Broome County Header

Category: Uncategorized

  • Riverside Gardens Opens at Former Davis College Campus in Johnson City

    $15.5 million redevelopment brings new housing, commercial space and amenities to formerly vacant campus

    (VILLAGE OF JOHNSON CITY, NY) – A former college campus in Johnson City has been transformed into a new residential and commercial community, as Riverside Gardens is now open and leasing at the former Davis College campus on Riverside Drive.

    The $15.5 million redevelopment led by Square Deal Partners has transformed the long-vacant property at 400 Riverside Drive into a 75-unit residential and commercial complex. The development includes a variety of housing options, including studio, one, two and three-bedroom apartments, single-family homes, student rentals and furnished apartments, as well as commercial space.

    Riverside Gardens also offers a range of amenities, including a fitness center, café, outdoor recreation areas and an on-site U.S. Post Office. The development is conveniently located near Binghamton University, Lourdes and Wilson hospitals and Oakdale Commons.

    Riverside Gardens received significant state and local support to help make the redevelopment possible, including a $500,000 New York State Restore New York Communities Initiative award and a $500,000 investment from Broome County’s Economic Development Fund.

    The project also received assistance from the Broome County Industrial Development Agency through sales and mortgage tax exemptions and a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement.

    The Restore New York Communities Initiative provides funding to revitalize and redevelop vacant, abandoned and underutilized properties across New York State. The state’s $500,000 award helped support the rehabilitation and redevelopment of the former Davis College property into new residential and commercial space.

    Construction on Riverside Gardens began in 2025 with a June groundbreaking. Riverside Gardens is currently leasing apartments and offering in-person and virtual tours. More information is available at www.riversidegardensjc.com.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Riverside Gardens demonstrates how Governor Hochul’s investments through Restore New York can transform communities. By creating new housing on this long vacant property, Johnson City is advancing the Governor’s housing agenda while supporting neighborhood revitalization to generate new economic opportunities.”

    “It’s great to see Riverside Gardens officially open and to see the former Davis College campus brought back to life. This was a long-vacant property that had a lot of potential, and Dave Drew and the team at Square Deal Partners saw that and made it happen,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This project adds housing, brings new investment to Johnson City, and gives this property a whole new purpose. We’re proud to have played a part in making it happen and thank Governor Hochul for the support in helping make this project a reality.”

    “Today we officially opened Riverside Gardens, adding additional market rate units to our growing portfolio of new housing options. I’m pleased the project received a $500K NYS Restore Award, helping to bring this once abandoned campus back to life. This new community is now home to 75 residential and commercial units, a café, recreation areas, and its own U.S. Post Office. I’d like to thank Square Deal Partners, County Executive Jason Garnar, the Broome County IDA, and all who contributed to this project,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.

    Senator Lea Webb said, “The new housing development at Riverside Gardens in Johnson City is adding diverse housing in our community through important programs such as Restore NY Communities Initiatives. This program helps revitalize vacant or underutilized properties across the state for housing development. By reusing an existing structure and transforming it into something new, Riverside Gardens is expanding a historic building in our community to help address ongoing housing needs.”

    “Housing availability continues to be one of the most important economic development issues facing communities across our region,” said Stacey Duncan, Executive Director of The Agency. “Riverside Gardens helps address that need while creating a welcoming environment for students, healthcare professionals, young families, and others who want to call Greater Binghamton home. This investment strengthens both our housing market and our ability to attract and retain talent.”

    Christina Charuk, Village of Johnson City Mayor said, “Today is about more than opening the doors to a new apartment complex—it’s about creating another place where people can build their lives, put down roots, and call Johnson City home. Riverside Gardens represents investment in our community and in our future. We welcome this new development and look forward to seeing the residents, families, and neighbors who will make this place their own. Thank you to the developers, contractors, and government partners who have collaborated to make these homes available to our community.”

    “Projects like Riverside Gardens create a lasting impact beyond the construction itself. It’s gratifying to see a property that sat vacant for years become a place where people can live, work and build community, strengthening Johnson City and the Greater Binghamton region for generations to come,” said Shayn Bready, Project Manager, Fahs Construction Group.

  • New York State Surpasses National Breast Cancer Screening Goal

    Uninsured Screened at Half the Rate among All Females

     

    BINGHAMTON, NY (October 1, 2026) — New data show that an estimated 81.7% of females aged 50 to 74 years were up to date with breast cancer screening per recommendations, surpassing the nationwide goal of 80.3% for the second consecutive year. While this is good news overall, only 41.7% of females who don’t have health insurance are up to date with mammograms. This is concerning because more people may lose health insurance in the near future due to changes with Medicaid and New York’s Essential Plan.

    Breast cancer screening data are collected through the New York State Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, an annual telephone survey of adults to gather information on health behaviors and use of preventive health services, such as mammograms.

    The Cancer Services Program of the Southern Tier knows that not everyone has the resources to get lifesaving cancer screenings. This is where our program can help,” said Kiran Sharma, Outreach Coordinator. “We have screened hundreds of people for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer in our community and will continue to do so.”

    The Cancer Services Program helps New Yorkers aged 40 and older, with no health insurance, and those younger than age 40 at high risk for breast cancer, get screened for breast cancer. If screening finds something concerning, the program will pay for any follow-up testing needed. If cancer is found, the program will help enroll clients who qualify in the New York State Medicaid Cancer Treatment Program where they will have full Medicaid coverage during their cancer treatment.

    “Finding breast cancer early gives the best chance for successful treatment. We urge you to talk to your health care provider about scheduling a mammogram. If you do not have health insurance or a health care provider, please contact the Cancer Services Program to see how we can help,” said Kiran Sharma, Outreach Coordinator.

    The Cancer Services Program also provides free cancer screening for cervical and colorectal cancer to those eligible. Call 607-778-3900 for more information about our screening services or to register for any of our screening events. More information about the Cancer Services Program can also be found at New York State Cancer Services Program.

     

     

     

     

  • Community to Celebrate Path Through History Weekend on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday: October 10 – 12, 2026

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County, Visit Binghamton, and our participating sites in partnership with I LOVE NY are excited to once again highlight the historical and cultural resources of Broome County during the 2026 October Path Through History Weekend with wonderful events created for this weekend held at various locations in Broome County for all age groups.  This October we highlight and celebrate with our outdoor sculpture tour, mansion tour, historic cemeteries tours, and carousel rides.

    This October 2026 Path Through History Weekend we also feature the NYS America 250 logo and our Broome County logo designed to celebrate America 250.

    Details for each event can be found in the flyer and in the storybook map here: http://broomecountyny.gov/PathThroughHistory and here: https://visitbinghamton.org/listings/path-through-history-weekends/.

    The Path Through History Weekends also showcase the rich and fascinating history across New York State.  Details on this statewide initiative and events happening across New York State can be found here: https://www.iloveny.com/things-to-do/path-through-history/path-through-history-weekend/.

  • GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier Celebrates Down Syndrome Awareness Month

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier was joined by families, community leaders, and elected officials to recognize October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month and highlight the importance of acceptance, inclusion and opportunity for individuals with Down syndrome.

    This year, GiGi’s Playhouse is encouraging the community to “See the Person. Not the Label.” The message challenges people to look beyond a diagnosis and recognize each person for who they are, including their goals, talents, accomplishments and contributions to their community.

    GiGi’s Playhouse Southern Tier opened its doors in 2019 and provides programming for individuals of all ages, from prenatal support through adulthood. Programs include educational and therapeutic services, fitness and wellness opportunities, social activities and career development. The Playhouse serves nearly 300 local participants and their families each month, with programs available at no cost and without insurance billing, income requirements or a sliding scale.

    Every program at GiGi’s Playhouse is free to families for their entire lifetime. The organization’s goal is to make sure cost is never a barrier to the opportunities, resources and support available to individuals with Down syndrome.

    The Playhouse is also encouraging more members of the community to see its work firsthand. Anyone can visit for a tour of GiGi’s Playhouse at 223 Reynolds Road, Suite 55, Johnson City, in the Oakdale Commons – no connection to Down syndrome is required.

    For more information, visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/southern-tier-ny/ or call 607-217-4035.

  • Broome County Highway Work Planned for Week of 10/5

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The following work is scheduled on Broome County roadways beginning Monday, October 5th.

    • Paving Edson Road – County Route 016 (from NYS Route 79 to Piper Hill Road)
    • Paving Saddlemire Road – County Route 125 (from Pennsylvania Ave to Pierce Creek Road)
    • Cleaning ditches on East Windsor Road, Tunnel Road, & Powderhouse Road
    • Culvert work on East Maine Road, Powderhouse Road, Twist Run Road, Bevier Street & Beartown Road
    • Grader patching on Jennings Creek Road & Ballyhack Road
    • Mowing the right of way on county roadways

  • 2026 Broome County Parks Fall Festival

    (VILLAGE OF ENDICOTT, NY) – The Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation has announced details of the Broome County Parks Fall Festival taking place at Grippen Community Park in the Village of Endicott on Saturday, October 10th.

    The Fall Festival will be held from 12 – 4 p.m. and will offer an afternoon of family-friendly fall fun for residents and visitors of all ages.

    Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment, including:

    • Pumpkin painting (Broome County Sheriff’s Department)
    • Live music from Brewhaha
    • The Cider Mill- Free donut and souvenir cup for the first 250 attendees 
    • Food and beverages- Concession Stand and Beer Tree Brew Co. 
    • Fall-themed activities for kids
    • Various organizations
    • Endicott Fire Truck
    • Face Painting
    • Giveaways and MORE!

    Admission to the Fall Festival is free, making it a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the fall season together at one of Broome County’s parks.

    Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and join Broome County Parks for an afternoon filled with fun, music, activities and community spirit.

    More information may be found at https://broomecountyny.gov/parks/fallfest or by calling (607)778-2193.

  • Broome County Countywide Resiliency Plan to Engage Residents at Fall Festival in Grippen Community Park

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – The Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development is underway on a Countywide Resiliency Plan (CRP) that will strengthen the County’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate hazards that pose economic, environmental, infrastructure, and public health challenges which affect Broome County communities.

    The County invites residents to help shape this important plan by visiting the Countywide Resiliency Plan table at the Broome County Parks Fall Festival. Planning staff will be available to discuss with residents their experiences with climate impacts and gather ideas about solutions that residents would like to see implemented in their neighborhoods.

    Community input during Fall Fest will help the County:

    • Identify resiliency goals and strategies that are a priority for Broome County residents.
    • Understand which local assets residents most want to protect.
    • Develop practical resiliency solutions and establish short- and long-term priorities.

    The 2026 Broome County Parks Fall Festival will take place Saturday, October 10, from 12 – 4 p.m. at Grippen Community Park. Residents are encouraged to stop by the Countywide Resiliency Plan table, share their ideas, and help build a safer, healthier, and more resilient Broome County. For Fall Festival details, visit https://broomecountyny.gov/parks/fallfest. For more information about the Countywide Resiliency Plan, visit https://broomecountyny.gov/planning/sustainability/resiliencyplan.

     

    This press release is prepared for Broome County with funds provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 3 of the Environmental Protection Fund.

     

     

  • Broome County Announces Third Round of Opioid Settlement Fund Awards

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County recognized September as Recovery Month,  highlighting the importance of recovery and the local organizations working to support individuals and families affected by substance use. As Recovery Month comes to a close,  Broome County is announcing the third round of Opioid Settlement Fund awards, with more  than $800,000 going to eight local organizations.

    The latest round of funding continues the County’s efforts to put opioid settlement dollars back  into the community and support local work focused on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and  recovery.

    Broome County was part of the effort to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable  for the damage caused by the opioid epidemic, joining New York State Attorney General Letitia James and other counties in legal action that ultimately resulted in settlement funds being returned to communities across the state.

    Since the first Request for Proposals was released in 2023, the Broome County Health  Department has awarded settlement funds to local organizations working to address substance use and support people in recovery. The first two rounds of proposals have provided more than $2 million to ten local organizations. 

    “We fought to make sure Broome County received a share of these settlement funds, and we’re putting that money back into our community where it can make a difference,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Recovery Month is a good reminder that people do recover,  and that people need support along the way. These investments help the organizations doing that work every day and make sure these dollars are being used to help people right here in Broome 
    County.”

    “The Broome County Health Department is proud to support this continued work and innovation to provide treatment, harm reduction and care to our community members. Working with these partners, we aim to continue to reduce overdoses, educate, address barriers to care, and help 
    improve the health for our entire community,” said Olivia Catalano, Director of Public Health.

    The third round of Opioid Settlement Fund awardees includes:
    • Addiction Center of Broome County 
    • Hope Foundation of Binghamton 
    • Binghamton University 
    • Helio Health 
    • SUNY Broome Community College
    • Rural Health Network of South Central New York
    • Southern Tier AIDS Program 
    • Truth Pharm

    The eight organizations will receive a combined more than $800,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds through this latest round.

  • Broome County Announces Third Round of Opioid Settlement Fund Awards

    More than $800,000 awarded to eight local organizations supporting prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County recognized September as Recovery Month, highlighting the importance of recovery and the local organizations working to support individuals and families affected by substance use. As Recovery Month comes to a close, Broome County is announcing the third round of Opioid Settlement Fund awards, with more than $800,000 going to eight local organizations.

    The latest round of funding continues the County’s efforts to put opioid settlement dollars back into the community and support local work focused on prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery.

    Broome County was part of the effort to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the damage caused by the opioid epidemic, joining New York State Attorney General Letitia James and other counties in legal action that ultimately resulted in settlement funds being returned to communities across the state.

    Since the first Request for Proposals was released in 2023, the Broome County Health Department has awarded settlement funds to local organizations working to address substance use and support people in recovery. The first two rounds of proposals have provided more than $2 million to ten local organizations.  

    “We fought to make sure Broome County received a share of these settlement funds, and we’re putting that money back into our community where it can make a difference,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Recovery Month is a good reminder that people do recover, and that people need support along the way. These investments help the organizations doing that work every day and make sure these dollars are being used to help people right here in Broome County.”

    “The Broome County Health Department is proud to support this continued work and innovation to provide treatment, harm reduction and care to our community members. Working with these partners, we aim to continue to reduce overdoses, educate, address barriers to care, and help improve the health for our entire community,” said Olivia Catalano, Director of Public Health.

    The third round of Opioid Settlement Fund awardees includes:

    • Addiction Center of Broome County
    • Hope Foundation of Binghamton
    • Binghamton University
    • Helio Health
    • SUNY Broome Community College
    • Rural Health Network of South Central New York
    • Southern Tier AIDS Program
    • Truth Pharm

    The eight organizations will receive a combined more than $800,000 in Opioid Settlement Funds through this latest round.

  • 2026 Broome County Parks Fall Festival

    (VILLAGE OF ENDICOTT, NY) – The Broome County Department of Parks and Recreation has announced details of the Broome County Parks Fall Festival taking place at Grippen Community Park in the Village of Endicott on Saturday, October 10th.

    The Fall Festival will be held from 12 – 4 p.m. and will offer an afternoon of family-friendly fall fun for residents and visitors of all ages.

    Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment, including:

    • Pumpkin painting (Broome County Sheriff’s Department)
    • Live music from Brewhaha
    • The Cider Mill- Free donut and souvenir cup for the first 250 attendees 
    • Food and beverages- Concession Stand and Beer Tree Brew Co. 
    • Fall-themed activities for kids
    • Various organizations
    • Endicott Fire Truck
    • Face Painting
    • Giveaways and MORE!

    Admission to the Fall Festival is free, making it a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy the fall season together at one of Broome County’s parks.

    Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars and join Broome County Parks for an afternoon filled with fun, music, activities and community spirit.

    More information may be found at https://broomecountyny.gov/parks/fallfest or by calling (607)778-2193.