The City of Binghamton is located in the Southern Tier region of New York State, a nine-county region stretching along the Pennsylvania border in the central area of New York State. Binghamton is Broome County's largest city and county seat. It contains the area's traditional central business district, several industrial areas, and many residential neighborhoods containing a mostly older housing stock. Its population is 53,008 persons, as of the 1990 census. The Binghamton region has been recognized nationally as one of the top three most affordable areas in the country to live and consistently ranks among the nation's most crime free regions.
The City's Consolidated Plan identifies needs within the community with respect to various community development issues, including housing, homelessness, public (human) services, public infrastructure and economic development. In addition to providing demographic analyses, market conditions and needs assessments of the aforementioned community development issues, the plan also identifies and discusses strategies to address needs. It identifies activities to be administered by the City through the use of federal funds, as well as activities to be carried out by other public sector and private sector agencies. A one-year Action Plan for the fiscal year September 1, 1995 to August 31, 1996 is included as part of the Consolidated Plan. The Action Plan identifies the specific activities to be carried out during the upcoming fiscal year and the financial resources available for those activities. It presents the City's strategy for housing and community development. The One-Year Action Plan includes a total of $3,760,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds.
The Consolidated Plan was prepared by the City of Binghamton's Department of Planning, Housing and Community Development in consultation with many public and private agencies within the community, as well as through the input of community residents. The City has an excellent working relationship with many community agencies, which facilitated the ability to obtain necessary data and information as well as expert input regarding needs and strategies to address needs. The City began the process of obtaining public input for the Consolidated Plan with a public hearing conducted in February 1995. In addition to providing notices to the general public regarding the meeting, the City contacted over 75 local agencies to encourage their participation in the hearing and the overall planning process. These agencies represent providers of assisted housing, health services and various social services, (including but not limited to, providers for children and youth, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, homeless persons, and persons with HIV/AIDS), as well as representatives of the business and economic development community.
Representatives of approximately 15 local agencies and organizations, as well as additional community members, attended the first public hearing to provide testimony on the needs within the community. The City also received written comments from several agencies.
In addition to the initial public hearing, the City consulted independently
with many local agencies and organizations throughout the development of the
Plan, including Broome County Department of Social Services, Binghamton
Psychiatric Center, Binghamton Housing Authority, Broome County Health
Department, Broome Developmental Center, and the Southern Tier AIDS Program.
Sections of the Consolidated Plan contain information and analysis obtained
through consultation with these agencies, including lead-based paint data
obtained from the Broome County Health Department, public housing needs and
initiatives, deinstitutionalization data from Binghamton Psychiatric Center and
Broome Developmental Center, and public assistance caseloads and trends reported
by the Department of Social Services. Public Hearings were held on February 25,
1995, July 18, 1995. The City released a draft version of the Consolidated Plan
for a 30 day comment period.
The Binghamton metropolitan area has experienced an on-going decline over the past several years. Much of the regional economy's problems are due to a loss in manufacturing jobs. Historically, one of the area's predominant labor characteristics was the high percentage of jobs in the manufacturing sector. In 1988, manufacturing jobs accounted for 31.4% of all non-agricultural jobs. That percentage dropped to 22.2% by 1994.
The City has experienced a significant decline in its population base during the past 40 years. It reached a peak population of 80,674 in 1950; since then, there has been an overall decrease in population by 34%. In recent years, population has been stabilizing; between 1980 and 1990, population decreased by only 5.1%, from 55,860 to 53,008 persons.
Between 1980 and 1990, the age composition of Binghamton's population changed significantly. Included are a decline in the population representing the "workforce" of the City, and a decrease in the population under 18 years of age. In addition, the elderly population comprises a significantly higher percentage of the City's total population than it does for either Broome County or New York State. The population between the ages of 18 and 64, representing the workforce of the City, declined by 3.3% between 1980 and 1990. At the same time, the population aged 0-17 decline by an even greater percentage, 13.6%.
During the past decade, the non-white population in the City increased by over 65%, from 2,587 persons (4.6% of the total population) in 1980 to 4,275 persons (8.1% of the population) in 1990. The population of persons of Spanish origin increased by over 84% from 527 persons in 1980 to 971 persons in 1990.
While Blacks have comprised the majority of the non-white population throughout the past decade, the greatest increase in non-white population, in both numbers and percentages, occurred among the Asian and Pacific Islander population, from 249 persons in 1980 to 1,088 in 1990 (an increase of over 300%).
| Binghamton | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Population | 53,008 | |
| White | 48,733 | |
| Black | 2,594 | |
| American Indian/Alaskan | 165 | |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1,088 | |
| Other | 428 | |
| Total Non-White | 4,275 | |
| Percent Non-White | 8.1 | |
| Spanish Origin | 971 | |
The highest percentages of non-white population are found in the downtown area, where 25.4% of the population is non-white. Other areas with a higher percentage of minority population are the north central part of the City and the southeastern portion of the City.
Binghamton's median household income is $20,891 and the median family income is $29,169. The median income in the downtown area is approximately $10,000. Income is consistently lower in Binghamton than in either Broome County as a whole or New York State. Binghamton's median family income is 19% lower than the county's and 27% lower than the County's and 37% lower than the state's.
Of the 12,305 families residing in the City, approximately 12% are below poverty level and 20% of all persons (excluding institutionalized persons) are below the poverty level. Furthermore, 14% of all persons are below 75% of the poverty level, while 8.3% of all persons are under 50% of the poverty level.
| Poverty Status by Race | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total # of Persons (excluding institutionalized) | % Persons Above Poverty Level | % Persons Below Poverty Level | ||
| White (47,393) | 82.2% | 17.8% | ||
| Black (2,437) | 57.6% | 42.4% | ||
| AmIn/Esk/Aleut (184) | 62.5% | 37.5% | ||
| Asian (1,180) | 43.6% | 56.4% | ||
| Other (309) | 67.3% | 32.7% | ||
| Total non-white (4,110) | 54.5% | 45.5% | ||
| Total population (51,503) | 80.0% | 20.0% | ||
| Hispanic (761) | 60.5% | 39.5% | ||
Binghamton is rich in history and tradition. However, it is also a city desperately seeking to regain its identity in a world of leveraged buyouts and fierce national global competition. Between 1988 and 1994, cuts in defense spending have resulted in the loss of nearly 14,000 manufacturing jobs. Because the regional economy was so strong for such a long time, there was little incentive for diversification and capacity building. Binghamton has suffered because as its commercial and industrial buildings aged, there was little or no attention paid to modernization. With its capacity old and tired, Binghamton is not poised to compete in today's marketplace.
One of the most critical problems facing the City is the fact that a substantial percentage of its potential tax base is tax exempt under State and Federal tax law.
The Binghamton metropolitan area has experienced an on-going economic decline over the past several years. Much of the regional economy's problems are due to a loss in manufacturing jobs. concentration}
The City has identified four housing related priorities, based on needs, in its Consolidated Plan. The first is to improve the physical quality of the City's existing housing stock. The City also wishes to promote the expansion of the its homeownership base through the use of CDBG and HOME funds as well as through other funding sources such as the New York State Affordable Housing Corporation, the Federal Home Loan Bank and local bank partnerships. The City also includes in its housing goals the assistance with emergency shelter, essential services, and homeless prevention needs of the City homeless and at risk population and the provision of supportive housing and housing related needs of special needs populations.
Over sixty percent of the City's housing stock was constructed prior to 1940, with very little new construction in recent years. The City's housing stock is predominantly renter occupied, with 55.6% of the its 22,617 occupied units being renter occupied and 44.4% owner occupied. During the past decade, the vacancy rate for all units increased to 8.2% from 6.2% in the previous decade. A windshield survey of the condition of homes conducted in 1989 indicated that 29.1% of owner occupied units required minor repairs and 2% required major repairs. For renter occupied units, 48.9% required minor repairs and 5.7% required major repairs.
Census data indicate that many of Binghamton's low and very low income households experience housing problems, as defined by HUD. Households included in this definition are characterized by at least one of the following: (1) meet the definition of physical defects; (2) meet the definition of overcrowded; or (3) meet the definition of cost burden greater than 30%. In Binghamton, the majority of households classified as having household problems are in the third category.
Of Binghamton's 6,466 very low and extremely low income rental households, 5,141, or 76%, experience housing problems. Housing problems are most severe among the 447 extremely low income rental households (with incomes at or below 30% of the median family income). Among this group, 83% experience some sort of housing problem.
Other low income (51% - 80% of median income) rental households also face a difficult housing situation, although not as severe as the very low income population. Of the 2,492 households in this category, 24% face some sort of housing problem, including 22% who pay in excess of 30% of their income towards housing. Only 1% of this group, however, pay 50% or more.
While the majority of Binghamton's very and extremely low income households live in rental housing, there are 2,919 households (or 35% of all very and extremely low income households) who own their own homes. Most of these households (2,279 or 78%) are elderly one or two member households. Housing problems are common among very and extremely low income owners; 36% of these households have some sort of housing problem, all of whom pay above 30% of income towards housing.
Homeownership is slightly more common among low income households than among very low income households, with 1889 (43%) of 4,381 households owning homes. Of these households, 16% experience housing problems, including 15% who pay above 30% of their income for housing. While housing problems are not as critical for low income owner households as they are with their very low income counterparts, they still demonstrate a need to be concerned with housing costs and quality among owner households.
The Binghamton area has very few people who have been identified as unsheltered homeless, e.g. living in the streets, vehicles, abandoned buildings, etc. There are a fair number, however, that use local emergency facilities for overnight shelter. Many other people who likely do not have a permanent home or are at risk of homelessness use services such as soup kitchens and counseling services. There are likely numerous other people without permanent homes that do not use such services and about whom the City is not able to gather information.
In the Spring of 1993, the City of Binghamton and Town of Union conducted a point-in- time survey of homelessness in Broome County. The methodology of the study is described in the Consolidated Plan. The survey identified 139 sheltered homeless people, including 89 individuals and 15 families, and one unsheltered family. Of the homeless population counted, white males between the ages of 21 and 45 comprised the largest category. Local homeless shelter and service providers have indicated that substance abuse and mental illness are common among the area's homeless population, with estimates that 62% of the homeless population are substance abusers and 53% are mentally ill (with 31% of the population having both conditions).
While there are currently sufficient shelter beds in the community, there is a need for continued support of the community's homeless shelters and homeless service providers to address not just the emergency shelter needs of the homeless population, but also the growing supportive service needs of this population. Furthermore, there is a need to support the development of a better coordinated and more comprehensive approach to serving the homeless population.
The Binghamton Housing Authority operates three residential apartment complexes with a total of 641 housing units. As of February 28, 1995, there were four vacancies and 128 applicants on the waiting list for apartments. The developments are in good physical condition due to ongoing modernization and maintenance improvements. Under the Comprehensive Grant Program (CGP), several improvements have been made to update the facilities in 1995. The BHA offers extensive programming at its facilities and collaborates with numerous area service agencies to meet the needs of its residents. The BHA will need continued funding for the on-going maintenance and improvement of its facilities and the continuation of programming.
The Market Analysis section of the Consolidated Plan includes a discussion of barriers to affordable housing that existed until recently. These barriers included the City's property assessment policies and code enforcement procedures. The City has recently modified these policies and procedures with the intention of improving housing conditions and opportunities for residents, particularly for low income renters. With respect to potential barriers to affordable housing as a result of other public policies, the City is confident that its policies promote equitable access to affordable housing opportunities.
The City of Binghamton is committed to affirmatively furthering fair housing and is currently analyzing fair housing issues. There are no current court orders, consent decrees, or HUD- imposed sanctions that affect the provision of fair housing. .
Due to the age of Binghamton's housing stock, lead-based paints present some hazards, particularly to low and very low income households. According to a HUD formula for estimating lead-based paint hazards, approximately 57% of the City's housing units are at risk for lead-based paint and are occupied by low and very low income households.
To date, the City of Binghamton has addressed lead based paint problems in two housing rehabilitation projects. These projects were part of the City's housing rehabilitation program; however, the households contained young child who had been diagnosed by the Broome County Health Department as having elevated lead levels. Although the City does not have a separate program for lead based paint abatement, it may address lead paint problems in houses going through its existing housing rehabilitation program, provided the unit has been issued an order for abatement through the Health Department.
Economic conditions in Binghamton create a need for a coordinated community development strategy that addresses all of the City's most critical needs. In addition to the need for an improved housing stock, there are also needs for an expanded commercial and industrial base, improvements in the infrastructure, and continued human service programming.
As with many other aging Northeastern cities, Binghamton's economic base has
deteriorated, thus creating the need for extensive economic development
activities aimed at restoring a vital industrial and commercial sector. The
City's infrastructure is very old and in need of ongoing reconstruction. Many
of the streets and public facilities in CDBG target areas need to be improved in
order to help revitalize these areas. Continued human service activities for
children, youth, elderly, and special needs populations are needed to ensure
community revitalization.
The strategic plan outlines the general priorities for allocating investment within the jurisdiction for needs associated with affordable housing, homelessness, special needs populations, human services, economic development, and public infrastructure. In addition to identifying and providing the basis for assigning general priorities for the next five years, the strategic plan also provides a discussion of any obstacles to meeting under-served needs. For each priority, specific objectives and proposed accomplishments over a five year period are provided in the Consolidated Plan.
Priorities for affordable housing include the expansion of the City's homeownership base, the improvement of the physical quality of the City's existing housing stock, and the provision of household access to affordable and well maintained rental housing. Specific objectives include the continuation of the City's affordable homeownership program (and expansion of the program through collaborative community efforts) and its housing rehabilitation programs, the expansion of code enforcement activities, the change in property assessment policies, the continuation of the Section 8 rental assistance program, and the collaboration with local nonprofit housing agencies to maintain and/or develop affordable housing opportunities for low income households.
The priority to provide assistance to the community's homeless population includes specific objectives of financial assistance to local providers for homeless prevention activities, essential services, shelter renovation and operating costs, and the encouragement and facilitation of a comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing the needs within the community with respect to homeless prevention, emergency assistance and transition to permanent housing.
The priority for non-homeless persons with special needs is to assist in providing for both the supportive housing and housing related needs of special needs populations, including, but not limited to, elderly, frail elderly, persons with mental, physical or developmental disabilities, persons with alcohol or other drug addictions, and persons with HIV/AIDS and their families.
The priority to expand the City's economic base by retaining existing businesses and attracting new businesses into the City includes specific objectives of the retention and creation of jobs (to be achieved primarily through the use of a revolving loan fund administered by the Binghamton Local Development Corporation), the stimulation of investment of private sector capital, the preparation of additional developable sites and buildings, and the removal of obstacles to development. The Consolidated Plan provides a full description of the strategy and specific activities developed by the City's Office of Economic Development to achieve the objectives.
The priority to provide an adequate infrastructure system for existing and new residential and non-residential development includes specific objectives of improvements to streets, curbs and sidewalks in CDBG target areas, the rehabilitation of parks within CDBG service areas, and the repair and improvement of utilities as needed.
The priority to fight deteriorating conditions in CDBG target areas through increased code enforcement includes specific objectives of increasing the safety of the City's housing stock, particularly for renter households, the prevention and reversal of blighting conditions in the City's low income neighborhoods, and the increase in the attractiveness of CDBG target areas to potential investors.
The City has assigned a priority of providing assistance to public service programs that meet the community's most critical needs. The City intends to designate a portion of its CDBG funds each year for such activities. On an annual basis, the City will issue requests for proposals for public service activities. Criteria used in making recommendations for funding include those that identify the most critical community needs, the ability of the proposed activity to meet those needs, the availability of alternative resources to meet the needs, and the cost-effectiveness of the proposal.
All programs and priorities discussed throughout the Consolidated Plan are consistent with an overall goal to reduce poverty and develop a viable urban community by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities principally for low and very low income persons. The City's housing programs assist low income persons by helping to ease housing costs and overall burdens of those households. All CDBG funded public service programs provide essential services that encourage self-sufficiency. A primary objective of all economic development activities funded by the City through CDBG funds is the retention and/or creation of jobs for low and moderate income persons; such provision of employment opportunities serves to aid in the reduction of poverty within the community. As part of the City's efforts to reduce poverty and homelessness, the City provides financial assistance to community agencies that serve the homeless and at-risk populations, and will continue to support the efforts of service providers that emphasize a comprehensive approach to addressing problems associated with homelessness and poverty.
The primary federal resources that are utilized by the City to address its housing and community development priorities include CDBG, HOME, Section 8, and ESG funds. Federal public housing funds will be utilized by the Binghamton Housing Authority for improvements and programming at the three public housing complexes located within the City. In addition to federal funding, the City will utilize New York State Affordable Housing Corporation funds for homeownership activities, and will actively seek additional funding through the Federal Home Loan Bank. Initiatives with local lending institutions and nonprofit community groups provide further resources to address local needs. A portion of the City of Binghamton is located within a designated New York State Economic Development Zone (EDZ); this program provides business incentives that include sales tax rebates, a property tax abatement program, and wage and investment tax credits.
Although the City of Binghamton administers all activities identified in the Consolidated Plan that utilize CDBG, HOME or ESG funds, there is also a critical reliance on other community agencies, including nonprofit agencies, banks, private industry, and other levels of government, to carry out this plan. The City of Binghamton has an excellent working relationship with many such agencies, resulting in many innovative and successful partnerships to address community needs. In recognizing the importance of the coordination of programs and services, the City will strive to maintain and improve such coordination to more effectively carry out the priorities set forth in the plan.
The City has in place extensive monitoring procedures to ensure that all
federally funded activities are being carried out in accordance with HUD rules
and regulations, and in furtherance of the City's comprehensive planning efforts
to address the housing and community development needs of the community.
The City of Binghamton's One Year Action Plan identifies the specific programs and activities to be undertaken with $3,760,000 in federal funds received for fiscal year 1995 (September 1, 1995 to August 31, 1996). Funds include the following:
For most housing, economic development and public service activities, assistance is provided on a city-wide basis, with a requirement that the individual or household assisted be low or moderate income. Other activities, including code enforcement and public facility improvements, are restricted to CDBG target areas or service areas (those areas with 51% or more of its population at or below 80% of median income).
The City of Binghamton is the administrator of all federal funds it receives; however, some funds are allocated to subrecipients who are responsible for program delivery and management. Subrecipients include the Binghamton Local Development Corporation (BLDC), public service nonprofit agencies, homeless providers, and Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs).
One year housing goals include assisting 15 low or moderate income households in becoming homeowners (this number will increase if additional funds are received), providing handicapped accessibility improvements to 5 housing units, improving 30 owner occupied housing units through the exterior paint program, providing housing rehabilitation loans to 30 low or moderate income single family homeowners and approximately 5 duplex owner occupants, and providing continued Section 8 rental assistance to approximately 450 low income households ( and about 60 new households per year). Under the Section 8 program, approximately 20 households will be provided with additional assistance through the Family Self Sufficiency Program. Finally, approximately 140 low income elderly or disabled households will receive assistance through the First Ward Action Council's Home Repair Program.
MAP 2 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas.
MAP 3 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels.
MAP 4 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels.
MAP 5 depicts Neighborhood Segments and streets with proposed HUD funded projects; in addition, a table depicts other information about the project(s).
MAP 6 depicts additional Neighborhood Segments and streets with proposed HUD funded projects.
