Last weekend, there were rumors that the bars on State Street were being raided by the police in order to catch those either drinking underage or using a fake ID. The prospect scared many underclassmen and the idea of getting arrested for a night out kept some inside hunkered down in their dorms. The thought of a police raid is enough to scare many, and despite the rumor mill proving to be false, the idea of an arrest is, rightly so, terrifying. Perhaps the bigger issue here is that a police raid is frightening because besides these bars, students feel that there is not much more to night life in Binghamton.

While Residential Life offers an alternative with Late Nite, full of activities for students on-campus, this option isn’t for everyone. Sometimes on a Friday or Saturday night, students want a little more to look forward to than just hanging out in the Union. They’d rather explore Downtown, but as of right now these options are few and far between, if you are under 21.

Many students want to escape the bubble of Binghamton University. With limited destinations late at night in the city of Binghamton, students find themselves in fraternity parties or finding a way into State Street bars. We believe there is a market for venues that offer more to students than a “four floors of mayhem, girls party free” slogan or your best friend’s sister’s cousin’s expired learner’s permit. The demand is there — someone just needs to grab the opportunity.

Whether it’s Court or Washington Street, many properties have the potential to be transformed. We envision a dance club open to those 18 and over, where underage students can still have a legal night out. It could be open as late at the bars, yet avoid any aspect of drinking. They can host bands and DJs, even student ones. This could definitely turn into a popular option for students while simultaneously nurturing some budding Bearcat musical talent.

A couple of years back, 18-and-under club Flashbacks was an option for students on State Street. Due to what we can assume was lackluster advertising and a poor turnout, it closed because it seemed to not generate any business. It’s fair to say that with a new option, a new outlook is needed — students need to be prepared to embrace an unfamiliar type of nightlife, and give it a chance.

Developing Downtown Binghamton can not only calm student fears, but attract more students off-campus. It would do more for the area than First Friday, building a safe and legal community for all students with the potential of a night out for all.