The Binghamton City Council voted 6-0 on July 30 to adopt resolution R25-43 authorizing submission of an application for a New York State Climate Smart Communities grant for Clinton Street streetscape and pedestrian improvements tied to the downtown revitalization initiative.

Council moved to submit a grant application requesting the maximum $2,000,000 available from the state. Consultant Barton Lagitis said the total project cost is $2,860,840, which would create a local match requirement of $860,840 (about a 30.09% local match) if the full $2,000,000 is awarded; the minimum required match for an 80/20 project is 20 percent. Council preserved flexibility in the resolution by authorizing up to a $1,000,000 local match so the city can proceed with the application before the grant deadline.

Why this matters: The project would fund street reconstruction, pedestrian amenities and additional street trees along the Clinton Street corridor adjacent to the downtown revitalization initiative. Council members framed the grant as a complementary pot of funding for walkability and streetscape improvements; final scope and construction estimates were provided by consultants during the discussion.

Vote and next steps: The clerk recorded a roll-call vote with Council members Rathmill, Madovetsky, Kavanaugh, Middleton, Murray and Council president Pro Tem Hotchkiss voting aye. The resolution authorizes staff to submit the application before the state deadline and to accept grant funds if awarded. Council members said the city will refine designs and match budgeting if the state awards the grant.

Ending: The application was authorized at the meeting; any awarding of funds and subsequent construction will depend on the state grant award and final city appropriation of the required local match.