This Week’s First Blueprint Binghamton Community Discussion To Focus On Green Infrastructure

From the Office of the Mayor:

The City of Binghamton hosts its first monthly “Blueprint Binghamton - Community Discussion” this Thursday, March 7th, at the Broome County Library, noon – 2:00 PM. The event is free and open to the public including lunch, courtesy of series sponsor Citizens Bank.

In partnership with the Livable Communities Alliance, the NYS Office of Smart Growth, and Empire State Futures, the series is provided to supplement the city’s long range planning effort Blueprint Binghamton by stimulating community discussion around topics that impact the livability and viability of our community.

“Blueprint Binghamton is an exciting opportunity to build on all the transformative changes we’ve made the last seven years,” said Mayor Ryan. “This is about bringing everybody to the table, and based on their input and hopes, charting a bold, long-term vision and action plan for our shared future. We had an incredible open house launch this last Friday in downtown, and thanks to Citizens Bank and our partners, we’re launching this week a very compelling series of free community discussions. We welcome all those interested to register now to reserve a seat.”

More than 30 individuals have already registered for Thursday’s discussion, which is nearing capacity, and those interested can register by calling the city’s Economic Development Office at 772-7161 or filling out the online form at www.blueprintbinghamton.com. For each workshop, all participants in attendance will have the chance of winning a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant. For those participants who attend five workshops or more AND complete the online feedback surveys for each, will have their names entered into a drawing to win the grand prize of a Kindle Fire HD 8.9” 16GB with Wi-Fi valued at $300.



COMMUNITY DISCUSSION SUMMARY

The subject “Green Infrastructure” is not only a hot topic in the design world, but increasingly viewed as a more sustainable approach to better manage storm water, improve water quality, boost property values, and reduce municipal costs for treatment. This workshop provides an overview of current trends and best practices in green infrastructure, as well as examples of successful projects such as the Onondaga County Syracuse Save the Rain initiative in Syracuse, NY, and others right here at home in Binghamton. City planning staff will explain the new State regulations impacting local development and the resources available to businesses for the implementation of green infrastructure, including the city of Binghamton’s new incentive program for green infrastructure to help early adopters implement model green infrastructure systems.

Speakers include:

Peter Fleischer, Executive Director, Empire State Futures, Moderator
Denisha Williams, RLA LEED AP, Principal, Being Here Environmental Design, “Best Practices in Green Technology & Design”
Matthew J. Millea, Deputy County Executive, Onondaga County, Onondaga County's "Save the Rain" Initiative
Leigh McCullen, Senior Planner, City of Binghamton, NYS and Local Regulations
Jessel Champoux, RLA, Senior Design Associate, Haas Landscaping Architects, Binghamton, Local Projects and Applications of the Standards


Presentations will be followed by Q&A and general discussion. A listing of the entire series is included with this release.