Binghamton New York Area News You Need To Know

Whether you lead a busy life, or don't get to find out all that's happening news-wise in our community, this is why each week, we recap in an article, some of the essential local news we reported on 1290 AM, 92.1 FM, and 93.9 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations, as well as on our websites and social media platforms.

Catch up on some of the latest local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of March 2, 2026, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Salvation Army To Open New Community Center on Binghamton's West Side

The Salvation Army is preparing to relocate its Binghamton operations after several years of planning. About a decade ago, the organization had intended to build an all-purpose community center on Binghamton's North Side to replace the downtown site it had operated for several decades. But the plan to move to the location on State Street near the Binghamton Plaza was scrapped because it turned out to be too expensive. The Salvation Army ultimately decided to buy an existing building on the West Side for its Binghamton headquarters. Two years ago, the property at 86 Walnut Street was acquired for $515,000. Captain Joseph Hansen of the Salvation Army said construction work at the site is nearing completion, and the process of moving from the downtown location is underway. Hansen told WNBF News he expects operations to begin at the Walnut Street facility soon.

M&T Bank Closes Binghamton Plaza Drive-Up ATM

A drive-up ATM that had been located at the Binghamton Plaza for several years has been shut down. A spokesperson for M&T Bank said the unit was closed in February as the city finalized its plans to take possession of the property on West State Street. He noted M&T has bank branches on Exchange Street downtown and on Robinson Street on the city's East Side. Although the ATM was hauled away about two weeks ago and the M&T Bank signage has been removed from the drive-thru structure, people continue to show up to use the facility. The city of Binghamton is expected to take control of the plaza property in the next few days.

Binghamton University Battery Hub Construction Moving Forward

A research and development complex is being constructed in the former Gannett newspaper printing plant south of CFJ Boulevard. The project was announced in 2024. The $50 million newspaper production facility operated for only 12 years before it was shut down in a Gannett cost-cutting move in 2018. The property is now owned by the Binghamton University Foundation. According to a university spokesperson, the site is "now fully prepared to receive the clean and dry rooms, along with the battery prototyping equipment." In a statement, he said deliveries are scheduled to begin in July. That will be followed by installation and commissioning through the fall.

New Neighborhood Grocery Store Opens on Binghamton's West Side

Cavanaugh's Grocery closed last June after operating at 67 Leroy Street for about 75 years. A few months after Cavanaugh's closed, people in the neighborhood were pleased to hear the news that a new store was being planned for the spot. The new business - M&A Grocery & Deli - is now open. It's owned by Mohsin Alsaidi of Johnson City. The store offers a variety of items, including coffee, sandwiches, and cold cuts. It's open seven days a week.

New Eatery to Open at Old "Stone Fox" Site in Binghamton

The Upper Crust will be opening soon at 15 Hawley Street. The establishment will operate at the site of the former Stone Fox Bar & Pizza. Christine Pasquale-Urso is one of the owners of The Upper Crust. She said the place opened last Saturday to coincide with the St. Patrick's Parade in downtown Binghamton. The Upper Crust will feature pizza and soups, along with several other menu items. Pasquale-Urso said it will have an "extensive wine list" and desserts. Eventually, The Upper Crust is expected to offer a weekend brunch. In addition to indoor dining, the venue will offer outdoor seating on two decks.

Asbestos To Be Removed From Old Johnson City Office Building

An asbestos removal project is getting underway at the former Johnson City Village Hall. The building at 243 Main Street has been vacant for more than two years after the village offices were moved to a building on Lester Avenue. The village has been unable to find a buyer for the old building where local government offices had been located since 1986. Notices posted on the front and back of the Main Street building indicate Sunstream Corporation of Binghamton will remove the asbestos starting on March 12. The work is expected to take about one week to complete. Binghamton. New Jersey-based Briad Development paid $1.3 million to acquire the two-acre site between Liberty Street and Brandywine Highway last November. The new Circle K complex will include a convenience store and two quick-service restaurants. Dedicated drive-thru lanes will be available for customers of the Wendy's and Dunkin' units in the travel center. When Briad presented the project to Binghamton officials, the center was expected to include a Jimmy John's restaurant, but that element was later changed to Dunkin'. The new businesses are expected to open in July or August.

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