Binghamton May Push for More Vehicle Chargers

Binghamton city council may soon consider measures designed to increase the availability of electric vehicle charging stations.

Mayor Richard David said he will propose changes to the city zoning code to promote the installation of charging units.

The mayor wants the code to indicate charging stations are permitted in residential garages, in commercial and public parking facilities.

David also is calling for updated language in the code pertaining to businesses that sell electricity for electric vehicles.

The mayor is proposing an installation incentive that would permit developers to count each parking space with access to a charging station as 1.5 parking spaces in calculating off-street parking requirements.

David said he'll send his proposed legislation to council for consideration at its next work session.

Online services indicate there now are three electric vehicle charging stations in Binghamton. Two of those are designed specifically for Tesla cars.

Price Chopper recently installed a two-vehicle charging station at its store on Glenwood Avenue.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, there were 152 electric vehicles registered in Broome County as of October 1.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]