3 Things Binghamton Can Do Now To Increase Better Living

Binghamton consistently ranks as one of the most depressing cities to live in the United States.  It's also the #2 most obese and the #1 most pessimistic city to live.  Very sad because I was born and raised here all my life.  Some will blame it on the weather, lack of jobs, high welfare, and others say it's the aging infrastructure.

For the many positive things Binghamton, and Upstate New York in general, have going for it like beautiful parks, a strong emphasis on arts, charity-minded and giving residents that care, a somewhat revitalized downtown, there are many negative things that need attention.

In interviewing people for this post, I asked people what most needs the attention of our public figures and here are the top 3:

1)  Fix the roads.  Pave don't patch.  It's embarrassing when you have visitors from downstate and droves of people that moved away and return for a visit to find that Binghamton and the Southern Tier is the pothole capital of New York State.  To put it bluntly, the roads are disgusting.  One person said they should close the streets down for a month and start over!  It's obvious that the materials the city and state are using are not holding up to the demands we put on the roads.  Did you know our area uses more road salt than most?  While

2)  Fix crime.  I have friends that work on the police force that tell me most of the crimes that happen are never reported to the media.  The war on drugs is not working and with a new administration, it's my hope that they add to the police force and focus on how we can address the drug problems in our area.  One person I spoke with suggested that in addition to arresting the drug dealers, find out who their clients are, take out a billboard  with the names of the users listed.  Again, another extreme that will not happen.

3)  Use our parks and waterways.  Binghamton has a strong focus on arts and musical talent.  Why not showcase the arts, music included, at our many beautiful parks and waterfronts, featuring free concerts in the parks or music on the lakes or rivers.

So what do you think?  Do you feel good about living in the Greater Binghamton area?  what do you like?  What don't you like?  As always, let us know in the comment section below or on the HAWK Facebook page.