A bipartisan group of elected officials called on New York state to support the Stadium Lofts project, a $31 million mixed-use housing project in Downtown Binghamton to create more affordable housing.

Binghamton City Mayor Jared Kraham, Senator Lea Webb, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, County Executive Jason Garnar, members of the Broome County Legislature and Binghamton City Council “called on New York State’s Division of Housing and Community Renewal to allocate Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other subsidies to support the project.”

“There is no greater need in Binghamton than housing,” said Kraham in a press release. ”The City developed a plan for the Stadium District and shared a vision for what we wanted this neighborhood to become.”

The project by Kearney Realty & Development Group will build 65 units across 180 Henry St. and on nearby vacant lots close to Mirabito Stadium. All units will be reserved for low-income residents, specifically households making 30 to 80 percent of the area median income.

“The 80% AMI cap will ensure Stadium Lofts apartments expand housing opportunities for low-income residents, and reserving a portion for households making less than $20,000 or $35,000 annually will produce homes for households persistently priced out of other market options,” said Binghamton City Council Majority Leader Rebecca Rathmell.

The LIHTC program allows the state to issue tax credits to developers to support construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households. The project will be Broome County’s only affordable housing tax credit application for the current cycle.

This project is one of many on the city’s docket to improve the Stadium District, which includes enhancements made to the stadium and renovations to existing buildings to support economic growth in the neighborhoods near Mirabito Stadium. The projects aim to revitalize the area into a walkable and vibrant neighborhood, including safer walkways, more green space and bike lanes.

The City has plans for a $12 million reconstruction of Henry Street. Planned improvements include better pedestrian safety and utilities, streetscape upgrades, new traffic signals and improved street lighting, set for 2027. The Henry Street project is supported by a $5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

“The City of Binghamton’s vision to revitalize the Stadium District will improve safety for residents and pedestrians and create more opportunities for small businesses,” said Webb. “I support this new development and look forward to more affordable housing projects in the city.”

In June, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $6 million reconstruction plan for Mirabito Stadium, home to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the New York Mets’ AA affiliate. As part of the reconstruction, the team has extended its lease into at least the 2035 season.

“We secured the future of our minor league baseball team so families have a reason to walk these blocks for another generation,” said Kraham. “We are spending millions to rebuild infrastructure and make the investments this area deserves. Few projects anywhere in New York arrive this ready or with this much momentous and bipartisan support behind them. We are asking the State to help finish the job and build that vision with us.”