Tag: planning

(BINGHAMTON, NY) Broome County and Visit Binghamton are excited to highlight the historic, cultural and natural resources of the Susquehanna Heritage Area during the Spring 2021 Path Through History Weekend (PTHW) with in-person and virtual events at various locations being held June 19^th and 20^th.

Path Through History Weekends are a showcase of New York State’s rich and fascinating history and feature events at historic and cultural destinations throughout the state. Broome County has participated in PTHW since 2011. The participating sites picked the “Sharing Our Stories” theme several years ago and it has remained the local theme every PTHW. 

Local events extend across Broome County from the Town of Maine to the City of Binghamton with each site celebrating local history and sharing stories in their own unique way for residents and visitors to enjoy. PTHW is a great way for people to learn about the rich history of the community and the contributions of the community, showcasing the wonderful places to visit in Broome County.

In 2021 participating locations (*asterisk indicates virtual event):

• Phelps Mansion Museum: Learn about the life and work of 19^th Century local cabinet maker Orville F. Ronk, as well as explore the beautiful Victorian Mansion
• Broome County Arts Council: Sculpture & mural tour*
• Roberson Museum and Science Center: Tour the historic home of Alonso Roberson and see an original Link organ; view digital planetarium shows (in-person and virtual options available)
• Bundy Museum of History & Art: Visit the historic residence of Harlow Bundy, now home to numerous local historical exhibits and pieces of art
• Kilmer Mansion: Guided tours, documentary on Kilmer’s Kentucky Derby-winning horse Exterminator, and speak with Willis Sharpe Kilmer himself!
• Ross Park, Ross Park Zoo & Discovery Center of the Southern Tier: Rediscover Binghamton’s oldest park and America’s fifth-oldest zoo and learn about its history; explore the interactive exhibits at Discovery Center & Story Garden
• Castle on the Hill: Guided virtual photo tour with Broome County Historian Roger Luther*
• Vestal Museum: Empty the Inkpots: History of American Typewriters
• Pitcher’s Mill & NYS Rt. 26: See the places and meet the people from the Town of Maine’s history*
• Broome County Carousels: Recreation Park Carousel, Ross Park Carousel, CFJ Park Carousel, George W. Johnson Park Carousel, West Endicott Park Carousel, and Highland Park Carousel

Visit www.goalloutbroome.com/pthw for a detailed list of locations and events, an interactive map, and all COVID-19 protocols in place for PTHW participants.

Broome County is currently undertaking development of a County-wide Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The public is invited to attend our series of virtual public meetings on Monday, February 22nd and Wednesday, February 24th at 5:30pm.

Please join us for a discussion and visioning session about 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 what an LWRP is and how it affects you, receive an update on the project status and timeline, and have an opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas for the future of Broome County’s waterfront areas. 

The general content of each workshop will be identical, and all are welcome at either session. However, to support a targeted and productive visioning session, the Monday meeting will focus on urban waterfront opportunities, while the Wednesday, February 24th meeting will focus more on rural waterfront opportunities.

Please register at the project website at www.broomewaterfront.com/meetings

Once your registration is complete, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the videoconference.
 

Broome County has been awarded $440,000 in a first round of funding as part of New York State Attorney General’s Anti-Displacement Learning Network. The Anti-Displacement Learning Network focuses on preventing displacement and encouraging safe, permanent housing. Broome County is the only county to participate and receive funding through this network. 

“We know safe, stable housing is critical to our entire community’s health and overall success,” said County Executive Jason Garnar. “Homelessness and eviction are proven factors that increase community spread of COVID-19. Broome County is proud to work the New York State Attorney General’s Office and our local partners to tackle this crisis.” 

The first round of funding will add staff to Legal Services of Central New York and Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York to support housing specific caseloads as courts slowly reopen. Coordinated Care Services, Inc will also hire new local staff and launch a new program to fill the gap of relocation assistance as identified by the County Executive’s Safe Housing Task Force. 

“We are so appreciative for this funding, which comes at such a critically important time for the tenants we represent,” said Arlene Sanders, Director of Pro Bono Programs at Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York. “We will use these funds to expand our pro bono services to tenants and make sure they have the most up to date information and resources in dealing with their housing issues during the pandemic.”

“LSCNY is grateful for this opportunity to hire an attorney dedicated to helping the residents of Broome County with their housing problems during this pandemic,” said Chris Smith, Binghamton Regional Managing Attorney at Legal Services of Central New York. 

Broome County continues to participate in the Anti-Displacement Learning Network developing strategies to promote safe, stable, affordable housing and will receive up to $500,000 in the second round of funding. 
 

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) As part of the continued efforts of Broome County’s Complete Count Committee for the 2020 Census, we are informing the public of continued field efforts by the US Census Bureau to ensure that every person is counted. This month the Census Bureau will begin their Non-Response Follow-up operations in our community.

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Through this effort, census takers will visit every household that has not yet responded to the 2020 Census. If no one is home when the census taker visits, they will leave a notice with information about how to respond online, by phone or by mail. People are encouraged to cooperate with census takers and ensure that everyone who was living in their household as of April 1, 2020, is counted.

For your household to be counted in the census, you must submit your information by September 30th, when Census Bureau collection efforts will end. An accurate count ensures that we get our fair share of federal and state funding for important programs and services for the next ten years.

If you haven’t completed your census form, you can still respond now by completing and mailing back the paper questionnaire received, or by responding online at www.my2020census.gov or by phone at 1-844-330-2020. Those that respond prior to the beginning of door-to-door efforts will not be visited to obtain their census response. In-person assistance will be provided while practicing state and local social distancing protocols. All census workers have been trained in social distancing protocols and issued personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks to be worn during their visit. Census takers can easily be identified with an ID badge with their name, photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark seal, and an expiration date. They will have an official Census Bureau issued bag and tablet. To confirm a census taker’s identity, the public may contact the New York regional census center to speak n with a Census Bureau representative at 1-800-991-2520.

(BROOME COUNTY, NY) Broome County wants to make sure YOU are counted in the 2020 Census. Accurate Census counts are critical to our community’s future, determining federal representation and how state and federal funding are allocated. Recent events have only highlighted the importance of these factors as our community comes together to face the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Currently only about 60% of Broome County households and 49% of city of Binghamton households have filled out their Census forms, lower than the national average response rate. Broome County is committed to making sure all local residents are counted in the 2020 Census and supports federal efforts in our community. The U.S. Census Bureau is resuming field activities in our area and has kicked off efforts to provide direct assistance for responding to the 2020 Census. The Mobile Questionnaire Assistance (MQA) program is part of the Census Bureau’s final push to encourage people to complete the 2020 Census before beginning door-to-door efforts at non-responsive households. At MQA events census response representatives will help people complete the census on a provided tablet or on their own device and can assist with any questions.

Assistance will be provided while practicing state and local social distancing protocols. All census workers have been trained in social distancing protocols and issued personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks to be worn during MQA support. During all outreach efforts, staff are identified with an ID badge with their name, photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark seal, and an expiration date. They will have an official Census Bureau-issued bag and tablet. MQA locations will have banners bearing the 2020 Census logo.

Residents can continue to respond to the Census online or by phone via www.my2020census.gov or 1-844-330-2020. Likewise, anyone in need of assistance for completing the Census can visit one of the MQA sites in your community.

Scheduled MQA Events for Broome County are listed below. Follow the Broome County Planning Department Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BCPlanning/) for up-to-date information about the 2020 Census and local outreach events. If you have any questions, please contact the Broome County Planning Department.

Saturday, July 25
1:30-2:30 pm
North of Main Community Center
Binghamton Food Rescue Distribution
Center for Civic Engagement Voter Registration
85 Walnut St, Binghamton NY 13905

Sunday, July 26
10:00-3:00 pm
Animal Adventure Park
Hero Appreciation Day
85 Martin Hill Rd, Harpursville NY 13787

Monday July 27 
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Binghamton DMV Office
81 Chenango St, Binghamton NY 13901

Tuesday July 28
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Endicott DMV Office
137 Washington Ave, Endicott NY 13760

Tuesday, July 28
4:00-7:00 pm
Downtown Courtyard Market
49 Court St, Binghamton NY 13901

Wednesday, July 29
12:00-1:00 pm
Lee Barta Community Center
Food Pantry Distribution
108 Liberty St, Binghamton NY 13901

Wednesday, July 29
2:30-4:30 pm
Rural Health Network
VINES Farm Share Pick-up Site
455 Court St, Binghamton NY 13904

Thursday, July 30
11:30-1:00 pm
Binghamton Urban Farm
VINES Farm Share Pick-up Site
16 Tudor St, Binghamton NY 13901

Thursday, July 30
4:00-6:00 pm
Tabernacle United Methodist Church
VINES Farm Share Pick-up Site
83 Main St, Binghamton NY 13905

Thursday, July 30
4:00-6:00 pm
Central United Methodist Church
VINES Farm Share Pick-up Site
17 Nanticoke Ave, Endicott NY 13760

Tuesday, August 4
9:30-10:30 am
Eastern Broome Senior Center
Office for Aging Farmers’ Market Voucher Distribution
27 Golden Ln, Harpursville NY 13787

Monday, August 10
1:00-2:30 pm
Broome West Senior Center
Office for Aging Farmers’ Market Voucher Distribution
2801 Wayne St, Endicott NY 13760

Tuesday, August 11
9:30-11:00 am
Otsiningo Park
Office for Aging Farmers’ Market Voucher Distribution
1 Otsiningo St, Binghamton NY 13903

Friday, August 14
9:30-11:00 am
Johnson City Senior Center
Office for Aging Farmers’ Market Voucher Distribution
30 Brocton St, Johnson City NY 13790

(ENIDCOTT, NY) Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo are pleased to announce the opening of a new scenic outlook at Roundtop Picnic Area in Endicott. 

Historically, Roundtop was known for the fantastic views of the river valley, but in recent years these views have been obstructed by vegetation overgrowth. Construction of the outlook restores a scenic view of the Susquehanna River and surrounding river valley and enhances the recreational experience for park users.

“We’re excited about these enhancements and how they showcase the wonderful views Broome County has to offer,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “Thank you to Assemblywoman Lupardo for her partnership on this and helping make Broome County a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

“Roundtop is a special place in our community’s history,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo. “It was the site of the only Revolutionary War skirmish in Broome County and later a favorite sanctuary for George F. Johnson who loved taking in the view of our beautiful valley. I was happy to secure grant funding that restores this scenic overlook so it can be enjoyed by a new generation of Broome County residents. I’m looking forward to the additional improvements along the riverfront as well.”

Assemblywoman Lupardo secured a $700,000 New York’s State and Municipal Facilities Grant for the project, which was also supported by funding through the Appalachian Regional Commission. The Outlook is part of a larger project for enhancing the waterfront along the Susquehanna River in western Broome, including expanded multi-use trails, boat launches, enhanced boating amenities and other aesthetic improvements.

Broome County has also partnered with the Endicott Rotary for development of a hiking trail connecting Roundtop and Grippen Parks in the waterfront area. Rotary volunteers donated their time and effort to the creation of the trail, enhancing access to this untapped natural area for recreational use. This rustic trail will connect to additional waterfront improvements being constructed at Grippen Park and other nearby waterfront areas as part of the Chugnut Trail extension project, a segment of the Two Rivers Greenway. The Chugnut Trail extension project is being completed through a partnership between Broome County, the Town of Union and the Village of Endicott.

Broome County will hold a public hearing on June 10, 2020 at 5:00 pm via Zoom video conference for the purpose of hearing public comments on Broome County’s COVID-19 Post-Disaster Recovery Plan. 

A post-disaster recovery plan identifies community-specific issues related to long-term post-disaster recovery and to develop strategies to address those issues. The Plan was developed in accordance with Article 2-B of New York State Executive Law that outlines the requirements for State and local disaster plans. The hearing will provide an overview of the items identified as priorities for long-term recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic event. The hearing is being conducted pursuant to Section 28-a of Article 2-B of NYS Executive Law. 

The draft plan and information on how to join the meeting can be found at broomecountyny.gov/planning/recovery

Written comments may also be submitted to Beth Lucas via email at beth.lucas@broomecounty.us or by mail to Planning Department, PO Box 1766, Binghamton, NY 13902 until June 12th.
 

(BINGHAMTON, NY) On Census Day the Broome County Complete Count Committee wants to remind you to make sure you get counted! COVID-19 has impacted all our daily lives, but results from the Census impact resources Broome County can receive in the future and there are ways to complete the Census while staying safe and staying home. 

In mid-March, homes across the country began receiving invitations to complete the 2020 Census. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail, all without having to meet a census taker.

April 1, 2020 is Census Day, a key reference date for the 2020 Census. This day is used to determine who is counted and where in the 2020 Census. When you respond you will tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020 and include everyone who lives in your home. You can respond after this date.

The current response rates across the country and regionally are as follows: 

• US 34.7%
• NY 29.6%
• Broome County 36.1%
• Tioga County 38.2%
• Chenango County 29.2%
• Delaware County 17.1%
• Cortland County 34.1%
• Tompkins County 33.6%

For a map of all response rates visit https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade/2020/planning-management/count/response-rates.html.

Again, the Census is extremely important for distribution of State and Federal aid and affects representation. All answers are private.

We understand COVID-19 concerns and want to make sure you know you can respond toll free phone here: 844-330-2020. For more information about the 2020 Census click here.

(BINGHAMTON NY) The Broome County Arts Council (BCAC) in partnership with the Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development is seeking applications from professional artists for consideration in mural design and implementation in one of three Innovation Districts (iDistricts) in Broome County: Binghamton, Johnson City and Endicott.

“The iDistrict Murals & Mosaics project offers an exciting opportunity for muralists from all corners of the world to enliven our three local Innovation Districts with their unique skills and vision,” said BCAC Executive Director Nancy Barno Reynolds. “These murals aim to foster imagination, inspire creativity, and engage visitors and our local community. Broome County Arts Council is proud to join with Broome County Planning to launch this transformative initiative with this call for artists.”  

The project is funded by a grant from the NYS Department of State and aims to create 28 mural and mosaic pieces within the iDistricts in a three-year time frame.

“Public art makes a community more vibrant,” said Broome County Director of Planning and Economic Development Frank Evangelisti. “We’re excited to bring more murals and mosaics to the iDistricts.”

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“We’re looking forward to seeing what these artists have to offer Broome County,” said Broome County Executive Jason Garnar. “This is another step in transforming Broome County and working to make our community a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

Individual artists or a collaboration of artists are welcome to apply. The theme of each mural or mosaic is open and should evoke innovation and creativity. BCAC is seeking artists with experience and creativity, a commitment to diversity, inclusivity, positivity, and whose work is original, vibrant, creative, contemporary, uplifting, and interactive.

Specific locations for the artwork will be identified in collaboration with selected artists and property owners.

The deadline to apply is April 1, 2020 at 6 p.m. For more information visit https://broomearts.org/in-the-community/idistricts-murals-mosaics/.

Broome County is once again happy to provide grants through the Small Community Fund. The fund is for local municipalities, non-profits, and local economic development entities that are working on projects to assist in carrying out the Broome County Comprehensive Plan.  A total of $150,000 is available. 

County Executive Garnar created the Small Community Fund in the 2018 budget to help Broome County municipalities and organizations fund projects to better their communities.

The Broome County Legislature has approved the funding. 

In 2019, we provided funds to the Impact Project for housing repair and rehabilitation projects in rural parts of Broome County, Little Italy Endicott for a kitchen renovation at the Heritage Center and funding to several area park projects. Grants ranged from $1,200 to $30,000, with the average grant being approximately $15,000.

The initial deadline for applications is March 31, 2020. 

The full plan can be found online at broomecountyny.gov/planning/comprehensiveplan

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 by:

• Supporting small retail and restaurants
• Addressing substandard housing
• Promoting elder-friendly development
• Attracting and retaining artists, entrepreneurs, and retirees
• Supporting events and festivals
• Fostering public art
• Improving streetscape, bike and pedestrian amenities, commercial facades
• Supporting and coordinating marketing efforts for rural village centers
• Combating blight in primary and secondary corridors and gateway areas
• Improving access to recreational and scenic resources

The application is available for download at broomecountyny.gov/planning/forms Applications should be returned to Frank Evangelisti at this address: Frank.Evangelisti@BroomeCounty.US or by mail to PO Box 1766, Broome County Office Building, Binghamton, NY 13902.