City of Binghamton Mayor Richard David recently provided updates on several city construction projects following Empire State Development’s updated guidance regarding “essential and non-essential” construction projects in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Per Gov. Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.6: “Local governments, including municipalities and school districts, are allowed to continue construction projects at this time as government entities are exempt from these essential business restrictions. However, to the greatest extent possible, local governments should postpone any non-essential projects and only proceed with essential projects when they can implement social distancing and cleaning/disinfecting protocols.”
The city has deemed the following municipal construction projects, beginning or continuing in the next 60 days, as “essential”:
- 7 Hawley Street Parking Garage, $10 million
- City Hall Roof Repair & Green Roof, $2.1 million
- Street Paving & Reconstruction, $9.8 million
- Joint Sewage Treatment Plant Rehabilitation, $275 million
- New Downtown Fire Station, estimated $4-5 million
The city has deemed the following city-sponsored construction projects currently underway as “essential”:
- Family Enrichment Network 19-Unit Homeless Housing Development, $4.2 million
- Binghamton Housing Authority 48-Unit Affordable Housing Development “Canal Plaza/Grocery Store,” $20.5 million
The following municipal projects are designated as “non-essential,” and will continue in the planning and design phases only:
- New Harper M. Stantz Memorial Tennis Courts at Recreation Park
- New Recreation Park Ice Rink
- Washington Street Mall upgrades (Phase 1 of DECO District)
- Columbus Park upgrades
“Several of the non-essential projects in Binghamton, such as upgrades to the Washington Street pedestrian mall or tennis courts, are not yet ready for construction,” Mayor David said in a statement. “Nevertheless, we’re still finalizing plans and obtaining approvals so we will be ready to bid and build when New York State lifts its pause on certain construction projects.”
