Binghamton Plaza business owners spoke out against the city’s plan to take over the property during a public hearing inside city council chambers Tuesday. The public hearing was the next step in the city’s plan to acquire the property at 33 W. State St. in Binghamton from its current owners, Binghamton Plaza, Inc. of Wayne, New Jersey, through eminent domain, which allows the government to take ownership of private property and developed it. Andrea Thomas, who has owned Kurious Kids Childcare within the Binghamton Plaza for almost 16 years, said many of the families they serve do not have transportation and rely on subsidies to pay for child care, which limits their child care choices. "Without access to child care, families who are already facing financial struggles would be forced to choose between losing their employment or placing their children with unlicensed home providers lacking proper training and a safe environment," Thomas said during the public comment session. And Philomena Harris, who has owned and operated Leather Corner Shoe Repair in the plaza with her husband, Timothy, since 1972, said some of their customers drive to Binghamton from all over the state just for their services. "We have worked […]
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