COMMENT BY
Snow from Binghamton, NY
COMMENT ABOUT PLACE
Binghamton, NY
COMMENT
Be Part of the Solution
I can't understand the strong negativity, at least not totally. I have been here for a while now and have been (years ago). Back in the big recession there were some store fronts boarded up, like a lot of other places and that was not the best time for Binghamton. Since then, there have been steady improvements and things have gotten significantly better. There are a couple rough neighborhoods that need a lot of help. I've seen old buildings finally being refinished and downtown revitalized. The north end of the city and the first ward are those rough areas I mentioned. They need help. But as a city, we are doing better. Is it enough? Of course not, but we're working on it. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly hasn't helped anything, but then again, has it? More people are coming here and helping to boost the local economy. We are building apartments, and we need more houses (I'll admit, we REALLY need those houses) but things are happening over time, and that's realistically all we can expect. Nothing happens over night. I know long-time residents want it done because they've been waiting, and I get it. But if we can't help make these improvements, we're trash-talking our home and not being part of a solution. We're part of the problem. As far as all these remarks about students, man, the students in part, help fuel the economy.
My personal life here is stellar. There is a ton to do here year-round if you get out there. Yes, even in the winter if you can handle it. It's a breathtaking state to see.
We're adding employment (enter Amazon, FedEx, Dick's, etc), we're welcoming new friends from the city, and things are doing well in that way. Get out there and be somebody. If you don't like it, find your path in your new home/state, or be a part of a solution for Binghamton.