Johnson City May Rename “Gannett Drive” Where Paper Was Printed

A street in the village of Johnson City that was home to a Gannett newspaper printing plant could be getting a new name.

The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin and several other newspapers were printed at the Gannett Central New York Production Facility for just over a decade.

The $50 million plant was built on a 12-acre brownfield site. It started operations in 2006 but was shut down by Gannett after only 12 years.

Nearly 100 people worked at the Johnson City facility when it was closed in June 2018.

Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said village officials are taking a look at street names that no longer have any bearing on what currently exists.

Meaney said "we're exploring the possibilities" of renaming streets with names that would be more relevant.

The mayor said "it bears review now" that Gannett no longer has any presence in Johnson City.

The former printing plant was acquired by the Binghamton University for $4.5 million in  September 2020.

The only other business with a Gannett Drive address is a Walmart store.

Meaney said the village will get in touch with Binghamton University officials to determine whether they have any thoughts on renaming the street.

The mayor said Helen Drive is another Johnson City street that could be a candidate for a new name. The street runs in front of a former Endicott Johnson shoe factory that 's been converted into the Victory Lofts apartment complex.

Meaney noted there's also a Helen Street in the village. Renaming Helen Drive could eliminate potential confusion involving the two streets.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.