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"With a long, impressive history of innovation — architectural footprints of manufacturing and technology giants still mark the landscape in Broome County — a coordinated effort across local education, business and government entities has brought new energy to the region's resurgence.
In October, Binghamton University's New Energy New York project was designated America's Tech Hub for battery innovation, a boost the project's leaders and local elected officials in the Southern Tier believe will help draw companies to the region and expand the operations of the ones who have already set up shop here.
Besides qualifying to compete for a chunk of $500 million in federal grant funding, the distinction also shines a light on the emerging battery technology industry in Binghamton and how the confluence of forces behind it could shape the area's future.
How Binghamton earned a 'tech hub' designation
Last fall, Binghamton’s New Energy New York project was awarded nearly $114 million in federal and state grants through the Build Back Better Regional Challenge. Another $3 million was awarded through the Appalachian Regional Commission in September, and Binghamton is currently competing for an additional $160 million from the National Science Foundation’s Regional “Innovation Engines” Competition.
This latest win, the tech hub designation, brings the Binghamton project a step closer to its goal: to create a globally competitive manufacturing hub for batteries.
But it hasn't happened in a vacuum.
"The most exciting aspect of our New Energy New York initiative is seeing academic, government and industry coming together to work towards the betterment of the entire region and beyond," said Binghamton University President Harvey Stenger. "Building and rebuilding economic vitality and security that puts the United States back at the top of global competitiveness is an all-out effort, and that is what has been most gratifying with this NENY initiative — seeing everyone work towards the same goal."
NENY Regional Innovation Officer Per Stromhaug said there are several factors marking Broome County as the epicenter of this initiative.
Nobel Prize winner and Distinguished Professor Stanley Whittingham put Binghamton University at the forefront of lithium-ion battery technology. Battery manufacturing facilities have emerged, including the Imperium3 New York Inc. (iM3NY) Gigafactory in Endicott and others planned for the future.
NENY coalition partners include multiple universities, unions, local economic development and government agencies, and a variety of other organizations. The wide spread of partners, project leaders believe, ensures all parts of the region are represented and will share the benefits the tech hub designation will bring in over it's 10-year span.
"It is really an acknowledgement that this region, out of all the United States, has the capacity to become the national hub for batteries," said Stromhaug. "When you think about how important batteries are, and how important they are going to be for the future, it's huge."
Binghamton University innovation on and off campus
According to Stromhaug, bolstering the area's investment in battery innovation will have tangible benefits for Binghamton University students on campus and off.
"One of the goals of building this manufacturing and development innovation ecosystem is of course to recruit more companies to set up and scale up in the region," said Stromhaug. "That should have a tremendous benefit for students, with increased internships, practical learning experiences, jobs opportunities and an overall improved economy in the region."
NENY Deputy Regional Innovation Officer Olga Petrova said the Binghamton project's goals, in addition to supporting innovation, manufacturing and supply chain development, include a focus on workforce development, equity and justice.
The workforce development component of the program, Petrova said, span all levels of education, and will provide support to students from underserved communities.
Putting the 'tech hub' name into action in NY's Southern Tier
Stacey Duncan, chief executive officer of the Agency, said the tech hub designation will help shine a spotlight on the innovative projects battery companies in the Southern Tier have been working on already, as well as further new and existing projects going forward.
"I am thrilled about the opportunity that the tech hub designation is going to bring for stronger academic and industry partnerships and more funding for the technologies that some of our companies are already utilizing in battery innovation," said Duncan. "I think it is going to really help this entire ecosystem explode in the next decade."
In October, the Agency purchased three parcels of land in the Town of Union and Town of Maine, which it plans to use as the site for a new development park focused on technology. Duncan said the tech hub designation will help draw companies to the area due to the work already being done, and the opportunities the tech hub designation creates.
It also validates all of the hard work done by the coalition, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, and puts Broome County on the map as the core of battery production and innovation in the country.
"I think we are definitely positioning ourselves as the leader in the United States for an industry that is absolutely expanding," said Garnar. "We have really positioned ourselves well for more jobs here, but also more investment into the community."
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said the city's office of economic development has been actively working alongside NENY to identify potential investments in the city, mainly centered around the Charles Street Business Park and the Clinton Street Commercial Corridor.
Kraham said the tech hub designation could spark investments in development and manufacturing which will help further revitalization efforts in the city.
"Manufacturing as the basis for revitalization is something that needs to be at the top of everyone's mind," said Kraham. "Every manufacturing job which is created creates ancillary economic development. The people who work in these factories have to go to lunch somewhere. The businesses need logistics, the support of trucking companies, material suppliers and maintenance people. The economic impacts are far and wide."
"Boscov's has been a mainstay of shopping in downtown Binghamton for nearly four decades. Along with a lease renewal for another 10 years, the department store, located in a building built over 100 years ago, will soon see a $10 million investment.
The renewal of the lease was announced Monday afternoon by City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and Boscov's CEO Jim Boscov.
Alongside 10 more years of Boscov's, Kraham announced a $10 million investment which will go toward upgrading various aspects of the store. Boscov said the store will upgrade the electricity, plumbing, HVAC system, and will slightly alter the layout, with the fourth floor shifting to storage and office space, and the escalators being replaced by central elevators.
The funding for this investment is a combination of $5 million New York State Assembly Grant secured by Lupardo, $1.5 million from Boscov's, $2.5 million from the City of Binghamton and $1 million from Broome County.
According to Kraham, the building Boscov's is located in is effectively owned by taxpayers through the Binghamton Local Development Corporation. Boscov's leaving the building would result in taxpayers paying for around 250,000 square feet of vacant space.
"By leveraging a significant state grant, we are supporting the future of this major downtown employer and destination that brings so many people to downtown Binghamton every year," said Kraham. "It's great news for downtown Binghamton and really great news for the entire community."
"By leveraging a significant state grant, we are supporting the future of this major downtown employer and destination that brings so many people to downtown Binghamton every year," said Kraham. "It's great news for downtown Binghamton and really great news for the entire community."
According to Garnar, collaboration between the county and the mayor's office, alongside help from Lupardo and Boscov, was critical in solidifying the future of Boscov's downtown.
"This team has come together, and we're going to make sure that your next 10 years of shopping is going to be amazing," said Garnar. "This is a huge investment and a huge victory for Binghamton and Broome County."
Boscov said the new developments were crucial to the store's continued success, and expressed hope for Boscov's remaining in Binghamton for the foreseeable future.
"Without their efforts, we couldn't continue to be in Binghamton, and being in downtown Binghamton is very important to us," said Boscov. "I am so glad that this group could come together and make it happen. I am looking forward to the next 10 years, but I am also looking forward to the 10 years after that, and the 10 years after that, and the 10 years after that and the 10 years after that."
"A proposed gas drilling operation using leased land in the Southern Tier has sparked questions and confusion among Binghamton-area residents and local lawmakers.
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo and State Senator Lea Webb said some local land owners received leasing offers from Southern Tier CO2 Clean Energy Solutions (Southern Tier Solutions) and reached out to Lupardo and Webb's offices with questions.
The offers went to land owners with more than 30 acres of land in Broome, Tioga and Chemung counties. Lupardo said residents came forward wondering if the leases were a scam, and what they meant.
Lupardo and Webb sent a letter to New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos Tuesday, following these reports from the community.
What is Southern Tier CO2 Clean Energy Solutions
According to the Southern Tier CO2 Clean Energy Solutions website, the company was founded in 2023, and aims to use CO2 to extract methane gas from the Marcellus and Utica shales. On a frequently asked questions page, STS says their process is not the same as high-volume hydraulic fracturing.
The company's process "employs an anhydrous or waterless process, without added chemicals or proppant," and uses carbon dioxide to retrieve shale gas resources.
"The technique relies heavily on the unique properties of carbon dioxide when in its supercritical phase and the affinity of shale, especially shale containing elevated levels of organic content, to absorb carbon dioxide while desorbing methane gas preferentially," their website says.
What questions are being raised
In the letter to the DEC, Lupardo and Webb sought information on the company, the science and background surrounding this method of natural gas extraction and the potential environmental impacts of the development, among other questions.
"We're talking about carbon capture facilities, we're talking about thousands of new gas wells, we're talking about pipeline infrastructure, and with everything this community has been though with the Marcellus and Utica shale, we obviously have some questions," said Lupardo.
Webb and Lupardo said one of their main priorities was keeping both residents and the environment safe, and avoiding results similar to those of fracking, which the two referenced as a large issue for the area in the past.
"We want to make sure that as a state we are doing all that we can to protect our natural resources and that we are not creating harm in any way for residents when it comes to access to clean water, making sure they are not being exposed to dangerous toxins or anything of that nature," said Webb. "It is really important that we do our due diligence to ensure that the promise for economic development that this particular company is trying to advance is not done on the backs of residents of the Southern Tier and across the state."
What happens next
Lupardo said that the company had not reached out to either office, and that the DEC had not reported hearing from the company as of now.
According to Webb, it is unclear how many leases the company has secured, if any."
"Binghamton residents have a variety of new restaurants and businesses to look forward to exploring in the coming months.
Downtown, the city welcomed a new eatery on Court Street, with another planned to follow soon after. Another new spot just around the corner will offer live music and outdoor space.
We've rounded all of them up here, where you'll find what you need to know about each of these new restaurants in town.
What is Iron Agave: Restaurant plan, menu, timeline
Where: 60 Court St., Binghamton
Opening: As soon as December
2023 has been a big year for Dan Polhamus, Jose Moreira and Jeff Tiderencel, the three owners of Food & Fire who are celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their Johnson City BBQ restaurant.
Alongside celebrating their lasting success in Johnson City, and the opening of their third Food & Fire, the trio are opening a new Tex-Mex restaurant in the heart of Downtown Binghamton — Iron Agave.
Polhamus said the group's decision to open Food & Fire was based on what they believed the area was missing — a great BBQ restaurant with craft beers on tap. Similarly, Polhamus said while there are some authentic Mexican restaurants in the area and good taco spots downtown, Iron Agave will be able to fill their niche with great margaritas and sipping tequilas served alongside innovative Tex-Mex cuisine.
"We want people to know that it will be an elevated experience with some cool fusion ideas and a fun, vibrant vibe," said Polhamus. "The food will be somewhat what you expect, and somewhat what you don't. We want to have a few curveballs and stretch the limits of what you might consider traditional Tex-Mex food, but if you want a really good burrito or taco, you shouldn't feel like you're in the wrong place for that either."
According to Polhamus, Iron Agave will offer a unique experience which is tangibly different from both Food & Fire and other offerings in the area.
"We envision people stepping into this place and feeling as though they are stepping into a different world," said Polhamus. "We have some cool things we are doing with art and technology to make people feel that way. If I was going to go downtown, this is the kind of spot I'd want to be in."
Polhamus said Iron Agave's management and kitchen staff will consist of multiple experienced chefs and foodies, which combined with the restaurant's focus on fresh ingredients will create a space with a focus on fun, but also great food.
Iron Agave will be located at 60 Court St, the former site of Dos Rios Cantina. Polhamus said Iron Agave offers a completely new experience that downtown Binghamton has not seen before.
"Except for the four walls, we really feel as though we are redesigning the concept," said Polhamus. "The concepts on paper sound similar, but we're not starting from anything that was there before and building upon it. We've constructed our menu, our concept and everything from our service to our belief in how to run a business from the ground up."
Polhamus said the trio hopes to open Iron Agave before the end of the year, and as soon as early December.
What is Stadium 138: Restaurant plan, menu, timeline
Where: 138 Washington St., Binghamton
Opening: December
Local business owners Rich David, Mikaila Fargnoli and Kris Kasmarcik are delving into a new venture this year with Stadium 138.
David, former City of Binghamton mayor, owns catering properties as well as real estate in Binghamton. Kasmarcik said he previously ran the Rathskeller Pub, and has years of experience working in restaurants and bars in the area. Fargnoli said she grew up at her parents' restaurant, Donoli's in Apalachin, and owns her own dance studio in Apalachin. Head Chef Kodi Black has worked in restaurants and fine dining in the area for 15 years.
Kasmarcik said Stadium 138 will feature a large outdoor space, an elevated patio and an indoor upper mezzanine for dining room seating. The group plans to feature live music on the weekends, and offer an outdoor space for events, something they say downtown Binghamton has been lacking.
According to Kasmarcik, Stadium 138 will feature the largest TVs in town, as well as an entire video wall for important matches such as the Super Bowl and World Series. In the warmer months, Fargnoli said the establishment will organize outdoor events for the community, including a cornhole tournament.
David said the idea for the business' large outdoor spaces came from what the group sees as an important step for Binghamton in the years following the pandemic.
"Whether it's the deck or the balcony, people want to be outside to enjoy the weather, but also in this post-COVID world, we've put a lot of thought into creating a fun experience," said David. "You can watch a game anywhere. What are the things that make us unique? It's the volume of outdoor space, it's having some outdoor games and activities, it's having the largest TVs in town. You can't get that in any other establishment."
"The four of us really put a lot of time into what makes us unique, what will make us a destination and what are the things we can offer that you can't get anywhere else," said David.
In line with the outdoor theme, the establishment's cocktail menu will feature refreshing drinks typically found in a warm climate. Food-wise, Black said the restaurant will serve upscale, modern takes on classic bar and stadium food.
According to the group, Stadium 138 will be open to the public before the New Year.
What is Courtside Bar & Grill: Restaurant plan, menu
Where: 56 Court St., Binghamton
Opening: Opened in October
Courtside Bar & Grill, owned by Chris Kehoe and Mark Yonaty, opened its doors at 56 Court St. in downtown Binghamton last month.
Kehoe began working in the restaurant industry nine years ago, while attending Binghamton University. Yonaty has owned other restaurants in town, including Social on State.
Kehoe said the motivation for opening Courtside Bar & Grill came largely from wanting to revitalize downtown Binghamton, an area he previously found vibrant and full of life.
"I saw downtown looking very sad and boarded up — it needed some love," said Kehoe. "It was the right moment to link up with Mark and get something going down here. My main goal has been to get the lights on downtown, help be a part of the solution instead of the problem and make sure we make downtown a destination where people come and have a good time."
Kehoe said Courtside will fill the void left by the closing of The Colonial — The restaurant closed amid allegations of sexual misconduct by two co-owners. A jury found Jordan Rindgen and Yaron Kweller, who owns the Court Street building, not guilty of all charges in their October trial — and that work on the space has included a complete kitchen overhaul, as well as replacing flooring and other infrastructure elements of the location.
Kehoe added that Courtside offers a different experience, with a focus on collaboration with local sports teams.
"My biggest thing is trying to be very pro-community," said Kehoe. "We've worked out various partnerships with the Rumble Ponies, the Binghamton Black Bears and Binghamton University athletics. We're really pushing to be involved in the community."
Kehoe said these partnerships aim not only to benefit Courtside, but to also encourage residents to attend local sports games and support Binghamton teams."
"Newly released data for August shows that potential buyers and sellers in Broome County saw houses sell for lower than the previous month's median sale price of $165,650.
The median home sold for $153,762, an analysis of data from Realtor.com shows. That means August, the most recent month for which figures are available, was down 7.2% from July.
Compared to August 2022, the median home sale price was down 0.6% at $153,762 compared to $154,725.
Realtor.com sources sales data from real estate deeds, resulting in a few months' delay in up-to-date data. The statistics don't include homes currently listed for sale, and aren't directly comparable to listings data.
Information on your local housing market, along with other useful community data, is available at data.pressconnects.com.
Looking only at single-family homes, the $155,700 median selling price in Broome County was down 6.1% in August from $165,825 the month prior. Since August 2022, the sale price of single-family homes was up 0.5% from a median of $154,975.
No condominiums or townhomes sold for at least $1 million or more during the month.
Condominiums and townhomes decreased by 29.5% in sales price this August to a median of $98,762 from $140,000 in July. Compared to August 2022, the sale price of condominiums and townhomes was down 30.7% from $142,500. No condominiums or townhomes sold for at least $1 million or more this August.
In August, the number of recorded sales in Broome County dropped by 63.4% since August 2022 from 202 to 74. All residential home sales totaled to $13.9 million.
In New York, homes sold at a median of $558,250 this August, up 32.8% from $420,524 in July. There were 4,203 recorded sales across the state this August, down 73.7% from 15,957 recorded sales in August 2022.
The total value of recorded residential home sales in New York decreased by 34.3% from $7 billion in July to $4.6 billion this August.
Out of all residential home sales in New York, 21.41% of homes sold for at least $1 million in August, up from 15.77% in August 2022.
Sale prices of single-family homes across New York increased by 38.9% from a median of $370,213 in July to $514,081 in August. Since August 2022, the sale price of single-family homes across the state was up 39.6% from $368,379.
Across the state, the sale price of condominiums and townhomes rose 4.4% from a median of $598,583 in July to $625,000 this August. The median sale price of condominiums and townhomes is up 0.4% from the median of $622,499 in August 2022.
The median home sale price used in this report represents the midway point of all the houses or units listed over the given period of time. The median offers a more accurate view of what's happening in a market than the average sale price, which would mean taking the sum of all sale prices then dividing by the number of homes sold. The average can be skewed by one particularly low or high sale."
"If you are looking forward to starting off December in the holiday spirit, this week offers several opportunities to celebrate the season through the arts in Broome County.
December's First Friday Art Walk, from 6-9 p.m. Friday, will be holiday themed, and will take place on various streets in downtown Binghamton.
The First Friday Trolley will depart from Phelps Mansion Museum at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., and will give riders a free tour of downtown Binghamton, stopping at sites such as Lost Dog Café, Roberson Museum and Science Center and the Bundy Museum of History and Art before returning to the Phelps Mansion Museum.
According to organizers, Father Christmas will be at Phelps Mansion from 5-7 p.m., and will be visiting businesses on State Street starting at 7:15 p.m. as a part of the First Friday event.
On Tuesday, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham joined the Broome County Arts Council to announce the theme of December's First Friday. Kraham referenced the tree lighting in downtown Binghamton the week before, and said Binghamton is just starting to enter a busy holiday season.
"This event is further proof that downtown Binghamton is vibrant — there is a lot to do," said Kraham "We really encourage everyone to get out and support their independent restaurants and local artists. Buy local, buy small. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season."
Sunday, Dec. 3: The Nutcracker
The Broome County Forum Theatre, located at 236 Washington St. in downtown Binghamton, will feature a variety of Christmas and holiday-themed shows this December.
Rafael Grigorian Ballet Theatre will present a performance of "The Nutcracker" at 2 p.m. Dec. 3.
Wednesday-Thursday, Dec. 6-7: Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Cirque Dreams will perform "Holidaze," a family-oriented holiday show at 7:30 p.m. on both nights at The Forum.
According to a description on the Forum's website, the show will feature "a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more."
Looking ahead: Winter Wonderland
The Binghamton Philharmonic Orchestra will perform their "Winter Wonderland" show at 3 p.m. Dec. 16.
Audiences can purchase their tickets on Ticketmaster.com, or avoid fees by purchasing tickets at the Mirabito Box Office at Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. For more information about the performances and prices, readers can visit the theater's website. https://broomearenaforum.com/forum/ "
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