Greater Binghamton Fund Projects

Project Background

In 2019, Broome County was awarded $1.56 million through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative Transform Greater Binghamton Fund to implement creative placemaking strategies in each of the iDistricts. The project includes two components:

iDistricts Public Art Program

  • Creating a network of innovative public art installations - primarily low-cost murals and mosaics - throughout each of the iDistricts. Art work will be commissioned by professional artists and custom designed to celebrate each location. More information about the iDistrict Public Art Program can be found here.

Art Parks

  • Creating an Art Park in each of the three Innovation Districts (iDistricts) in the City of Binghamton, Village of Johnson City and Village of Endicott. Each park will encourage placemaking and incorporate interactive public art installations and smart technology features that will engage visitors, inform them about the history of the community, and provide interpretive signage for the art works. the proposed art parks will be located at:
    • City of Binghamton: Location to be determined.
    • Village of Endicott: Garfield Avenue
    • Village of Johnson City: Jenison Park

Endicott iDistrict Art Park

Project Overview: The proposed Endicott iDistrict Art Park will consist of the design and construction of a public gathering space on approximately 0.17 acres of Village-owned property, located at 121-125 Washington Avenue in downtown Endicott. 

The downtown park will blend features such as public art and innovative technologies to visualize the values of Endicott and create new, unexpected immersive experiences throughout the space. Another key feature of the park will be flexible spaces that offer something for everyone, whether you work or live nearby and want to take a break outside or you want to connect with the community through festivals, art classes, fitness and yoga classes, or other networking opportunities. The possibilities for this space are endless and we need your input to help us design an exciting and inclusive place where people want to spend time.

Project Status: Broome County is working closely with the Village of Endicott, the Town of Union, and other community stakeholders to plan, design, and construct the park space. The project is currently in the design phase and we are collecting information and ideas to inform the project. The project is currently in the final design phase and expected to released for bid in spring 2024.

Other Downtown Endicott Revitalization Efforts: 

  • Greater Binghamton Fund: In 2019, the Village of Endicott was awarded a Greater Binghamton Fund grant for the Washington Ave Revitalization Project that will go towards various improvements and make the downtown area more welcoming and attractive.
  • Downtown Revitalization Initiative: In 2021, the Village of Endicott was one of two communities in the Southern Tier awarded $10 million through Round 5 of the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The Endicott DRI includes a Strategic Investment Plan that identifies priority projects to help achieve the vision for downtown Endicott.

 

Jenison Park Art Park Improvements

Project Overview: Broome County is working closely with the Village of Johnson City and other stakeholders the design and implementation of the project. The Jenison Park Art Park Improvements project consists of the design and construction of improvements to Jenison Park located at 55 Willow Street in downtown Johnson City. The project will add connective pathways, lighting, seating, plaza space, a small performance stage, park signage, landscaping, sculpture pads for public art, and other amenities to the park. 

Project Status: The design was completed in December 2022 and construction began in summer 2023. The project is expected to be completed in spring 2024. 

Other Downtown Johnson City Revitalization Efforts: 

  • Greater Binghamton Fund: In 2019, the Village of Johnson City was awarded Greater Binghamton Fund grants for various projects that will support on-going revitalization in the downtown area. 
  • Downtown Revitalization Initiative: In 2023, the Village of Johnson City was awarded $10 million through Round 6 of the NYS Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The Johnson City DRI will develop a Strategic Investment Plan and implement priority projects that help achieve the vision for downtown Endicott.