A once-promising "state-of-the-art urban technology park" in Binghamton now is for the birds. Literally.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Dozens of Canada geese now enjoy the generally tranquil section of the First Ward that government officials had hoped would become home to a half-dozen businesses employing hundreds of people.

The sole tenant of the Charles Street Business Park, Emerson Network Power, recently pulled the plug on its Surge Protection unit at the site.

In recent weeks, people who live in the area say the bird population has soared significantly.

Folks who regularly walk along the abandoned West Street corridor north of Clinton Street say the geese appear to be attracted by the large vacant fields which no longer are routinely being mowed.

Observers say a section of land behind the Emerson building had been maintained by the company during previous summers. A larger area north of a neighboring gas-fired electricity generation facility now has become overgrown with weeds.

Motorists who use West Street to travel to the nearby First Ward Park must occasionally brake for crossing birds.

Not all of the geese safely make it across the street. The remains of one bird, along with blood and feathers, this week provided evidence of a deadly confrontation with a vehicle.

Residents say most drivers have reduced their speed to avoid collisions.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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