The Latest Binghamton Area News Stories Of The Week

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 May 19, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Binghamton Salvation Army Develops New Mobile Food Assistance

(Bob Joseph)
The Salvation Army has been preparing new mobile services to provide food assistance in the aftermath of a deadly attack at a community dinner in downtown Binghamton. Captain Joseph Hansen said plans are being finalized to set up a soup kitchen at American Legion Post 80 on Main Street. He said that the operation is scheduled to start next Tuesday. Hansen said food pantries are being planned at the American Legion site and at two other locations. The food pantry sites will be located at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center on Griswold Street and at the First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City on Floral Avenue. Hansen told WNBF News the food pantry locations will start operating one day a week beginning on June 3.

What New Training Means For Animal Cruelty Investigations In NY

(Don Morgan)
On May 16th (2025), the New York State Police announced an enhancement to animal cruelty investigations. According to New York State Police Superintendent Steven James and Field Commander Colonel Darrin Pitkin, this new initiative emphasizes training and collaboration for existing programs. Over 200 New York state troopers are to receive advanced instruction on identifying and responding to animal cruelty cases led by experts from the Federation’s Division of Humane Law Enforcement. The training, which is being conducted in partnership with the New York State Animal Protection Federation, is designed to strengthen investigative capabilities and support comprehensive, compassionate responses to these offenses.

New Uses for Old Endicott Church

(Bob Joseph)
An Endicott church that closed a couple of years ago is gradually coming back to life. First United Methodist Church on McKinley Avenue held its final service in February 2023. The property was acquired by David Dzuba of the town of Union last October. The main church building was constructed in 1919 on land that had been donated by George F. Johnson. Two prospective buyers of the property had plans to tear down the historic church to develop housing projects. But Dzuba bought the site after those deals fell through. The new owner is now working to develop new uses for the old church and the attached educational building.

Virtual Stuttering Clinic For Teens And Adults: Sign Up Now

(Don Morgan)
The Binghamton University Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic will host two summer programs for those who stutter. The programs are free, including a summer camp for kids between the ages of 5 and 15 and a program for adults and teens ages 16 and older. According to the announcement from Binghamton University, the program for kids between 5 and 15 is 'Camp Dream. Speak. Live.'  The one-week program is an intensive treatment program for Stuttering Education and Research. The 'Camp Dream. Speak. Live.' program will be held July 7th through the 11th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Binghamton University’s Division of Speech and Language Pathology located at 10 University Drive in Johnson City.

Another House on Court Street in Binghamton May Be Demolished

(Bob Joseph)
A Broome County businessman is seeking permission to tear down a house in downtown Binghamton to make space for a parking lot. EKAM Properties of Vestal acquired the property at 216 Court Street in October 2023 for $45,000. The owner of the business, Satinder Singh, told members of the city Commission on Architecture and Urban Design that he operates a convenience store across the street from the house. A Broome County businessman is seeking permission to tear down a house in downtown Binghamton to make space for a parking lot. EKAM Properties of Vestal acquired the property at 216 Court Street in October 2023 for $45,000. The owner of the business, Satinder Singh, told members of the city Commission on Architecture and Urban Design that he operates a convenience store across the street from the house.

Binghamton's Downtown Arts District Streetscape Project Begins

(Don Morgan)
On May 20th, 2025, the start of Phase 2 for downtown arts district streetscape improvements focusing on Henry Street, Water Street, and Washington Street was announced by the City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham.  Work began this week on the project, including new street lights, pedestrian and traffic signals, wider sidewalks for outdoor dining, safer pedestrian crossings, street trees and landscaping, underground utility upgrades, and new pavement. In addition, Washington Street will have a raised crosswalk for pedestrian safety around the Broome County Forum Theater.

Johnson City Prepares to Reassemble Historic Square Deal Arch

(Bob Joseph)
People traveling on Main Street between Johnson City and Binghamton can look forward to seeing the restored Square Deal Arch soon. The iconic structure at the city line was removed by construction workers nearly a year ago after it became clear that the original repair plan for the arch wasn't feasible. The stones and steel that were part of the century-old landmark were taken from the site so a revised restoration approach could be pursued. Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney said the village is moving forward with the project. He told WNBF News that the schedule calls for the arch to be reassembled starting around the end of September. Meaney said the work should be completed by the end of the construction season.

Broome County Secures $757K To Combat Domestic Violence

(Don Morgan)
On May 21, 2025, an announcement was made that the County of Broome was awarded $757,767 in New York State funding to strengthen efforts to identify and address high-risk domestic violence across the county, according to Broome County District Attorney F. Paul Battisti. The funding will enable agencies and community partners to collaborate using the latest evidence-based practices when responding to domestic violence incidents where there is a heightened risk of serious harm or lethality. Funding was secured through the New York State Governor's 2025 budget and administered by the Department of Criminal Justice Services.

$7 Million Reconstruction Project Continues at Binghamton Gateway

(Bob Joseph)
Construction crews are continuing work along a busy roadway leading into the city of Binghamton as part of a multi-year project. Preparation work for the job of replacing an aging retaining wall along Court Street near the town of Kirkwood line began months ago. Trees and other material were removed during the winter months. Construction crews are continuing work along a busy roadway leading into the city of Binghamton as part of a multi-year project. Preparation work for the job of replacing an aging retaining wall along Court Street near the town of Kirkwood line began months ago. Trees and other material were removed during the winter months.

Free Community College For Adults: What You Need To Know

(Don Morgan)
According to a release from SUNY Broome, on May 16, 2025 announcement was made about New York State Governor Kathy Hochul's free community college program from State University of New York Chancellor John B. King Jr. SUNY campuses are ready to launch the program, a part of the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 enacted budget. Beginning Fall 2025, New York State community colleges will be providing free tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults between the ages of 25 to 55 who don’t already have a college degree and pursue an associate degree in a high-demand field. This summer,  through SUNY Reconnect, community colleges will hold information sessions this summer to assist anyone who is interested in the program.

Binghamton Plaza Loses Another Store

(Bob Joseph)
The future of the once-bustling Binghamton Plaza shopping center remains uncertain as the property owners and the city continue a protracted legal battle. It's been nearly a year since a state court ruled the city could move forward in its eminent domain case to take ownership of the site on the North Side. Although much of the Binghamton Plaza site has been vacant in recent years, some businesses continue to operate despite not knowing when they might be forced out. The operators of a Rent-A-Center store that had been a fixture in the plaza for years could no longer deal with the uncertainty. The business moved to another location on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango late last month.

Crumbling Downtown Binghamton Eyesore Remains Untouched

(Bob Joseph)
A highly visible derelict building in downtown Binghamton continues to stand precariously on a busy street. The three-story structure at 263 Washington Street has been languishing for more than a decade. Plans to restore the historic building have been on hold, and there's been no indication of recent work at the site. Mayor Jared Kraham is now indicating that the city's patience is running out. He told WNBF News the owner of the building has been taken to court because of the lack of action on the property. Kraham said, "The city is prosecuting the owner to say... basically - either you fix this up, you pull construction permits for it - or you need to secure it or do something with the building."

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