The City of Binghamton recorded 57 code violations in last month’s code sweep, which took place in Binghamton’s Third District on April 23. Following the sweep, Mayor Matt Ryan and key leaders from Code Enforcement, the Police Department, and Corporation Counsel joined City Council member Teri Rennia and several residents to investigate the area’s code hotspots.



“Our Code Enforcement Office carried out a thorough sweep, and I thank them for their attentiveness and commitment to this important task. Upholding City code is central to sustaining the local quality of life, and we are making gains by introducing new approaches,” stated Mayor Ryan. “It was also beneficial to join the members of my staff, Council member Rennia, and the residents in examining the code challenges facing District 3. Our tour provided a new opportunity for our code related departments to learn more about the issues at play, and develop a coordinated, complementary set of solutions.”



The number of violations recorded in the latest code sweep was consistent with the usual tally, which ranges between 50 and 60. The most common violations found in the April sweep related to trash and debris, irregular building facades, and lack of building maintenance.



Whereas in past years, only the Code Enforcement Office has taken note of the sweeps, the Blight Prevention Task Force has analyzed the findings since February in order to create a long-term approach for reducing code violations across the City. The Task Force includes representation from the Mayor’s Office, Fire, Corporation Counsel, Economic Development, Assessment, Police, and the County – and its members look forward to coordinating a strategy that covers all the code enforcement considerations of each office.



“Code violations concern several City departments, and preventing offences requires a comprehensive response,” said Mayor Ryan. “That’s why we remain committed to the code sweeps, and introduced the Blight Prevention Task Force. It’s also why we are conducting neighborhood ‘code tours.’”



Walking the West Side streets, Mayor Ryan, his staff, Council member Rennia, and the residents were able to examine the area’s most pressing code issues, and discuss solutions.



The tour has helped inform the Blight Prevention Task Force’s work, and another walkabout is scheduled in conjunction with May’s code sweep in the Fourth District. The City will coordinate with area Council member Lea Webb to determine the District 4 streets most in need of inspection.



Code sweeps are a regular part of the City’s comprehensive approach to code enforcement. Each month, the code enforcement officers join to examine a different district. They narrow their focus to streets that the district’s City Council representative has recommended for inspection.



The April code sweep included the following streets:



Chapin St.
Clinton St.
Crandall St.
Edwards St.
Main St.
Mather St.
Murray St.
North St.
Seminary Ave.
Thorp St.
Walnut St.