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 October 7, 2024, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff. For the complete article (if available), click on the headline.

Paving to Start for JC's Lester Avenue Bridge Reconstruction Job

(Bob Joseph)
A major bridge rehabilitation project in Johnson City is nearing completion. Paving work on the Lester Avenue span near the village hall is expected to begin this week. Anderson said the bridge should reopen to vehicular and pedestrian traffic by the end of the month. The Lester Avenue span, which goes over Norfolk Southern Railway tracks, is a major north-south route between CFJ Boulevard and Main Street. It's been closed for more than six months for the replacement of the bridge deck and sidewalks. In addition to the planned paving, some concrete remains to be poured for the $2.5 million project.

Broome County 2024 Roadwork Season Achieves Record Milestone

(Don Morgan)
On October 9th, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar along with the Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Chet Kupiec, Broome County Legislator Matt Pasquale, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, and Senator Lea Webb, announced that 2024 marked a fourth-consecutive year of record-setting infrastructure improvements. Road projects this year covered more miles of roadway than ever before, throughout 14 Broome County municipalities. resulting in highway reconstruction and rehabilitation of over 84 miles of roadway. In 2023, roadwork included 48.5 miles of milling and paving, along with 35.5 miles of road sealing.

Endangered Mussels May Be Moved Before Broome Bridge Demolition

(Bob Joseph)
Broome County's plan to remove an abandoned bridge is on hold because of concerns over an endangered species of mussels in the Susquehanna River. Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said preparations have been made to remove the unused rusting bridge. However, that project was put on hold because of the presence of mussels in the river near the site. The state ordered a study be conducted to determine what impact the bridge removal work might have on endangered mussels. The study was to have been completed in August. Garnar told WNBF News the state is reviewing the findings. He said the county is waiting to find out "if the amount of mussels under the bridge is an actionable event."

You Can Help Fight Breast Cancer With The ‘Pink Patch Project’ 

(Don Morgan)
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and again this year, Broome County Sheriff’s Corrections Officers and Deputies have gone pink to help raise funds for local families battling cancer. The BCSO invited members of the community to submit ideas for the 2024 Pink Patch Project logo for the 2024 fundraising merchandise. 10 logos were submitted, and the winning selection was designed by Erin Hagerman of Binghamton. The Breast Cancer Awareness Month merchandise can be viewed and purchased at the online store to lend their support to the Pink Patch Project.

New Name Chosen for Johnson City's "Gannett Drive"

(Bob Joseph)
A street that was formed when a newspaper printing plant was built in Johnson City is about to be renamed. Gannett Drive was created when a $50 million production facility was constructed on the site of a former Endicott Johnson Shoe Company factory south of CFJ Boulevard. The site now is owned by the Binghamton University Foundation. Village officials in recent months have had discussions with university representatives about renaming Gannett Drive. Mayor Martin Meaney on Thursday said the street is going to be renamed University Boulevard. The mayor said Binghamton University also is preparing to rebrand the former printing plant building as well as the site is being turned into a battery research and development facility.

Dispose Of Old Electronics At Free Broome County Recycling Events

(Don Morgan)
The Broome County Department of Public Works-Division of Solid Waste Management has announced three offsite electronics recycling collections this fall for Broome County residents. While the first event has passed, the next offsite electronics recycling collection will be on Saturday, November 2nd at the Endicott Municipal Lot at 7-9 Madison Avenue, Endicott. The last opportunity to bid farewell to those old electronics will be Saturday, November 9th at the Park and Ride Lot at 146 Chenango Bridge Road in Binghamton.

Historic Endicott Church Property to Get New Life with New Owner

(Bob Joseph)
An iconic building in the village of Endicott that was the home of the First United Methodist Church for more than a century has been sold. David Dzuba of the town of Union has acquired the property at McKinley Avenue and Monroe Street. Dzuba said he's excited about the prospects of redeveloping the property, which has nearly 38,000 square feet of usable space. One of the first projects being pursued for the site is a daycare center. The center would use several former classrooms in the lower level of the school building. Organizers hope the daycare operation initially would have a capacity for up to 60 children. Dzuba has spent a lot of time imagining a range of uses for other sections of the property, including turning the old church into a performing arts center. He said it could be similar to what's been done with a former church in Homer.

Deer And Black Bear Hunting In New York: What You Need To Know 

(Don Morgan)
If you are planning on hunting this fall in New York State, remember the rules before you head out into the woods, as outlined by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Deer and Black Bear hunting season is here in New York State. Early bowhunting season began on September 27th and runs through October 25th. Crossbow season will begin on October 16th through the 25th, the regular deer hunting season will kick off on October 26th and run through the 8th of December and late bowhunting season will start on December 9th, and end on December 15th.

Splash Car Wash to Open Soon at Former Friendly's Restaurant Site

(Bob Joseph)
Less than a year after the old Johnson City Friendly's restaurant building was torn down, the finishing touches are being put on a Splash Car Wash at the site. The Connecticut-based car wash chain now has more than 60 locations in four states. It already has two car washes in Broome County - one in Vestal, the other in the town of Chenango. Construction of the 4,500-square-foot car wash began last spring. Renee Gilligan, who will manage the new operation, said testing of the new facility is expected to start October 20 or 21. She said the car wash should open around Halloween.

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