Binghamton City Council approved a municipal resolution to support a New York State Homes & Community Renewal (HCR) Main Street Anchor Program pre-application for redevelopment at 121 Court Street.

The proposed project would use a $500,000 Main Street grant toward an estimated $1.1 million rehabilitation to create four residential units described by staff as "high end" and one commercial space. The municipal resolution is part of HCR's pre-application requirements.

Council members said the city made two nonsubstantive corrections to the application template the morning of the meeting to list the city as applicant and to add the property address. Several members expressed concern that the project addresses market-rate "luxury" units and may not meet the city's greatest housing needs — particularly because it was the only proposal submitted this round.

"The fact that this was the only proposal to be submitted means to me that there is a flaw in our affirmative marketing efforts," Council member Hadassah Madovetsky said, urging improved outreach. Director Glosz advised that HCR determines eligibility, but council members noted HCR expects municipalities to represent local need in the pre-application.

Council members also discussed earlier city efforts to advertise similar opportunities and said they would like broader applicant outreach in future rounds. One council member suggested exploring whether a unit could be reserved at lower rent, but staff said the building's size and rehabilitation needs limit options.

Council approved the municipal resolution by roll call, 4-1, with Council member Rathbone voting no. The resolution authorizes the city to proceed with the pre-application; final HCR approval would be required for funding and project implementation.