s American Rescue Plan is Staggering and Fully Flexible: We Must Not Let Mayors, County Executives, and Governors Squander this Unprecedented Opportunity Read More »

NYC Equity Firm Makes Multi-Million Dollar Bet on Binghamton’s Student Rental Market: Outdated, Inequitable Assessment System Exposed

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BINGHAMTON – In November 2019, a multi-million dollar transaction in student rental housing on Binghamton’s west side went completely unnoticed and unreported. Over three days that month, Stonebridge Property Group (SPG), a private equity firm from New York City, acquired 34 Binghamton properties—33 residential properties on the west side in the “college housing district” and

NYC Equity Firm Makes Multi-Million Dollar Bet on Binghamton’s Student Rental Market: Outdated, Inequitable Assessment System Exposed Read More »

Binghamton’s Police Reform Panel: Not Even Started, and Already a Failure

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On June 12, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order requiring each local government in the state, with a paid police department, to adopt a policing reform plan by April 1, 2021. On June 15, Mayor David was quick to respond, explaining to Bob Joseph on WNBF that a coalition will soon be named to start

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Binghamton is violating its own ‘Complete Streets Policy’

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When announcing Binghamton’s 2020 street improvement plan earlier this year, Mayor David promised the multi-million dollar investments would benefit all users and all abilities. “Focusing on Complete Streets principles and ADA-compliant infrastructure ensures all residents have safe access regardless of age or ability,” said Mayor David in his media release (5/19/20). “Livable, walkable urban environments

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Is Binghamton in a Strong Financial Position to Weather this Crisis? Yes. But it’s Not Because of You Know Who.

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The overall impacts from COVID-19 will likely cause significant harm to governmental finances at the local, county, and state levels. Officials at all levels have been warning that the loss of sales tax receipts, casino proceeds, income taxes, and property tax payments could create staggering budget shortfalls. Federal aid, they argue, is the only way

Is Binghamton in a Strong Financial Position to Weather this Crisis? Yes. But it’s Not Because of You Know Who. Read More »

Broome Community Land Trust Announces New Ambassador Program; Interested Residents Have Until May 8 to Apply

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Earlier this week, a small coalition of housing justice advocates in Broome County announced a new paid opportunity for residents that are passionate about expanding safe, healthy, affordable housing choices in the area. The group, the Steering Committee of the emerging Broome Community Land Trust (CLT), is now seeking applications for its first-ever Broome CLT

Broome Community Land Trust Announces New Ambassador Program; Interested Residents Have Until May 8 to Apply Read More »

The Rental Housing Crisis is Coming: Its Up to Local Governments to Act Now to Protect Our Most Vulnerable Renters

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There is a coming crisis in the rental housing market, particularly among those tenants who are not receiving any public subsidy but who were, before the crisis, already financially insecure. Thanks to the 90-day eviction moratorium here in NY, which the Governor signed on May 20th, we have a little breathing room, but not much.

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The Rot of the Broome Republican Machine: Hatred, Fear, and Dead Cats

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Last week on the radio, Mayor David went full-on Trump, calling the entire slate of Council Democratic candidates police-hating “agitators, protesters, and obstructionists,” and that I’m the radical extremist behind the curtains pulling all the strings. I didn’t hear the original rant, but when folks told me of the Mayor’s comments, I was both shocked

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Binghamton City Council Members Livingston and Taylor Express Frustration over Joint Sewage Treatment Plant Secrecy; Demand Mayor David Share Key Information and Updates with the Public about his Privatization Plan

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The following is the official press release issued on October 30 by Binghamton City Councilmembers Dan Livingston and Conrad Taylor, both of whom have expressed strong opposition to Mayor David’s proposal to privatize operations and management at the joint sewage treatment plant.   Binghamton Councilmembers Dan Livingston and Conrad Taylor spoke today, and for months

Binghamton City Council Members Livingston and Taylor Express Frustration over Joint Sewage Treatment Plant Secrecy; Demand Mayor David Share Key Information and Updates with the Public about his Privatization Plan Read More »

Republican City Electeds Come out of the Closet: “We’re Bullies and Hypocrites”

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I was on the road the last two days for work, serving as a resource at a conference for local government employees from Republican and Democratic administrations across New York to help brainstorm effective strategies to transform vacant housing to neighborhood assets with a focus on equity, sustainability, and justice. My phone started lighting up

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