Opinions Split on Binghamton’s MacArthur School Rebuild

Not everyone is on board with plans to build a new Binghamton elementary school on the same property as the flood-destroyed MacArthur Elementary on Vestal Avenue on Binghamton's South Side.

Dozens of people packed a public hearing on the proposal calling for construction of the new building closer to Vestal Ave.  The plan also calls for raising classroom levels to avoid future flood damage.

Some in attendance said the site, which has been flooded in 2006 and 2011, is not a safe location for a school.  District offciails countered that there were no other sites having the needed acreage available in the Binghamton City School District boundries.

Residents will vote April 15th.  A super-majority 60% in favor is needed to move the plans forward.