Downtown Binghamton has come a long way over the last couple of years.  It's cleaner, looks better, store fronts are being rented, and the students have rejuvenated the city limits.  Thanks to some nice locally owned restaurants and popular events like the First Friday Art Walks on Artists Row, Binghamton Restaurant Week, and various festivals, the Arena and the baseball stadium, downtown is really a nice place to visit.

However, as with any city in transition, here are a few things that would make downtown an even better place to visit:

  1. Parking -- With the influx of students and one of the 3 main parking ramps closed, Binghamton is badly in need of parking.  It's becoming increasing difficult to find parking any time of day (or night) to enjoy some of our fine restaurants.  And the restaurant and shop owners I have talked with, are becoming frustrated with the lack of parking that is taking a toll on their business.
  2. Enforce Pan Handling -- You cannot walk down the street without someone begging you for money. I actually overhead one of these "needy people" brag that they make upwards of $800 a week.  This is a crime and should be looked in to.  If you work or live in downtown, you know who these repeat offenders are.  Taking advantage of the students, workers and residents should not be allowed and laws should be enforced.
  3. Security Cameras -- For the safety and security of residents and visitors, more security cameras should be installed, especially in the parking ramps that have had some big issues with vandalism of late.
  4. Street Lights -- Traffic lights are set to the year 1973, when downtown was bustling. The old lights should be replaced with new lights that have sensors so you don't have to wait 3 minutes or more at the intersection of State and Henry, among other stop lights.
  5. Music -- I love July Fest in downtown Binghamton because there is music in the air and it's free.  Some of you may remember Pops on the River in the 70's and 80's.  Free music is always welcome to Binghamton.  Free music on the courthouse lawn would be awesome.

What do you think?  What are your suggestions on how to make downtown Binghamton a better place to visit?

More From 98.1 The Hawk