Mayor: Downtown Binghamton Businesses Shouldn't Close Sidewalks

Pedestrians were unable to use a sidewalk in downtown Binghamton after it was closed as people lined up to enter a late-night music show.

A temporary fence was used to block the sidewalk near 93 State Street for an event featuring rapper Zeddy Will on April 11. That meant people walking along the block between Court and Hawley streets were forced to use the street as traffic passed by.

Mayor Jared Kraham said that's "certainly not something that should have been done." He had not been aware of the situation until he viewed a video of the scene outside the venue.

Kraham told WNBF News he had not heard of any issues involving the event, which was called "Spring Breakout" presented by 98 Entertainment.

A poster promoting "Spring Breakout" at 93 State Street in downtown Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The mayor noted that while people often line up to get into popular restaurants or taverns, "you can't block a sidewalk" by setting up "a 6-foot-tall fence." He said "that's not something they're allowed to do."

Kris Kasmarcik, who is leasing the space at 93 State Street, said he was not at the site for the event in question. He said the fence is supposed to be set up only after State Street has been closed by police.

Kasmarcik said he'll make sure his staffers follow that procedure in the future.

People waited in line to enter a rap music show at 93 State Street on April 11, 2025. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

State Street between Court and Hawley has frequently been closed at night on the weekends when the bars are busy. But the mayor said he believes that's been happening less frequently in recent year.

Kraham said the decision is at the discretion of police department shift supervisors or officers assigned to patrol downtown. He said if "patrons are starting to spill out in the street, they usually close it off."

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A State Street sidewalk was off-limits to pedestrians as people waited to enter the "Spring Breakout" show on April 11, 2025.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.