I grew up west of Binghamton, in Owego in the 60s and 70s. It’s hard not to remember the area’s “hay day” when it was vibrant and something of an economic force in the state. My dad worked for IBM for 36 years so as you say that shaped my life as with so many others in the area.

It’s sad to hear about this event. Binghamton and environs have not “caught an even break” for so many years – they don’t need this publicity.

I live north of NYC now, but have needed to travel to the Binghamton area regularly over the last 3 years. That drive up Route 17 always takes me back to my youth, but likewise the return-drive always gets me pumped for my current life which, luckily, is not so bad.

The cloudiness – OMG. As a permanent resident travelling little outside the area until my late teens, I never realized how bad it was. Then I went to college in Boulder Colorado. 350 days/year of 100% sun. What a difference! I realized then what an effect it has.

Thanks for this well-reasoned and well-stated article. Like you, I wish better for Binghamton.