Forum on Planned Broome Developmental Center Planned

New York State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo are planning a public forum November 12^th at the Chenango Valley High School to talk about the state’s plans to close the Broome Developmental Center. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium.

The New York State Office of Developmental Disabilities is looking to shutter the Broome County facility as well as ending in-patient services at the Greater Binghamton Health Center and Elmira Psychiatric Center, consolidating programs with other locations in the state.

While psychiatric in-patient services would be relocated out of the area, many clients of the Broome Developmental Center are slated to move into community-based programs.

Both Republican, Crouch and Democrat, Lupardo have opposed the state’s plans, citing a loss of local jobs and the inconvenience and financial stress to families of clients that would be treated in areas like Utica, Syracuse or Buffalo.

The November 12 forum is open to the general public.