Contractor Starts Preliminary Work for Binghamton Greenway

Heavy equipment and materials are being staged for the construction of a $19 million link for pedestrians between downtown Binghamton and Vestal.

One element of the 434 Greenway project has generated controversy in a neighborhood on the city's South Side.

Some residents have been trying to prevent the state Department of Transportation from providing a path to the greenway from Vestal Avenue near Ivanhoe Road.

A sign protesting the 434 Greenway project in front of a Vestal Avenue residence on November 30, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

City councilman Joe Burns has said he doesn't believe the opponents will succeed in changing the plans for the connector.

Burns said he's noticed activity along the Greenway route south of the Vestal Parkway over the past couple of weeks.

A DOT spokesman said a project contractor is "stockpiling equipment and materials" for the project. He said tree cutting is scheduled for January. No other construction work is planned before next spring.