ICYMI: Binghamton New York Area News Updates

Every week, we recap some essential local news we reported on 1290 AM/92.1 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations on-air, our websites, and social media platforms.

Catch up on local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of May 26, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Construction to Start for Apartment Complex at Davis College Site

(Bob Joseph)
Work is about to begin to convert buildings at the former Davis College campus in Johnson City into a mixed-use development. David Drew, a Vestal businessman, said construction for the $15.5 million project is scheduled to start next week. Drew told WNBF News that the dorm buildings and much of what was used for office space will be transformed into 67 market-rate apartments. He said most of them would be one-bedroom units, although there will be some two-bedroom apartments. Drew said there are also five single-family homes that will be renovated and rented. Drew said his vision for the site is to combine the residential space for the apartment buildings with some of the amenity features of the former campus, like the gym and the café commercial space. He said the library could be converted into office space.

What To Expect From Binghamton's Main Street Construction Project

(Don Morgan)
Portions of Binghamton's Main Street are at the beginning of a major construction project. On May 27th (2025), City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced the details of the two-year construction project. Main Street, Binghamton, between Front Street and Floral Avenue, is currently undergoing intersection upgrades that will improve pedestrian and traffic safety. According to Mayor Kraham, the project includes new curbs, high-visibility crosswalks, ADA-accessible curb ramps, and pedestrian crossing and traffic signals at multiple intersections. The mayor also noted that rapid-flashing pedestrian crossing beacons will be installed at 10 locations on Main Street. When construction is complete, it is anticipated that traffic accidents in the area, from Floral Avenue to Front Street, will be reduced by 25 percent. 

Almost Done! Old IBM Endicott Buildings Now Only Memories

(Bob Joseph)
A demolition team is now in the process of tearing down the final structure of the "Old Building Group" at the heart of the former IBM manufacturing complex in Endicott. The job of removing the five vacant buildings started on the final day of 2024. Five months later, the task along North Street in the village is nearing completion. During this phase of the demolition project, drivers and pedestrians are being detoured around the work zone. Even after the concrete walls of the final building have been brought down, Gorick Construction crews will continue to work at the site.

Pennsylvania Law Targets Distracted Driving

(Don Morgan)
June 5, 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law a bill named “Paul Miller’s Law.”  This new law takes effect on June 5, 2025, exactly one year later, making it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving. According to the Governor, "Paul Miller's Law" was named for Paul Miller, Jr., who was tragically killed in a crash with a tractor-trailer in 2010 in Monroe County, as a result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. Motorists will still be able to use their phones to alert emergency responders. Using hands-free technology, motorists will still be able to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music.

Endicott's Cider Mill Springs Back to Life with Early Opening

(Bob Joseph)
Crowds returned to The Cider Mill in Endicott as the iconic business opened its doors two months earlier than usual. The big red building that's been a landmark on Nanticoke Avenue in the Union District for decades was busy on Friday during its first season under new ownership. When members of the Burke family revealed in early April that they had acquired The Cider Mill from the Ciotoli family, they announced they planned to open the place on May 30. Workers spent the last several weeks getting things set up - inside and outside - for the new season. The business has typically started its season in the first week of August.

Public Safety In New York: Gun Violence Rates Hit Historic Low

(Don Morgan)
On May 27th (2025), New York State Governor Kathy Hochul spoke about record-low gun violence in the Empire State. The Governor reported that reported gun violence continues to decline, now at the lowest level since New York State began tracking data in 2006. The latest report shows a 15 percent decline in shooting victims, along with a 9 percent drop in shooting incidents with injury from January 1 to April 30, 2025, compared to 2024. This report was released by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services, which compiled data from 28 police departments outside of New York City, including Binghamton and Ithaca, that are participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative.

The Story Behind Binghamton's "No Mow Zone"

(Bob Joseph)
The grass on most properties in the city of Binghamton must be mowed on a regular basis - but the code requirement doesn't apply to all properties. In fact, one spot on Binghamton's West Side features bright yellow-and-green signs featuring the city's logo and the designation that it is a "No Mow Zone." The property with the signs and the overgrown vegetation actually is owned by the city. It's at the very end of Vermont Avenue, just north of the Susquehanna River. The "No Mow Zone" signs briefly explain that the goal of the designation is to "help protect flood mitigation areas." Another sign at the site explains that it's part of a program called "Broome County Buffers." It's an initiative overseen by the county Soil and Water Conservation District.ferral

Binghamton Wins 2025 Local Government Achievement Award

(Don Morgan)
According to the City of Binghamton, the New York Conference of Mayors has selected the Parlor City, the winner of NYCOM’s 2025 Local Government Achievement Award, which was presented on May 29, 2025. Binghamton was recognized for its Railroad Bridge Improvement Project, tackling decades of neglect, prompting millions of dollars in private-sector repairs without placing the burden on local taxpayers. NYCOM noted that City of Binghamton officials hired an engineering firm to inspect 25 railroad bridges in Binghamton. The report listed widespread deterioration and safety concerns, which in the end led Norfolk Southern to perform major repairs, including the Glenwood Avenue Bridge.

Clearing the Way for Johnson City Chick-fil-A at Oakdale Commons

(Bob Joseph)
There's still no official announcement, but plans to open a Chick-fil-A restaurant at the Oakdale Commons in Johnson City appear to be moving forward. The village zoning board of appeals has just approved a sign variance for a new eatery planned for the mixed-use complex at Harry L. Drive and Reynolds Road. The application for the sign measure was made by Spark JC LLC, which owns the Oakdale Commons. Mayor Martin Meaney told WNBF News the zoning panel agreed to the variance last week. The mayor said the name of the business was not identified in the request, but it was "for a restaurant that's closed Sundays."

Vestal Ohana-Q Hawaiian Grill Restaurant to Open Soon

(Bob Joseph)
Final preparations are being made for the opening of another new restaurant in the Binghamton area. Ohana-Q Hawaiian Grill will be located in the University Plaza at 4700 Vestal Parkway East. A man who declined to give his name but indicated he was a manager of the Ohana-Q Hawaiian Grill said the restaurant is expected to open sometime next week. He said the business would be open seven days a week.

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