The Clinton Street corridor in Binghamton has been awarded $10 million to revitalize its economic infrastructure, support local businesses and generate new opportunities for long-term growth following the local planning process. Binghamton joins Johnson City, Endicott, Hornell, Owego, Watkins Glen, Elmira, Grand Gorge and Roxbury, which were Southern Tier winners in past rounds of the DRI.

Clinton Street is the primary east-west corridor through the First Ward neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Binghamton. The junction of Front Street and Clinton Street, which defines the eastern extent of the DRI boundary, is a key gateway into downtown Binghamton.

The mixture of land uses and the historic nature of the First Ward neighborhood has resulted in an eclectic and unique physical environment within the corridor featuring historical, religious and culturally significant sites woven together with antique shops, bars, international cuisine, and retail.

The Clinton Street corridor is recognized as the “backbone” of the First Ward, providing a social center with dense commercial activity proximate to nearby residential areas. The area has a storied history of immigration, a legacy still felt today in the ethnic churches and diverse neighborhoods of the First Ward. The area also boasts a history of a “walk to work” culture fostered by General Aniline and Film (GAF)/Anitec Industries, a former area employer who attracted economic and social activity in the neighborhood.

About Clinton Street

Where is the Binghamton Clinton Street DRI?

The eastern boundary of the project area is set at the junction of Front Street and Clinton Street, which is a key gateway into downtown Binghamton. To the west, the project site is bound by Jarvis Street, a vital connection between Clinton Street and Main Street. Further, the project area extends to the south towards the Erie Lackawanna Railway and Norfolk Southern Railroad line and extends north one block towards residential areas within walking distance to the corridor. The area also includes the 25+ acre Charles Street Business Park ripe for redevelopment into a major job creation hub in the First Ward. Reference Figure 1 for a map of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) project area.

Covering a total of 95.3 acres, the DRI project area includes 243 properties with a wide range of land uses: residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, and vacant. The mixture of land uses and the historic nature of the First Ward neighborhood has resulted in an eclectic and unique physical environment within the corridor featuring historical, religious and culturally significant sites woven together with antique shops, bars, international cuisine, and retail.

Clinton Street DRI Boundary

Local Planning Committee (LPC)

While the New York State Department of State will oversee the Clinton Street DRI process with support from a consultant team led by Laberge Group, the Local Planning Committee (LPC) will be responsible for meeting regularly with the consultant team and representing the public throughout the process. The LPC is comprised of NYS Department of State approved members, including a diverse group of community leaders and stakeholders. The LPC is tasked with overseeing the development of the SIP, which will identify a slate of projects ready for implementation. The LPC will also be responsible for sharing information about the DRI with their networks and communities. Members of the LPC play an important role in ensuring that the plan is grounded in the values and aspirations of the community.

All LPC meetings are open to the public and provide opportunity for public comment.

Local Planning Committee Members

  • Jared Kraham | Mayor, City of Binghamton – LPC Chair

  • Kathryn Connerton | President and CEO, Guthrie Lourdes Hospital - LPC Chair

  • Mary Ann Callahan | Coordinator, First Ward Neighborhood Watch

  • Jenny Chang | Executive Director, Broome County Arts Council

  • Mackenzie Cooper | Student Representative, Binghamton University

  • Stacey Duncan | Executive Director and CEO, The Agency & Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce

  • Jason Kovarik | Owner, Kovarik Hardware

  • Alecia Lashier | Chief Automation Officer, iA

  • Carla Murray | Councilmember, Binghamton City Council

  • Ely Rooney | Former owner, De Colores Cookies y Mas

  • John Rozzoni | Executive Director, Tri-Cities Opera

  • Frank Stento | Vice President, Binghamton-Oneonta Building and Construction Trades Council

  • Marybeth Smith | Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Binghamton

  • Jerry Willard | Executive Director, First Ward Action Council

Municipal Staff

  • Sarah Glose | Director of Economic Development

  • Benjamin Straebler | Business Development Specialist

State Agency Representatives

  • Julie Sweet | NYS Department of State

  • Omar Sanders | Empire State Development

  • Tammy S. Kocak | Empire State Development

  • Leonard (Lenny) Skrill | NYS Homes and Community Renewal

  • Governor’s Regional Representative