Tag: planning

The Broome County Planning Department is in the process of updating the 2011 Intermunicipal Waterfront Public Access Plan which includes the development of a Blueway Plan. The purpose of the plan is to establish strategies that improve public access and awareness of the county’s rivers. The plan will map and assess the existing conditions of the waterfront and explore new opportunities to enhance access and increase recreational use throughout the county. This project is a collaborative effort of the Broome County Planning Department and its municipal partners.

Last year, Broome County organized a series of public workshops to learn what types of riverfront improvements the community would like to see in the future. Broome County is continuing its public outreach efforts through a survey to solicit input for the Blueway Plan. The survey will collect information about how people utilize the river and which materials are most useful for their water recreation experience. In addition, survey participants will have the opportunity to review some of the proposed projects and provide additional feedback for the Waterfront Public Access Plan.

Input from the survey will be used to assure the Waterfront Public Access Plan and the Blueway Plan align with the community’s vision for the future of the waterfront. The survey only takes a few minutes to complete and can be accessed here: https://www.broomewaterfront.com/.  

This project was made possible with financial and technical support provided through the NYS DOS Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.

Do you have a wall that needs some color? The Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development is issuing a Call for Walls to identify sites for the next round of the iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program. The goal of this program is to create more public art in our community with a series of murals and mosaics within Broome County’s Innovation Districts (iDistricts). Selected properties would be scheduled for a public art installation in the summer of 2023.

To be considered for the program, walls must be located within one of the iDistrict boundaries and visible from the public right-of-way; a map of eligible areas is available on the project website. Many factors including, but not limited to the location, visibility, size, historic character of building, surface conditions, and site accessibility will be evaluated when determining the public art site.

Property owners selected to participate in the program will be required to work closely with project partners to coordinate/implement the project, enter into an agreement with Broome County, prepare the wall to accept the artwork, maintain the artwork in good condition for at least ten (10) years, and obtain all permits and approvals required for the project. The building owner/business will not receive compensation for the creation or display of the art.

“As five new murals went up as part of the most recent round of the County’s Public Art Program, the feedback from the community was tremendous,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “People are excited to see these buildings come to life with incredible art and are visiting our downtown areas to see them firsthand. I’m excited for even more murals to transform walls across Broome County.”

The iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program is a collaborative effort of Broome County Government, the Broome County Arts Council, New York State, the City of Binghamton, the Village of Endicott, and the Village of Johnson City. The iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program is made possible with financial support provided through the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative and the Greater Binghamton Fund.

To learn more about the iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program and submit a Call for Walls interest form, visit broomecountyny.gov/planning/art. Questions can be directed to Senior Planner, Stephanie Brewer at 607-778-2114.

Broome County is once again accepting applications for its Small Community Fund grant program. This year, with the support of American Rescue Plan funding, $150 thousand is available for community improvement projects. The Small Community Fund is available to municipalities, non-profits, and local economic development entities that are working on projects that complement Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan. 

“The Small Community Fund has proven that a little goes a long way. The targeted investments through this program have had major impacts on every community in Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “The Small Community Fund is another initiative that is helping improve the quality of life for residents and visitors to Broome County.”

“The Small Community Fund has been a vital asset for municipalities and non-profit organizations,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman & 5^th District Legislator Dan J. Reynolds. “This program has funded a variety of programs and initiatives that bolster local development and help move our community forward.” 

Since it was created in 2018, the Small Community Fund has supported more than 30 projects throughout the County. Grants range from $1,200 to $30,000, with the average grant being approximately $15,000. Some notable projects include a NYSEG natural gas extension in the Town of Maine, ADA upgrades for various municipalities, improvements at Deposit Community Park, and renovations at the Police Athletic League.

While open to all applicants that meet the stated criteria, the fund is intended to help smaller communities with projects that may not be eligible for alternate funding sources. The emphasis of the Small Community Fund will be on projects which address the goals of the comprehensive plan. More information on Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan can be found here.

An application and policy for the small community fund are attached. Applications are due by May 13^th and should be returned to Beth Lucas via email, beth.lucas@broomecounty.us, or by mail: PO Box 1766, Broome County Office Building, Binghamton, NY 13902.

Community Foundation Executive Director Diane Brown was joined Wednesday by County Executive Jason Garnar to announce the first round of awardees from the Broome County Housing Trust Fund.

The Broome County Housing Trust Fund was launched in December 2021 with grant funding through the Attorney General’s Office and Enterprise Community Partners Anti-Displacement Learning Network. Broome County has partnered with the Community Foundation to hold and manage the fund. The fund’s purpose is building a stronger housing environment by preventing discrimination, developing new affordable housing, improving current housing quality, and other activities preventing displacement. The first round of funding was open to all projects.

“Quality, affordable housing continues to be a need in our community which means it continues to be a priority for Broome County. The grants awarded through this Housing Trust Fund will help make needed improvements to affordable units as well as provide important resources to tenants to ensure they can find housing and remain in their homes. I appreciate the work of our Department of Planning on this initiative and the partnership with the Community Foundation.” Broome County Executive Jason Garnar

“We are pleased and excited to be a member of this important partnership addressing housing concerns in Broome County. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in the region through responsible grant making and philanthropy, and housing is a critical issue needing significant support and increased resources.” Diane Brown, Executive Director, Community Foundation for South Central New York

From the first round of funding, the Community Foundation is proud to announce the following awardees:

• CNY Fair Housing awarded $30,000 to expand fair housing services in Broome, including fair housing complaint intake and investigation, undercover testing, and education services.
• Southern Door Community Land Trust awarded $100,000 for their Energy Burden Reduction Program to retrofit current and future permanently affordable housing units in their portfolio with green energy systems, including new large appliances.
• Public Policy and Education Fund awarded $60,000 to support tenant organizing and direct outreach.

iDistricts Public Art Program brings another new mural to downtown Binghamton

Another building in downtown Binghamton is getting a makeover with a colorful mural. Designed and painted by local artist, Bruce Greig, “Binghamton’s Tree of Life” mural depicts a rainbow-colored tree of life which “symbolizes how as a community, we are one tree with various types, shapes, and sizes of leaves that all wave differently in the breeze”, says property owner, Danielle Maxim. This mural, located on the corner of Hawley and Exchange Streets, is the third public art installation completed through the iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program. The program pairs property owner with artists to create public art in the iDistricts

Bruce Greig is a New Zealand native who moved to the US in 2011 and has been transforming our local landscape and enriching our experiences in public spaces through public art ever since. Bruce is a nationally and internationally recognized artist, sharing his talents through a variety of projects from public art installations to private commissions, even working on the set of popular movies. Bruce’s artwork can be enjoyed at Floral Ave Park, Peterson’s Tavern, the Water Street Parking Garage, Sound Go Round, Dos Rios Cantina, Dirienzo’s Bakery, and other locations throughout downtown Binghamton. Bruce has created dozens of murals for our community and plans to continue his work with hopes of “making Binghamton into the art hub of Upstate New York”.

The iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program is a collaborative effort of the Broome County Planning Department, the Broome County Arts Council, New York State, the City of Binghamton, the Village of Endicott, and the Village of Johnson City. Other project sponsors include Visions Federal Credit Union, Golden Artist Colors, Inc., Kobra Paint, The Colonial, Lost Dog Cafe, and Parlor City Vegan.

This mural is made possible with financial support provided through the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative and the Greater Binghamton Fund.

Newest mural completed through the iDistricts Mural and Mosaics Public Art Program

Johnson City, NY – A new public mural is grabbing the attention of people in downtown Johnson City. Designed by Texas-based artist, J Muzacz, the 60-feet wide by 20-feet high mural will cover a prominent wall in downtown Johnson City, located at 227 Main Street. The mural depicts notable jazz musicians, all of whom have roots in our community and played an instrumental role in the local jazz scene. It is inspired by photographs taken by Brian McMillen Photography, Antonio Porcar Cano, and the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage, along with the abstract art of Renata Bernal.

J Muzacz worked with the County for over a year to develop the project. “Upon doing research about local jazz legends, building upon a similar Legends project started a few years ago in Austin, I discovered Slam Stewart and instantly knew that’s who I’d like to paint” said Muzacz. Then digging a bit deeper, I learned of Renata Bernal’s contemporary artwork which actually inspires the geometric background throughout the entire composition. Finally, through conversations with the building owner, Al and Dena were added to round out the contemporary jazz scene” he added.

Property owner, Naima Kradjian supported this project by providing wall space for the project and working with the artist to develop the concept for the mural. “I myself, along with the new owners of the building, am happy to support public art within the Johnson City Health and Cultural District to invigorate Main Street. It’s exciting to shine a light on past and current Jazz artists Al Hamme, Dena DeRose and Slam Stewart who played a role in the rich legacy of Jazz in the Village. We hope it inspires the making of more music and public art” said Kradjian.

This mural is the second installation of the on-going iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program. Artists were chosen by an independent panel of arts professionals in accordance with state guidelines for the project, and have been found through local, regional, national and international partnerships.

Broome County Executive, Jason Garnar, stated, “With the iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program, we wanted to bring public art installations to our community that were not only eye-catching, but provided a reflection of our history and culture. We are excited to continue the public art program with a mural that captures a piece of our community’s cultural identity and celebrates some of our past and present music legends.”

The iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program is a collaborative effort of the Broome County Planning Department, the Broome County Arts Council, New York State, the City of Binghamton, the Village of Endicott, and the Village of Johnson City. “Broome County Arts Council is excited to partner on a project which brings a diverse array of artists to Binghamton, Johnson City, and Endicott,” says Shawna Stevenson, Director of Programs and Marketing. Other project sponsors include Visions Federal Credit Union, Golden Artist Colors, Inc., Kobra Paint, The Colonial, Lost Dog Cafe, and Parlor City Vegan.

This mural expected to be completed by October 19, 2021.

This mural is made possible with financial support provided through the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative and the Greater Binghamton Fund.

Do you have a wall that needs some color? The Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development is issuing a Call for Walls to identify sites for the next round of the iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program. The goal of this program is to create more public art in our community with a series of murals and mosaics within Broome County’s Innovation Districts (iDistricts). Selected properties would be scheduled for a public art installation in the summer of 2022.

Broome County Executive, Jason Garnar says, “The first mural installation through this program was met with a lot of excitement from the community and established a new landmark in downtown Binghamton. Broome County is excited to provide this opportunity for property owners within the iDistricts to transform walls into significant cultural focal points within our communities.”

To be considered for the program, walls must be located within one of the iDistrict boundaries and visible from the public right-of-way; a map of eligible areas is available on the project website. Many factors including, but not limited to the location, visibility, size, historic character of building, surface conditions, and site accessibility will be evaluated when determining the public art site.

Property owners selected to participate in the program will be required to work closely with project partners to coordinate/implement the project, enter into an agreement with Broome County, prepare the wall to accept the artwork, maintain the artwork in good condition for at least ten (10) years, and obtain all permits and approvals required for the project. The building owner/business will not receive compensation for the creation or display of the art.

The iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program is a collaborative effort of the Broome County Planning Department, the Broome County Arts Council, New York State, the City of Binghamton, the Village of Endicott, and the Village of Johnson City. The iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program is made possible with financial support provided through the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative and the Greater Binghamton Fund.

To learn more about the iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program and submit a Call for Walls interest form, visit broomecountyny.gov/planning/art. Questions can be directed to Senior Planner, Stephanie Brewer at 607-778-2114.

Public art program brings art installations to downtown Binghamton, Endicott, and Johnson City

(Binghamton, NY) – Broome County kicks off Round I of the iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program with a new large-scale mural installation in downtown Binghamton. Designed by Brooklyn-based artist, Damien Mitchell, the 70-feet wide by 15-feet high mural will cover a section of the east-facing wall of Berger’s Ski & Snowboard Shop, located at 16 Lewis Street. The mural creates a sense of adventure and inspires new experiences for people passing by. James Sherrick, owner of Berger’s Ski & Snowboard Shop says, “we are so excited to be working with Damien and the county on this project. The work so far is amazing.”

This mural is part of a larger program that will create a network of public art installations in the Binghamton, Johnson City, and Endicott iDistricts. Public art is a powerful community development tool that not only makes our public spaces more vibrant but can stimulate new connections to the community we live in. Artists were chosen by an independent panel of arts professionals in accordance with state guidelines for the project, and have been found through local, regional, national, and international partnerships.

Broome County Executive, Jason Garnar, stated, “Over the past few years, we’ve observed the overwhelmingly positive response to public art among community members and visitors. One of our goals is to create memorable spaces that attract people and encourage them to return. We are grateful to work with our partners to create one-of-a-kind public art installations that will undoubtedly make a positive contribution to our community for years to come.”

The iDistricts Murals and Mosaics Public Art Program is a collaborative effort of the Broome County Planning Department, the Broome County Arts Council, New York State, the City of Binghamton, the Village of Endicott, and the Village of Johnson City.

“Broome County Arts Council is excited to partner on a project which brings a diverse array of artists to Binghamton, Johnson City, and Endicott,” says Shawna Stevenson, Director of Programs and Marketing.

Other project sponsors include Visions Federal Credit Union, Golden Artist Colors, Inc., Kobra Paint, The Colonial, Lost Dog Cafe, and Parlor City Vegan.

This mural expected to be completed by the end August, and additional public art installations funded through this round will continue into the fall. This mural is made possible with financial support provided through the New York State Upstate Revitalization Initiative and the Greater Binghamton Fund.

Broome County is currently undertaking development of a County-wide Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The public is invited to attend our series of in-person and virtual public meetings during the first week of August (Click here for flyer).

This is the second set of public meetings for the plan, aiming to establish vibrant waterfront areas and enhance connectivity between water-dependent uses and recreational opportunities. Discussion will focus on the future of the County’s diverse waterfront areas, including the Susquehanna River, Chenango River, Tioughnioga River, Delaware River, and Nanticoke Creek. During the workshop, you will learn more about some potential projects and have an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas.

In person meetings:

• Tuesday, August 3^rd (Rain Date – August 5^th)
  • Vestal Rail Trail (Coal House): 11am-1pm
  • Otsiningo Park (Broome Bands Together): 5-7pm
• Saturday, August 7^th
  • Windsor Farmers Market (Windsor Village Green): 10am-12pm

Virtual meeting:

• Wednesday, August 4^th at 5:30pm
  • If attending, please register at the project website: www.broomewaterfront.com/meetings. Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the videoconference.

For the fourth straight year, Broome County is offering a total of $150 thousand for community improvement projects. The Small Community Fund is available to municipalities, non-profits, and local economic development entities that are working on projects that complement Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan. 

“This fund has made targeted investments that have directly benefitted residents across Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “These grants have shown that small investments can have major impacts on the quality of life throughout our community.”

“We are happy to see the return of the Small Community Fund,” said Broome County Legislature Chairman Dan J. Reynolds. “The use of the hotel/motel funds for this program helps spur local development. We look forward to continuing to assist municipalities and non-profits across Broome County through this initiative.”

Since it was created in 2018, the Small Community Fund has supported more than 20 projects throughout the County. Grants range from $1,200 to $30,000, with the average grant being approximately $15,000. Some notable projects include a kitchen renovation for Little Italy Endicott’s Heritage Center, home rehabilitations in rural parts of Broome County through the Impact Project, a NYSEG natural gas extension in the Town of Maine, flood mitigation work at Jackson Park in the Town of Binghamton, and ADA upgrades at African Road Park in Vestal.

While open to all applicants that meet the stated criteria, is intended to help the smaller communities with projects that may not be eligible for alternate funding sources. The emphasis of the Small Community Fund will be on projects which address the goals of the comprehensive plan. More information on Broome County’s Comprehensive Plan can be found here.

An application and policy for the small community fund are attached. Applications are due by July 31^st and should be returned to Beth Lucas at this address: beth.lucas@broomecounty.us or by mail to PO Box 1766, Broome County Office Building, Binghamton, NY 13902.