Binghamton Clearing More Homeless Encampments Along River

City public works crews were assigned to remove items that had accumulated at encampments along the Susquehanna River in Binghamton.

Police officers were sent to various spots off Conklin Avenue early Monday to assist in clearing areas where people have been staying in recent months.

Jim Ehmke of News 34 reported the homeless who had been residing along the river were allowed to take their possessions with them.

Representatives of Broome County outreach groups were sent to the encampments to assist those who were being displaced.

About a dozen public works department employees spent hours filling several large trucks with personal items, including books, furniture and piles of debris west of the Washington Street Bridge.

Access to some of the encampment spots was limited because extremely muddy conditions prevented workers from using equipment to clear the sites.

Tents and garbage at the encampments have become more visible as the snow along the river melted in recent weeks.

Binghamton City Councilmember Rebecca Rathmell, a housing justice consultant, said the public works department contacted outreach groups more than a week ago.

Rathmell told WNBF News that enabled community organizations that assist the unhoused to coordinate a response ahead of Monday's sweep. She estimated about nine people were affected by the city's action.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to an area along the Susquehanna River where items were removed on April 20, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.