Binghamton University Grads Work to Revitalize City

Three recent Binghamton University graduates have banded together to take action to help the city thrive.

Christopher Paquette is president and a co-founder of an organization called ChangeOver Binghamton.

Paquette told WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program that during his time as a student, he's recognized the potential for the city and wants to develop ways to make it thrive.

Paquette was involved with a student-led think tank that worked with local business owners to identify the issues and challenges they faced in growing their operations.

Paquette hopes to leverage the economic power of Binghamton University students to help support existing downtown businesses and future initiatives.

While students who spend much of their time on the Vestal campus may be in "a little bit of a bubble," Paquette said ChangeOver Binghamton will work to be a bridge to connect downtown businesses with students.

Paquette said several dozen students participated in an event billed as the Shut Down Binghamton Flash Rave on October 5. It held for about an hour in conjunction with downtown First Friday activities.

Paquette said ChangeOver Binghamton is planning more events to encourage students to discover what awaits them downtown.