Development in Binghamton and Broome County is unique
While development is good and should be encouraged, less people are willing to talk about its related cousin: overdevelopment. I have seen overdevelopment happen in downstate New York, Florida, and North Carolina.Binghamton and Broome County have a unique upstate New York charm. Over buildings must be removed to make way for newer ones, and buildings in disrepair must be maintained adequately. The region will attract more people from downstate and other parts of the country for its affordability and its scenic rolling hills and winding river.Yet, special care should be taken to keep Binghamton and Broome County from becoming another overdeveloped city. It should not be compared to Albany, Syracuse or Buffalo. It is its own atmosphere, and while bringing in people from other areas to make up for falling population and to drive economic growth is worthwhile, I feel Broome County should take care not to ever exceed 250,000 people in total population.
This small population where everyone knows everyone and neighborhoods are tight-knit is part of that “upstate unique charm” that I mentioned previously. As such, I ask the people and elected officials of Broome County to bear this in mind in future policy decisions.
George Bezama …