The third in a Bridge series on the Blueprint Binghamton draft of the comprehensive plan. The first mini-plan in the draft Comprehensive Plan is about economic development, which is what more community members said was the most important issue—jobs, jobs, jobs! One of the things that the consultants to the Blueprint were able to do is look at what opportunities exist for Binghamton.
One is location–we are the intersection of three major interstates and three freight railways. Along that intersection, there is an area called “Brownfield Opportunity Area” or “BOA.” Brownfields are industrial lands that have been polluted and are eligible for development. This land along the Brandywine Highway could be the source for job growth. Creating an “Industrial Protection Zone” would gradually encourage the area as industrial with no patches of commercial or residential in between.
Another recommendation that will resonate on First Fridays is: Utilize the arts and heritage tourism to help spur economic development. Yes, let’s make Binghamton a destination for arts and culture more than on the first Friday of the month. Another point is to leverage local institutions like universities and hospitals for local jobs that service these institutions or pop up as a result of their activities.
You can read the Economic Development mini-plan here and be sure to take the survey after each mini-plan. Also visit the Blueprint Binghamton Facebook page.
To read this section or any of the 7 mini plan chapters download it from the Blueprint Binghamton site. There is a survey attached to each mini-plan for citizen feedback and there are a series of public meetings to comment. see below.
The plan can be downloaded from the Blueprint Binghamton site in several documents and includes 7 “mini-plans” on economic development, housing, transportation, land use, infrastructure, environment, and community building. There is a survey for community feedback after each mini-plan.
It is critical for people to be involved in a series of hearings; people may speak at any of the hearings, or submit a written statement. Or, contact Mayor David or your Councilperson. The meetings are as follows:
* May 5 Planning Commission Public Hearing–The Planning Commission will host a public hearing at which members of the public are invited to offer comments on the draft update of the Comprehensive Plan.
*May 7 City Council Public Hearing 1 City Council will host its first public hearing at which the public can offer comments on the draft update of the Comprehensive Plan.
*May 12 Joint City Council & Planning Commission Session 1 A work session with the consultant team to discuss the Draft of Blueprint Binghamton.
*May 14 Joint City Council & Planning Commission Session 2 A work session with the consultant team to discuss the Drafts of Blueprint Binghamton and the Main/Court Street Corridor Plan.
*June 18 City Council Public Hearing 2 City Council will host a second public hearing at which the public can offer comments on the revised draft of the Comprehensive Plan.
For more information, contact Melissa Enoch at the City 607-772-7028 x156 or mlenoch@ cityofbinghamton.com.