Planning Home
Mission Statement
The Broome County Department of Planning and Economic Development serves to promote the sound and orderly economic and physical growth of Broome County and its constituent municipalities. It provides technical planning guidance and assistance to the County Executive and County Legislature and implements projects and programs designed to improve the economy, environment, and physical infrastructure of the county. The department extends professional services to local municipalities and other public and private entities in the areas of land use planning and zoning, grantsmanship, economic development, cartography, community assistance, research and infrastructure development.
The Department of Planning and Economic Development consists of the following divisions:
- Planning and Economic Development
- Geographic Information System/Mapping
- Environmental Management Council (EMC)
- Binghamton Metropolitan Transportation Study (BMTS)
Current Planning Projects
Flood Mapping Response Update:
Broome County Planning Hosts Community Rating System Workshop New!
Broome County has reactivated the Flood Task Force that was formed in the aftermath of the devastating June 2006 floods. One of the early suggestions of task force was to organize a workshop regarding the federal Community Rating System (CRS).
The CRS is a voluntary program that assesses a community’s ability to mitigate flood damage. The CRS recognizes and encourages community floodplain management activities that exceed the minimum National Floodplain Insurance Program requirements.
This well-attended workshop was designed to help communities understand the CRS program and explain the application process.
Residents in participating communities receive reduced rates on their flood insurance. Typical discounts range from 5% to 10% on flood insurance rates. To be eligible, communities need to apply for the program and take part in various flood mitigation activities.
There is more information about CRS online here: http://www.fema.gov/business/nfip/crs.shtm
Broome County Planning is Awarded EPA Funds for Cleanup of Endicott Site
The Broome County Department of Planning and Economic has been awarded over $131,000 in grant funds from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the remediation of 312 Maple Street in Endicott. The project is one of only 5 cleanup grant awards in New York State in this round of federal funding. Broome County took possession of the property when it foreclosed on LMS of North America, the previous owner. When the clean up is complete, the property will be once again on the tax rolls.
Broome County's Census Response Rate Exceeds National Rate
For the week of April 4th, Broome County's Census Mail Participation rate is 68%, compared with 54% for New York State, and 60% for the nation as a whole. The Mail Participation Rate is the percentage of forms mailed back by households that received them.
2009 Construction Data Released
A report summarizing the construction activity for each town and village in Broome County is now available for 2009. Each year the Planning Department collects construction data from building permits issued by each municipality in the County. This information is collated into an annual report showing the trends in local residential and commercial new construction and repairs, additions and alterations. The 2009 report is available online here, and all the previous reports are on our Publications and Forms page.
Census Day 2010 is Approaching
A full and accurate count of the population of Broome County is vital to us in many ways. For example, accurate data reflecting changes in our community is crucial in apportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and deciding how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects like new hospitals and schools. That's more than $4 trillion over a 10-year period for things like new roads and schools, and services like job training centers.
In March of 2010, census forms will be delivered to every residence in the United States and Puerto Rico. When you receive yours, just answer the 10 short questions and then mail the form back in the postage-paid envelope provided. If you don't mail the form back, you may receive a visit from a census taker, who will ask you the questions from the form.
Any personal data you provide is protected under federal law.
Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Revision Completed
The Susquehanna Heritage Area Management Plan Amendment, completed in December of 2009, builds upon previous efforts that have been developed and implemented since the Susquehanna Heritage Area was recognized by the New York State legislature in 1982. The goal of the plan was to further identify, promote, and develop the historic, cultural, recreational, and natural resources of an expanded Susquehanna Heritage Area, encompassing Broome and Tioga Counties. The Plan Amendment was prepared for the Susquehanna Heritage Area Commission and Broome County Planning by Bergmann Associates and funded through an $80,000 NYS Department of State Quality Communities Program Grant. It identifies strategies for the enhancement of unique cultural and natural resources in Broome and Tioga Counties and will guide the implementation of programs and projects to foster economic revitalization and enhance quality of life throughout the region.
An “amendment” to state law is required in order to recognize both Broome and Tioga counties as the expanded boundary beyond the current communities of Binghamton, Johnson City & Endicott. The state and local approval process will begin in January for state recognition. Adoption of the revised management plan is anticipated in early 2010.
County-wide Code Enforcement Office Feasibility Study
Each of Broome County’s 24 municipalities is responsible for enforcement of the Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code in that municipality with individual and varying office structures and strategies for enforcement. A county-wide code enforcement office has the potential to provide improved efficiency and financial savings through streamlined operations and administration, providing a single point of contact for residents and businesses interested in locating in the County, and providing a structure that affords a broader range of expertise and specialization.
Broome County, with the Town of Kirkwood as a co-applicant, has received a $33,750 grant from the New York State Department of State’s Local Government Efficiency Grant Program to develop a County-wide Code Enforcement Office Feasibility Study. The study will analyze the administrative, fiscal, legal and political considerations incidental to cooperative code enforcement. This includes analysis of the nature and scope of services and functions to be performed by each local government, the number and qualifications of staff necessary, how personnel and other costs will be shared or apportioned, the collection and distribution of fees, the responsibility for enforcement, and the liabilities of the parties, among others.
Broome County Teams with Willow Run Foods to Reduce Emissions
Broome County Planning has partnered with Willow Run Foods to submit an application for $517,000 from the US EPA National Clean Diesel Program. If funded, the application will enable Willow Run Foods to equip 55 tractor trailers with auxiliary power units (APU). The installation and use of these APU's by Willow Run will result in the reduction of 52 tons of nitrogen oxides, 1.22 tons of particulate matter, 2.2 tons of carbon dioxide and the savings of nearly 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel over their usable lifetime. APU's work by allowing trucks to be run off of the much smaller and more efficient auxiliary power engine rather than the tractor trailer engine during times when they traditionally would be idling. A decision on the grant is expected in February 2010.
Brandywine Corridor Brownfield Opportunity Area
Broome County secured a $175,500 grant from New York State to prepare a Brownfield Opportunity Area plan for the Brandywine Corridor. This 137-acre swath of land in the heart of Binghamton, is the gateway to the community. By preparing a Brownfield Opportunity Area plan for this area, we can focus public and private sector investment and help the community achieve its vision. We have hired Elan Planning and Design of Saratoga Springs, New York to coordinate this effort.
A project website has been established for the Brandywine Corridor BOA.
Broome County Receives Grant to Purchase Three Flood Damaged Houses
The Planning Department has received a State grant for $331,772 to purchase three-flood damaged homes. The homes, two in Conklin and one in Kirkwood, will be demolished after acquistion as part of a flood remediation program. The goal is to lessen the impact of future flood events on the community. Nothing will be constructed on the properties after the demolition is completed.
The purchase price of the three homes was determined by appraisals. None of the homes are currently occupied. The properties were selected after applications were made by the homeowners.
The County is now in the process of making formal purchase offers to the homeowners, and preparing the environmental reviews and necessary asbestos screenings prior to demolishing the homes. The homes should be down by the end of 2009.
Broome County Receives Police Consolidation Study Grant
Currently there are five municipal police departments in the urbanized core of Broome County, as well as a police force in the rural Village of Deposit, the Broome County Sherriff's Department, and the State Police. Preliminary studies by Broome County have identified $9 million in potential savings in five years through the consolidation of urban polices forces. However many questions remain, including the impact on the level of police services, the logistics of combining forces, and the cost of streamlining equipment and operations. To address these issues, Broome County as a lead applicant, in conjunction with the City of Binghamton and the Village of Johnson City as co-applications, has received a $50,000 High Priority Planning Grant through the New York State Department of State's Local Government Efficiency Grant Program. The funds will be used to develop a Police Consolidation Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan to help municipalities make an informed decision about the most efficient and cost effective way to move forward with police services.
Intermodal Terminal
Bids were opened for the Binghamton Intermodal Terminal to house BC Transit, BC Lift, Shortline/Coach USA, Greyhound and retail space. The project is funded by a mix of federal, state, and local funds. This $12.4 million project is expected to break ground April 2009 and be completed mid-2010. The County is working to have the building meet the standards of LEED certification, an environmental/energy efficiency rating.
Endicott-Johnson Brownfield Opportunity Area
Using a $155,000 grant from New York State, the Planning Department hired Clough Harbour and Associates to prepare a Brownfield Opportunity Area (BOA) plan for central Johnson City. This area was once the industrial heart of Broome County, but it is now marked by abandoned industrial buildings that have a blighting influence on the surrounding area. The Endicott-Johnson BOA, however, has tremendous potential. Significant investment has already begun to take place, most notably the construction of a $48 million printing facility by Gannett Company. The publicity generated by the BOA process has spurred further development interest. An executive summary for the Endicott-Johnson BOA can be found here: EJ BOA Executive Summary
Intermunicipal Waterfront Revitalization Project
Partnering with the Town of
Conklin Multi Use Trail
Broome County secured a $449,000 Federal-aid grant to fund a multi-use walking and biking trail in Conklin. The trail will connect the Broome Corporate Park with the neighboring community. Workers in the park and residents in the community will be able to walk the trail for exercise and recreation. County crews from the Department of Public Works have completed survey work for this project, and it has entered the design phase.
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