Local News? Get Your Binghamton New York Area News Recap Here

Every week, we recap some essential local news we reported on 1290 AM/92.1 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations on-air, our websites, and social media platforms.

Catch up on local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of April 21, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

For the complete story from each article, click on the headline.

 IBM Endicott Demolition: Hidden Bundy Building Now Exposed

(Bob Joseph)
As the project to tear down several unused IBM buildings continues in Endicott, more of the historic Bundy Manufacturing building has been revealed. The massive demolition job on North Street between McKinley and Hayes avenues has been underway for nearly four months. Broome County historian Roger Luther and others have been observing the project since it began on December 31. Luther returned to the site on Tuesday to take additional photographs as more of the Bundy building was exposed. The Bundy factory initially employed about 100 people when production began in August 1905.

New York Drive Clean Rebate Program Offering Point-of-Sale Rebate

(Don Morgan)
On April 18, 2025, it was announced that $30 million is now available for New York State consumers to lease or purchase new electric vehicles, according to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. New York State's Drive Clean Rebate program provides point-of-sale rebates for over 60 new electric vehicles. Through the Charge Ready NY 2.0 program, electric vehicle chargers have been updated at multifamily buildings, workplaces, and hotels. The Drive Clean Rebate Program offers a point-of-sale rebate, available in all 62 counties, of up to $2,000 off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of an EV, plus higher rebates available for longer-range, all-electric vehicles at participating car dealerships in New York State, including seven dealerships in Broome County.

Developer Still Assessing Vestal Hills Country Club Options

(Bob Joseph)
A Broome County man is continuing to consider plans to redevelop the former Vestal Hills Country Club property in the town of Binghamton. Brett Pritchard acquired 80 acres of the site off Webb Road from Broome County in November 2022. He purchased another 135 adjacent acres from VHCC Realty LLC six months later. Pritchard previously said he was considering developing a gated housing community at the site. He has yet to finalize plans for the site, located a short distance west of Hawleyton Road. Pritchard told WNBF News on Tuesday that he is now considering two different options for the property. Although housing could be a key part of the site's future, commercial uses might be considered for the former clubhouse and pro shop buildings.

No Empty Chair: A Call To Action For Teen Traffic Safety

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Police, along with statewide law enforcement, were conducting a week-long traffic safety initiative aimed at preventing teen driving tragedies, called 'No Empty Chair.' The campaign focused on raising awareness and enforcing laws to help keep young motorists safe. It began on April 21st (2025) and ran through Friday, April 25th. According to the New York State Police, some communities unfortunately experience the loss of high school students in traffic crashes just before graduation. The  Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee launched the 'No Empty Chair' campaign in 2014. It's a reminder of those lives lost and symbolizes a student missing from graduation day.

First Qdoba Restaurant in Binghamton Area to Open Soon

(Bob Joseph)
Construction work has resumed at the site of the region's first Qdoba Mexican Eats restaurant. The Vestal town planning board approved plans for a Qdoba location in September 2022. The structure for the new restaurant is being built at 2512 Vestal Parkway East, across from the Town Square Mall. Some preparation work was done at the site in late 2023, but the start of constructing the building was delayed. Catherine Cornelius of QBEC LLC said the Qdoba project is moving forward. She told WNBF News she expects the restaurant will be able to open by September.

Operation Hard Hat Tackles Reckless Driving In Kirkwood, New York

(Don Morgan)
'Operation Hard Hat' on Interstate 81 resulted in 69 tickets issued on April 21, 2025. The operation was conducted by New York State Police Troop 'C' Traffic Incident Management along with the New York State Department of Transportation at a construction zone on Interstate 81 in Kirkwood. At the sight of 'Operation Hard Hat ' on Interstate 81 North, over Loughlin Road, NYS DOT crews were completing bridge work. According to the New York State Police, the operation targeted reckless and distracted drivers in the work zone area, cracking down on work zone violations. During this operation, a NYS Trooper was embedded in an active construction zone, dressed as a construction worker.

Binghamton Police Investigate Downtown Dispute Involving Gun

(Bob Joseph)
Several city police units responded to a report of a disturbance in downtown Binghamton involving a person armed with a gun. The incident in the area of Chenango and Henry streets occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday. People in the neighborhood said there apparently had been some type of dispute. Police were observed interviewing people inside and outside of a cellphone store at 62 Chenango Street. An employee of a neighboring business said he saw a police officer put a "big gun" into a patrol vehicle after the disturbance. The man said he did not know the people involved in the dispute or what triggered it. He said he heard no gunshots.

SUNY Oneonta Leads In Renewable Energy Innovation

(Don Morgan)
SUNY Oneonta (State University of New York at Oneonta) has become the first SUNY University to purchase Tier 1 Renewable Energy Certificates from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s voluntary sales program. New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced the project on April 23rd, noting that it is a model for energy users to replicate across the Empire State. The project provides enough locally sourced clean energy to fully power four 200-bed residence halls on the SUNY Oneonta campus.

New Business Planned at Former Binghamton Gas Station Site

(Bob Joseph)
A downtown Binghamton building that's been idle for several years is being renovated for a new use. The property at the corner of Washington and Lewis streets had been home to a Sunoco gas station for several decades. In recent years, the place has been used primarily as a car repair shop. Broome County property records show Hameed Alsaidi and Hizam Alsaidi of Binghamton acquired the site in January for $175,000. The property had been owned for a few years by an entity affiliated with Isaac Anzaroot of Brooklyn. Workers have been busy at the building, clearing out items that remained inside. The exterior has been painted a bright green over the last few days.

Discover Urban Reforestation Projects Funded In New York State

(Don Morgan)
New York State Governor Kathy Hochul announced $15 million in grant awards for 16 projects to establish and expand resilient forests in and near New York’s urban communities. The awards are part of New York State’s Community Reforestation program. According to the announcement, Governor Hochul launched the 2024 State of the State “25 Million Trees Initiative” to recognize the importance of trees and forests for climate resiliency and community health. Of the 16 projects chosen to be a part of the award, 2 are slated for Southern Tier communities, and one is in Otsego County.

Crews Moving Quickly at New Binghamton Taco Bell Site

(Bob Joseph)
Construction for the next Broome County Taco Bell restaurant is now underway. The job of building the new business at 1243 Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango began less than two weeks after demolition crews cleared the site. An abandoned Speedway convenience store and gas station were torn down to make way for the planned restaurant. Josh Paduana, project manager for Central Pillar Group, said crews are now working on the foundation and framing for the Taco Bell restaurant. Paduana told WNBF News that construction of the building should start within the next two weeks. Paduana said if the weather cooperates, the new Taco Bell could be ready to open by the end of July.

How To Enjoy A Relaxing Camping Experience In New York

(Don Morgan)
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website, the DEC operates 51 campgrounds in the Catskill and Adirondack regions. At these New York State DEC campgrounds, you and your family can enjoy plenty of experiences such as boating, hiking, fishing, enjoying time on a beach, having a picnic, taking advantage of day use areas, and course, trailer and tent camping. For those who want to fish at a DEC campground, be aware that fishing licenses are not available for purchase at the campground, but you can purchase one if needed online or by phone. For a list of campgrounds, a camping guide, information on backcountry camping, maps, and more, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website on everything camping for 2025.