Fall 2022 Housing Issue

Monday, September 19, 2022 | Binghamton University | bupipedream.com

HOUSING ISSUE

The Free Word on Campus Since 1946

PAGE II Monday, September 19, 2022 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 3,2,5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017

Address: University Union WB03 4400 Vestal Parkway E. Binghamton, N.Y. 13902 Phone: 607-777-2515 Web: bupipedream.com

Fall 2022 Editor-in-Chief* Hamza Khan editor@bupipedream.com

Managing Editor* Harry Karpen manager@bupipedream.com

News Editor* Jacob Knipes news@bupipedream.com Asst. News Editors Melissa Cosovic Celia Woodruff

Opinions Editor* Doris Turkel opinions@bupipedream.com Asst. Opinions Editor Desmond Keuper Arts & Culture Editor* Sam Lillianthal arts@bupipedream.com Asst. Arts & Culture Editors Jamie Nguyen Eli Engler

Sports Editor* Jack Oh sports@bupipedream.com Asst. Sports Editors Michael Carbone Ian Mills Photography Editor* Michael Golann photo@bupipedream.com Asst. Photography Editor Mason Brody-Lewis Fun Editor* Peter Proscia fun@bupipedream.com

Design Manager* Bella Daidone design@bupipedream.com Design Assistants Brianna Crowther Sonia Leyvi Alexa Valadez Copy Desk Chief* Lia Richter copy@bupipedream.com Asst. Copy Desk Chief Allison Peteka Technology Manager* Steven Yeung tech@bupipedream.com Asst. Technology Manager Leora Dallas

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schedule:destabilizing

Mason Brody-Lewis Assistant Photography Editor STANDALONE: Senior back Michael Bush helped the Bearcats hold Bryant scoreless in a 1-0 victory on Saturday.

Check out our sports coverage on bupipedream.com/sports

Editorial: RAs need support too The University and Residential Life should be receptive to RAs complaints.

Editorial Board On Aug. 15, Ruth Boehling, ‘22, a two-year Hinman College residential assistant (RA), published an open letter to Residential Life. The letter begins by reminding readers that it is not the first of its kind, stating “there have been many letters sent to Residential Life and public complaints about the treatment of RAs by professional residential life staff.”

Boehling attributes most of the negative experiences she had as an RA to “the institution and the people in charge,” and shares anecdotes of being made to feel like a burden by her supervisor because of her ADHD, and being dismissed when she voiced concerns about RA staff and building placement. The letter also touched upon grievances that have been voiced by many RAs, such as a lack of mental health resources for RAs, frequent turnover and disorganization within the Professional Staff (ProStaff) and a lack of responsiveness to RA complaints.

In the process of writing this editorial, Pipe Dream spoke with another Hinman College RA, who wished to remain anonymous, who condemned unprofessionalism from ProStaff, including the sharing of personal employment and sensitive information with other RAs and the exclusion of RAs important decisions, and supported Boehling’s account of a high turnaround rate for ProStaff — eight changes in one year. Other RAs that Pipe Dream has been in conversation with, who also wished to remain anonymous, have complained about experiencing and witnessing the verbal harassment of RAs by residents and the lack of support that RAs are offered by ProStaff.

An Instagram account, @ binghamton.ras, has recently been

created to share Boehling’s open letter and other RA complaints.

In a post, the account’s owners identify themselves as “a group of Resident Assistants supporting each other and creating solutions to the problems we experience within Residential Life.” The account has recently focused on the University’s hands-off COVID-19 policy this semester and its harmful implications for RAs. Amid an ongoing spike in on-campus COVID-19 cases this semester and little support from the University, RAs with COVID-19 and RAs trying to help residents with COVID-19 are left hanging.

On the account, RAs reported that they have been told by Residential Life that if they or their residents have COVID-19, they must find a way to get meals themselves, and were recommended to ask their friends to deliver food or to download the food delivery app DoorDash. Leaving sick residents and RAs hungry without a reliable, university-run meal delivery service is egregious — many are not able to afford the extra fees involved in a DoorDash delivery or may not have friends that are regularly able to deliver meals. RAs associated with @binghamton. ras have taken it upon themselves to create a meal delivery service where students can either request a meal delivery service or volunteer to deliver meals at this link. The Editorial Board applauds this mutual aid mechanism but firmly believes that providing food to ill students is the responsibility of the University.

According to @binghamton. ras, due to the limited isolation housing at BU this semester, RAs have reported residents sleeping in building hallways, putting themselves and others at risk. The University’s fall 2022 guidance plan mentions that, should students be unable to find room in isolation housing, they should consider staying home or remaining in their dorms.

We encourage the University to support students who are only able to choose the latter. We condemn the University for not being better prepared and failing to properly

support residents and RAs with COVID-19 this late into the pandemic, especially in providing vital resources like housing and food.

We also condemn the lack of mental health resources for RAs, and recognize it as part of a larger egregious lack of mental health resources for students at BU. In her open letter, Boehling recounts handling a traumatic incident involving her residents and feeling isolated and unsupported afterward, as RAs are not permitted to discuss resident affairs with others. Boehling writes, “I barely slept for weeks until the situation was completely resolved, and I couldn’t even cry about it because I convinced myself that if I cried, at that exact moment someone would need me.”

We call on the University and ProStaff to be more receptive to the complaints of RAs, and to work with them to create and implement solutions to the issues that they have voiced. Paola Mignone, Ph.D.’ 21, the assistant vice president for residential experiences, has said that “[Residential Life] welcomes and receives input from all levels of staff through a variety of means” and that “the information gathered from staff is systematically considered.”

However, it seems that there is a lack of communication between RAs and upper-level residential staff. During 2020 and 2021, an RA Council consisting of nominated RAs was in place to communicate with upper Residential Life staff. However, according to a change.org petition, when RAs inquired about whether the RA Council would be reinstated this semester, they received word that it will be terminated, and that RA representatives would only meet with upper-level Residential Life staff on an “area-by-area basis.” @binghamton.ras did voice concerns over the way that the council was previously run, including a lack of RA input in the nomination process and discouraging complaints during meetings. However, reinstating a new RA Council, and taking these complaints into consideration,

Bella Daidone Design Manager

should be a priority. A space for communication between RAs and upper-level Residential Life staff can begin to foster conversation surrounding the aforementioned grievances that RAs have been voicing, and would ideally be an efficient and effective mechanism for responding to any Residential Life issues affecting staff or students. The Editorial Board voices its support for the petition to reinstate the RA Council. Better COVID-19 policy and accommodations, as well as mental health resources for RA staff and students, are also necessary.

Solidifying rumors that have recently been circulating, an email sent on Sept. 15 announced that the current RA position will be restructured into several new student roles starting in August of 2023. Although this restructuring may relieve some of the stress that RAs face in juggling their many responsibilities, many RAs feel

that their positions are now in jeopardy. Although those currently employed as RAs are promised to receive the same compensation until graduation if they continue, some worry that they may not be hired, as the email revealed little about the new selection process. Many RAs rely on the free housing and mealplan to attend BU, so this ambiguity is very concerning. We hope that ProStaff will give RAs more clarity about the new selection process and its implications for their positions as soon as possible, and that they will support current RAs who rely on the position’s financial benefits.

The email announcing the change claims the process will be an “iterative” one, seeking feedback throughout. Yet, as shown in Pipe Dream’s news coverage, RA’s were left out of the decision-making process behind the recent announcement. How can we trust that their voices will be heard now?

bupipedream.com

September 19, 2022

NEWS

3

@binghamton.ras highlights concerns with ResLife

Sourced from @binghamton.ras The account has called for the reinstatement of the RA Council.

First posting in early August, the account is claimed to be run by a group of resident assistants from across the campus.

Jacob Knipes and Mallory Braden

News Editor and News Intern A coalition of resident assistants (RAs) have taken to Instagram to voice concerns with ResLife.

The Instagram account, known as @binghamton.ras (BRAs), was formed in early August. Since that point, BRAs have produced multiple posts and stories related to ResLife, organizing RAs and creating an outlet for them to speak out. The account is run anonymously, with one post describing the group behind the account as “a group of [RAs] supporting each other.”

The account’s

administrator, an RA who wished to remain anonymous, explained the reasoning behind how BRAs is run.

“Our contracts specifically bar us from speaking to media on behalf of ResLife, however in practice this means we cannot speak to the media about ResLife at all — since they consider us as always representing ResLife,” the account administrator wrote.

“Posting online and getting interviewed would typically make us prime targets for retaliation (firing). We chose to keep the account anonymous, while also emphasizing its collective nature (many RAs are involved in BRAs and many more support the account through following), so that no one could be singled out.”

One topic that BRAs have discussed on their page is the COVID-19 protocols and procedures that ResLife and Binghamton University have put together for this semester.

The account placed a particular

focus on the lack of an organized meal system for those in isolation. The administrator detailed how BRAs was first made aware of the matter.

“An RA who got [COVID-19] alerted us that the University had no meal delivery system for RAs or residents being told to isolate in place (stay in their rooms rather than [in] separate isolation housing),” the administrator wrote. “The RA was told to ask their friends to bring them food. While we did not initially know whether this failed policy response came from ResLife or another division of the University, we knew that we needed to draw attention to the issue.”

The account also put out a series of stories on Aug. 31, which claimed to feature several RAs voicing their concerns with the handling of COVID-19 this semester. One such RA described their experience with a COVID-19 positive resident.

“One [resident] literally came up to me in the office

while on duty with only a paper mask, and got close to me saying they just tested positive and don’t know what to do,” the story reads. “It’s embarrassing that we have to be the primary communication for students getting connected to proper health services as part-time stuff.”

Most recently, the account has begun a campaign to reinstate the RA Council, an inter-community committee that offered RA representatives the opportunity to meet with ResLife administration.

The administrator said this structure helped RAs communicate with both each other and with the University.

“Being kept in the dark makes it difficult to know what to ask for but we know that, at a minimum, RAs across campus need to have a voice,” the administrator wrote. “Without the Council, RAs rely on our individual supervisors to pass messages along, so results vary greatly depending on who

your supervisor is. RAs are also deprived of intra- and intercommunity communication, which was crucial to identifying the similarities and differences in our working conditions.”

Skylar Sharpe, an undeclared sophomore, said they believe the RAs are treated very poorly for the amount of work they are expected to do.

“I believe that the RAs at BU deserve to be treated better,” Sharpe wrote. “It is insanely unfair the lack of support they are given for such a demanding job. They are expected to be on call during all hours of the night to answer drunk freshman who can’t find their own keys.”

Sharpe also commented on the University’s protocols for students who test positive for COVID-19, and the lack of boundaries RAs have been given in those situations.

“I believe [BU’s] COVID-19 policy toward RAs is downright inhumane,” Sharpe wrote.

“The school is refusing to feed their students because they are

sick. I am in support of the RA Council, and there is no reason for [BU] to delay nominations indefinitely. RAs have the right to have their voices heard.”

The administrator expressed that they will continue to organize and speak out to empower others.

“There is strength in numbers, and we hope that all [BU] RAs feel empowered to share their concerns with us and get involved in our actions to make change,” the administrator said. “To our other community members — residents, former RAs, current students, student organizations, alums and more — please continue to follow, support and share our progress.

Know that you too have power to address issues you face at work or school. To ResLife: We are far from finished. You must respect us, be transparent with us and work with us to create sustainable working conditions.”

Proposed Binghamton zoning laws explained The proposal aims to expand legal student housing while preserving the character of residential neighborhoods.

Celia Woodruff Asst. News Editor Over the past couple of months, a proposed zoning law

by Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham, targeting student housing, has been making its way through city’s legislative channels.

If the law is passed, these are the zoning changes that will come into effect: - R1 and R3 zones will be expanded into what was previously R1, R2, R3 and C1 zones. See “Regulation Changes” to determine how the proposed law would affect these types of zones.

- Houses on streets near Seminary Avenue, Riverside Drive and Oak Street would continue to be in R1 zones.

- A small portion of Chestnut Street classified as R1 would become R3.

- Portions of the city, including a small R1 zone near

Chestnut Street, will become an R3 zone.

- The R3 districts, where congregate living — such as student living — is permissible, would be expanded into the “Urban Village” area, which includes streets such as Thorp Street, North Street, King Avenue and Seminary Avenue.

This is where the majority of student housing currently is, according to the Planning Commission.

- Portions of the city, including parts in R2 zones, will be converted into R1 zones.

Alongside the zoning changes, several regulation changes from Kraham’s student housing proposal would also take effect. The following are such changes: - The new definition of “family” will clearly exclude groups of four or more students living together. This will affect some groups of students looking to live in or continue living in R1 and R2 zones.

Prosecution against student housing in these zones will begin July 1, 2023.

- The new definition of “family” would not apply to a group of young professionals living together. For example, under the proposed prohibition

of student housing from residential areas, a group of unrelated young professionals could share a house but not a group of undergraduate students, according to WSKG. - The new definition of “congregate living” would change from any residential unit with multiple unrelated occupants or six or more bedrooms, to any residential unit with five or more bedrooms, and up to ten beds, except in the case of singlefamily, detached, five bedroom houses. Congregate living is allowed in R3 zones.

- Students would assume the “burden of proof” when it comes to future housing violations, according to the Sept. 12 Planning Commission meeting. For example, if a zoning officer were to inspect a property, they would determine The proposal includes zoning changes with a focus on R1 and R3 zones. whether or not the residents were enrolled at Binghamton with documentation proving Planning Commission meeting.

- Residents or property University. It would then be their property is a legal, nonconforming, five-ordevelopers who may want to the student’s responsibility to prove whether or not they more bedroom unit would convert their property, or qualify as a family by appealing be grandfathered in. Similar another property, into a new to the Zoning Board of Appeals. properties that are not legally congregate living facility would - Properties currently recognized would be considered have to bring their proposal to renting to students in what on a case-by-case basis by the Planning Commission and would become newly off- the Planning Commission, or demonstrate ownership of offlimits zones can continue would need to be reformatted, street parking, as stipulated in to do so. Property owners according to the Sept. 12 the new legislation. On-street

Sourced from binghamton-ny.gov

parking near the congregate living facility, or parking in a public park, would not meet the requirements for private parking within 250 feet of the congregate living.

- By July 1, 2023, student housing in R3 zones will need to be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission.

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NEWS

bupipedream.com

September 19, 2022

Ongoing Binghamton housing projects Three construction projects promise affordable, new housing for students, artists and low-income residents.

Melissa Cosovic Asst. News Editor Across Broome County, several new housing projects are under construction. Here is a list of some such projects.

“Stadium Lofts” Housing Project This fall, a new 70-unit, mixed-use housing project in Binghamton may approved. In partnership with Ken Kearney, president of the Kearney Group development firm, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced plans for the $24 million plan, named the “Stadium Lofts” housing project. The four-to-five story building will replace four vacant city-owned structures near Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton, located on 180 Henry St., in an effort to promote visitors and provide a vibrant and safe downtown Stadium District. Construction will follow recommendations from the City’s Stadium District Master Plan, with the building not only including residential space, but also four units of ground floor commercial

space. The living space is said to supply affordable, workforce housing, with the majority of its units being marketed toward working artists in the city. An “artist preference policy” issued by the state agency promotes affordable housing for artists, as well as diversity, as a component of communities’ revitalization efforts. The city expressed hope that the project will add to and grow the Binghamton art community by fostering a safe and affordable place for artists to continue supporting the city’s art scene.

Glenwood Avenue Reconstruction Project A $1.2 million reconstruction project on Glenwood Ave. began just weeks ago, with an estimated completion in December.

Glenwood Avenue, located in the First Ward between Clinton St. and Prospect St., transports residents to school and work daily, but has been in “terrible” condition, according to Kraham.

To upgrade both the street and its underground infrastructure, construction will include new pavement, curbs, sidewalks, removal of trolley tracks, subbase and improvements to the water and sewer systems. The construction will be performed

by Chicago Construction Co. Inc., Endicott, and paid for

by various sources, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, federal stimulus funds and local capital bond. The avenue will be closed for construction, with Clinton Street, Mygatt Street and Prospect Street being used as detours.

First Ward Action Council (FWAC) West Side Housing Project The FWAC West Side construction project is continuing. Having begun this past spring, the $8.1 million project started at 95 Walnut St., with the construction of a new apartment house. The project has required the relocation of tenants in the construction zone to temporary, suitable housing as they introduce 23 newly constructed homes.

FWAC is a nonprofit organization that creates and rehabilitates housing in Broome County.

FWAC has received financial support for the project from both the City of Binghamton and federal programs that provide low-income housing tax credits. The new housing will be affordable, and marketed to lowincome residents and families of the West Side. Construction is planned to be completed in spring of next year.

Sourced from Mayor’s office in a press release The “Stadium Lofts” housing project is set to replace four vacant city-owned structures near Binghamton’s Mirabito Stadium.

Students share their housing horror stories Pipe Dream recently asked students to share their experiences with housing in the Binghamton community.

By: Staff Reports

All accounts provided by anonymous students.

A winter surprise.

“We had a carbon monoxide leak in the house because the broiler broke, and the fire department and [New York State Electric & Gas Company] guys came and shut it as it needed repair. This was in the middle of January, just a day before a predicted winter

Bella Daidone Design Manager

storm. The property manager came in and gave us a couple of space heaters that had to be connected to two specific plug points, because the electrical work was done badly and would trip otherwise. We stayed for six days without heat. When we asked for the week’s rent to be deducted from the month’s bill, the property manager downplayed the entire episode.

Once being assertive, this 6+ foot man slammed the door [in] our face and left. Never felt so threatened and unsafe in a space. We started hunting for alternate housing the same day.”

A security deposit debacle.

“Our landlord tried to take $250 out of our security deposit just for ‘cleaning’ after we spent three days cleaning the entire house before we moved out to ensure we wouldn’t wrack up any costs on our security deposit. It took us about a month to get any sort of answer out of anybody as to why that was taken out of our security deposit. The criteria for what would incur charges on the security deposit were clearly laid out, and we had done nothing like, [breaking] a window or something similar — and even took pictures of how spotless we left the house at the end. After a couple weeks of radio silence, we reminded them that they cannot charge us anything on the security deposit unless it is damaged

beyond normal wear and tear, and, providing pictures of that fact, they quickly figured out that the charge was solely from the cleaners that they had sent to our house — and gave us back our money back swiftly.

Long story short, take pictures of how you leave things and know your rights! It’s your money and these people think they can just take it if you’re not paying attention and don’t know your tenant’s rights.”

The most troublesome landlord.

“My first year living off campus was summer of 2020, following the height of COVID-19. A group of six girls and [I] decided to move off campus. During our original tour of the house, everything was looking well presented and taken care of. Upon movein, we discovered the house to be quite the opposite. Despite being told that the house would be deep cleaned and ready for move-in, we found beer can graveyards in multiple cabinets — including the ones in our bathrooms — multiple windows broken, screens missing [and] our front cement steps cracked in half and no longer supporting the weight of the overhead roof on the porch.

There was many infestations — wasps nests along the house in multiple places, squirrels living on our enclosed back porch and garbage under the beds, as well as covering the backyard.

Unfortunately, the issues didn’t stop there, with our breakers blowing constantly, food spoiling multiple times in fridges following breakers blowing, a constant running toilet and leaking showers that led to black mold in both of the bathrooms of the house.

Our landlord was absolutely atrocious, always promising to send over people to help with our issues and very rarely them actually showing up. One of the biggest issues was a broken heating system from early November through March of 2021, leaving the house at sub50 degrees Fahrenheit on more days than not throughout these months — with not even space heaters provided to us. It was a living nightmare. We threatened to call code enforcement on our landlord for not complying to [New York state] heat laws, [which require] that the indoor temperature remain above 55°F at all times. This threat was met with aggression, verbal harassment and threats toward myself and the other tenants.

One of my favorite quotes from this argument was my landlord (a 55 yr old man) telling me (a 19 year old woman) that he hoped my ‘smart ass attitude serves me well in court.’

It didn’t even stop there.

Finally, the weather warmed up and the lack of heat became less of an issue, [the issue] now turned toward our broken laundry facilities and water

heater, both of which were out of commission for [two to three] weeks. Our landlord said that we should be thankful, and one of his other properties had a collapsed roof! Upon move out, [our landlord] tried to blame us for a literal hole in the attached roof that had caused water damage, as well as [to] charge us for the water bill that he had neglected to pay for the full 12 month term of our lease — resulting in more than $500 of late fees as well (despite our lease specifying that he was the one responsible for our water utilities). It took more than two months to receive portions of our security deposit back, and months of aggravated conversations since. This man didn’t fix the hole in the roof and slapped a coat of paint over the water damage on the roof and walls, and continued to rent the apartment for the next year — raising rent $100 a bedroom ($700 a month) for the following tenants. We reached out to multiple handymen and heating and water companies to fix these issues on our own, all which, upon finding out the identity of our landlord, refused to do service for us because he either already owed them hundreds of dollars or had active court cases against him.”

bupipedream.com

September 19, 2022

ARTS & CULTURE

5

Restaurant Week Fall 2022 Once again Restaurant Week has returned to Binghamton, promising a festive time for all. From September 13th to 22nd, participating restaurants will offer three-course meals for lunch and/or dinner within a set price with lunches starting at $12 and dinners ranging from $20 to $35. This semester, Pipe Dream worked with several participating restaurants and sent writers and photographers to sample their menus. From tacos to sandwiches to chicken parmesan, here are our experiences with this Restaurant Week’s offerings.

The Shop

The Grove

Harry Karpen Managing Editor

Primavera.

Jamie H. Nyugen Staff Photographer

Steak Frites.

Jamie H. Nguyen

Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

I came to The Shop on a chilly Thursday evening, right when that golden hour was shining. The dining room was still quite sparse, since it was before dinner service. The ambiance was perfect and relaxing, with natural light coming through from their street-facing window and the warmly lit bar lighting up the back of the room. The waitstaffs were attentive and effective.

For this year’s Restaurant Week, The Shop offers a threecourse dinner for $25. The appetizers are alcoholic drinks, perfect for the now cool evenings that have come to Binghamton.

The main course has four options, each a representation of the different types of meals in their usual menus — a crepe, steak, a salad and a sandwich. The two dessert options are cheesecake and an Irish coffee, perfect whether you’re stuffed and want a palate cleanser or a heavy dessert.

I started with a lavender latte, which was not on their Restaurant Week menu but is my favorite drink from them — and I still have to stay sober to write this review. My waitress was very accommodating with the off-

menu order. It warmed me up after walking outside for a while, and was well portioned and not too sweet, so I could keep sipping from it throughout my courses.

For the main course I had thepulled pork sandwich, with fries and coleslaw as sides.

The pork was tender and moist, cooked just right to not be mushy and overpowered by its sauce.

There was a lot of filling, so much so that it was spilling from the sides when it first came out. The sandwich bread was light and warm, which makes it less rich and garnished — with a bit of pickle for an additional tangy depth.

I also got to taste The Shop’s steak frites, which were grilled sirloin served with fries. To be honest, I’m not a big steak fan since their flavor profile is very limiting, but this was served with house-made herb butter, giving it an intriguing twist. The steak itself was moist and pink in the middle, maintaining its natural savory taste with simple salt and pepper.

The fries were tastefully seasoned with salt and pepper.

The pepper gives them a special warm flavor. I tried it without condiments, and it still tasted satisfying on its own, and they had that right-out-of-the-fryer crispiness. The small portion of

Eli Engler

Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

coleslaw was refreshing and cut right through the rich and savory food, serving as a palate cleanser for the next dish.

As my food came out and the golden hour dimmed into the night, the restaurant was steadily filling up for the dinner rush. My dessert was the New York-style cheesecake, which was cold, creamy and thick. Although I often opt for less rich desserts, the dish’s composition did a great job of enhancing the cheesecake.

The strawberry sauce is on the sour side, pairing nicely with the richer dessert. It retains the refreshing feeling of biting into a just-before ripe strawberry, and I drizzled it liberally on every bite of cheesecake. The whipped cream was not too sweet and very airy, which is a sign of a wellmade dessert.

I would recommend trying The Shop’s Restaurant Week offerings, whether you are a steady customer or have never gone before. The ambiance combined with the price will make it a good night out, and Restaurant Week is an excellent way to gauge what they offer during usual services, which range from the usual steaks to the more refined savory crepes.

Maybe it will become your next date spot!

The Grove, located on 65 Court St., is one of the newest restaurants in Downtown Binghamton. The restaurant mostly serves American food, such as burgers and sandwiches, but also offers interesting twists that keep these dishes fresh and exciting.

The Grove opened up this past May, and offers high-quality food at a reasonable price. During Restaurant Week, a three-course lunch is $12 and a three-course dinner is $25.

My photographer Harry and I went to The Grove on a quiet Tuesday afternoon. We were pleased by the atmosphere of the restaurant, as it was classy and clean. We chose seats next to the front window, giving us a nice view of Downtown Binghamton. The relaxed ambiance definitely added to the meal because it made The Grove feel like a safe haven from the busy and bustling life of a Binghamton University student.

For our first course, Harry ordered the caesar salad and I got the garlic bread. Harry was quite pleased with the caesar salad, as it featured crisp romaine lettuce in a delectable caesar dressing. The garlic bread was also quite delicious, featuring a twist on the classical Italian-American dish.

Rather than top the garlic bread with mozzarella cheese, The Grove

Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar Sam Lillianthal

Arts & Culture Editor

Located on 31 Lewis St. is the upscale restaurant Remlik’s Grille & Oyster Bar. Their food features a variety of different seafood dishes, sandwiches, burgers, pasta and an impressive sushi lineup. Remlik’s uses its warm ambiance for comfortable dining experiences.

For Restaurant Week this time around, the establishment is offering a $35 dinner menu, featuring an appetizer, entree and dessert. Any of the three courses could be substituted with a glass of house Pinot Grigio or Cabernet Sauvignon.

When my photographer Jocelyn and I walked into Remlik’s, located in the Kilmer Building, the first thing we noticed was the luscious and elaborate interior design of the restaurant. The dim lights, grand pillars and beautiful hanging light fixtures worked extremely well to create an inviting atmosphere that was a joy to look at as well.

Art was another eye-catching detail of the design of the restaurant. Unique paintings were hung up all over, with the option to buy small and large art prints at the entrance. The place was busy, but not crowded to the point where it made the dining experience uncomfortable, and the service right away was attentive to us.

For the first course, Remlik’s offered a garden salad featuring mixed greens, garden vegetables and white balsamic. They also offered a spicy tuna roll, “soup of the day,” bruschetta with tomatoes, basil, garlic and crostini and a crispy shrimp glazed in a sweet chili sauce.

The soup du jour was a vegetable soup, but there was an option to substitute it with another soup, so I ordered their French onion. The soup delighted the taste buds with perfectly caramelized onions, flavorful melted cheese and tasty bread.

The chives as the garnish completed a near-perfect execution of the French onion.

For Jocelyn’s first course, she ordered the crispy shrimp, in which she enjoyed the flavors of the sauce and the shrimp, but expected a slightly bigger portion.

There was no shortage of interesting items for the main entree offering, some of which include the prime sirloin — covered in a mushroom burgundy sauce with a side of whipped potatoes and vegetable du jour — chicken parmesan with penne pasta and sesame encrusted ahi with jasmine rice and pickled slaw.

Jocelyn and I both picked the Atlantic salmon. I was pleased with the tenderness of the salmon that was neither undercooked nor overcooked, but just right. The risotto was delicious and tasted

Atlantic salmon.

Jocelyn Phipps Staff Photographer

better with each new bite. The spinach on top of the salmon was covered in a beurre blanc sauce that enchanted the spinach to new heights. Jocelyn also enjoyed the entire dish, emphasizing spinach and risotto as the highlight. While my photographer and I agreed the salmon was a bit under-seasoned, the bite of the spinach, risotto and salmon all at once was unmatched.

For the dessert course, the offerings were based on the chef’s selection of desserts for that night. My photographer and I had three options to choose from — New York-style cheesecake, lemon cake or chocolate cake. I decided to venture out of my comfort zone and select the lemon cake. It was the right decision because the lemon cake tasted elegant. The lemon cream in the middle and

the fluffy cake around it made for an addicting dessert option.

Jocelyn ordered the chocolate cake, which also was an automatic hit. She felt the cake hit the sweet spot of being dense enough but not too rich, making an enjoyable slice of chocolate cake.

As an upscale dining establishment with great food, desserts and atmosphere, Remlik’s Grille and Oyster Bar is the best direction to take in Binghamton.

Not only was the food satisfying, but I never had my glass of water become less than half full, which is a testament to the fantastic service of the restaurant.

Restaurant week lasts until Sept.

22, so if you want to have a fancy dinner night with friends or family, Remlik’s is a marvelous option.

instead added pico de gallo and a Mexican cheese blend. This surprising twist paid off, as the tomatoes, onions and cheese melded with the garlic bread without overpowering the garlic flavor.

Moving on to the second course, I ordered the primavera.

The pasta dish featured perfectly cooked penne pasta that hit the al dente range of still having a bite to it while not being raw. The dish also had a delicious creamy cheese sauce that added a richness and flavor profile to the penne. The only downside to the primavera was the lack of vegetables, as there were a few pieces of spinach and mushrooms, but not as many as one would like to go with the amount of pasta that was given.

For his second course, Harry ordered the crispy onion burger. At first glance, we were both struck by the sheer size and height of the burger. The onion rings stacked inside the burger gave it an intimidating appearance, and Harry had to remove some of them in order to be able to eat the burger. He noted that the highlights of the burger were its luscious bun and onion rings, which provided a good variation from the typical burger.

The onion rings added a nice crunch to the burger, and the fact that the burger came with so many was a nice addition as well.

The third course, dessert, was probably the highlight of the meal.

Harry got the carrot cake, which

was an excellent conclusion to a great meal. The cake was moist and flavorful, with the spices not being too powerful. The cake also had a good ratio of cake to frosting, as many cakes have too much frosting that overpowers the actual cake. Furthermore, the caramel drizzled on top of the cake was a nice touch that tied the whole dessert together.

For my dessert, I ordered the cheesecake, but it was not ready yet, so I had to settle for their chocolate brownie sundae — although this is not technically on their Restaurant Week menu. However, the brownie sundae was incredible, including a generously sized brownie with vanilla ice cream, caramel and whipped cream. The brownie was the perfect balance between cakey and fudgy — sure to please any brownie lover. The ice cream was also delectable as its coldness served as an excellent companion to the warm brownie.

Both the brownie sundae and carrot cake were delicious endings to satisfying meals.

On the whole, our experience at The Grove was a pleasant one due to both the welcoming feel of the restaurant and the excellent food. Make sure to stop by The Grove before Restaurant Week ends on Sept. 22 to try their piquant takes on classic American dishes.

bupipedream.com

September 19, 2022

ARTS & CULTURE

7

Social on State Samra Ashe

Arts & Culture Contributor

For this fall’s Restaurant Week, the sophisticated Binghamton speakeasy Social on State is offering a $35 dinner menu.

As someone who had never even heard of Social on State prior to interning for Pipe Dream, I was intrigued to try one of Binghamton’s more high-end spots. So, on a warm September evening, my photographer Michael and I set out to sample the establishment’s illustrious menu.

Once seated, we both marveled at the stylish vibe created by the neon purple lighting and softly glowing candles. Not long after arriving, our waiter, who was wonderful throughout the night, arrived to take our orders. The restaurant also very generously offered to serve us any drinks outside of the Restaurant Week menu free of charge. Never one to turn down free booze, I ordered the cincider cocktail. The crisp sweetness of the apple cider, laced with fiery notes of cinnamon, was wonderfully refreshing. With its combination of fall flavors and warm auburn color, it was truly like sipping autumn in a glass.

Due to a slight mix-up, Michael and I were served our entrees first instead of our

appetizers, but neither of us had a problem and, if anything, we were more than happy to dig into our main courses. I ordered the birria tacos for myself, which consisted of three tacos served fancifully on a black slab. The soft shells, warm and just the right amount of crispy, were overflowing with filling and garnished with crumbly cheese and cilantro. The braised beef — the star of the dish — was heavenly, pleasantly chewy and deliciously flavored. Melted cheese added an extra burst of flavor and gooey goodness. Fresh, earthy flavors were accompanied the richer ones, thanks to the onions and cilantro.

The tacos also came with beef consomme, which you’re meant to dip the taco into. Hearty and rich, it enhanced the flavors of the beef even more.

Michael opted for the New York strip, which comes with a $10 supplement charge. He was served a gloriously thick slab of 12 ounce steak, served with garlic parmesan fingerling potatoes and drizzled with bleu cheese fondue. Michael had nothing but praise for the fondue, which was creamy and bursting with flavor, punctuated by a sharp kick from the bleu cheese.

As for the steak itself, Michael said it was firm but not chewy, and cooked to a perfect medium rare.

Needless to say, we both vigorously devoured our entrees.

We were then served our appetizers. I ordered a garlic parmesan sourdough bread that came with four sides — a vodka sauce, pesto, garlic butter and extra virgin olive oil mixed with balsamic.

The sourdough loaf was baked to a golden brown and sprinkled generously on top with parmesan cheese, which, in the oven, melted into warm gooey goodness. Its large portion size is likely too much for one person, especially if you want to save room for an entree, but it would make a perfect shared appetizer among friends. Of the sauces and spreads, the pesto was the standout for me. I’ve never had a fresher pesto, and the fresh kick of herbs was the perfect way to balance the cheesy, rich bread. The vodka sauce was also stellar, with a vibrant tomato flavor that perfectly complemented the parmesan. The garlic butter, while flavorful, was a little too rich for me to handle more than a few bites, pairing with the already decadent bread. The oil dip was also too heavy of a dip for me.

For his appetizer, Michael ordered the sticky chicken. He was served three Korean BBQ drumsticks with a side of miso aioli.

Michael said the chicken was

New York strip. cooked perfectly, and enjoyed how easily the meat tore off the bone. He loved the flavor and added that the chives and parsley sprinkled on top added a pleasant freshness. We also both loved the miso aioli and agreed it was an ingenious concept flavorwise. Finally, we were served our desserts. I selected the pumpkin spice espresso martini, a seasonal beverage that had me squealing

Michael Golann Photography Editor with delight inside. Flavored with mix-ins like vanilla vodka and pumpkin spice coffee, the resulting cocktail tasted exactly like a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte, with virtually no alcoholic bite.

While I nursed my martini, Michael dug into his dessert, the campfire chocolate mousse. Michael loved the fluffy textures of the dessert, and said the flavors brought back

nostalgic memories of childhood s’mores nights.

Social on State isn’t the kind of place that Binghamton University students normally gravitate to, perhaps due to its prices, and honestly that’s a shame. The chic atmosphere, kind staff and delicious and creative dishes and drinks make it well worth the splurge.

topped with fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese, adding an extra element of saltiness which I enjoyed. The creaminess of the sauce made the dish quite filling, but I managed to save room for dessert. Caspar had the pastilla, “a savory and sweet chicken with saffron, cinnamon and Moroccan spices wrapped in filo dough and baked,” as described on the menu. He was happily surprised to find the dough to be sweet. Our server was also kind enough to give us their BBQ baby back ribs flavored with their sweet and tangy maple, blueberry and bourbon sauce. The dish came with their cafe fries and autumn slaw — which included cabbage, apples and brussels sprouts. You can also choose to sub in the fries with their mac and cheese for an extra $2. Caspar had the ribs and found them to be perfectly cooked with just the right amount of smokiness.

Last but certainly not least, this fall’s Restaurant Week menu offers a selection of four desserts — our favorite maple cake with bourbon cream cheese frosting,

apple pie ice cream with toasted oat crumbs, chocolate butterscotch pretzel brownie and their sorbet of the day. I chose the brownie, Caspar chose the ice cream and our server surprised us by bringing out their maple cake. The brownie was rich and dense, which made for a satisfying dessert. I found the chocolate syrup drizzled on the brownie to take the sweetness a little too far for my liking, but the saltiness of the pretzels embedded within the dessert helped to balance it out. I also appreciated the whipped cream on the side, as it added a cooling aspect to the brownie. Both Caspar and I found the maple cake to be the standout dessert by far. The frosting to cake ratio was perfect, the texture of the cake was light but moist and the hint of spice added a depth of flavor to the dessert. Each bite was like being in heaven.

Whether you dine with friends, family or a significant other, Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge will provide you with great food and exceptional service.

Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge Revati Gelda

Arts & Culture Contributor

Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge continues to be a staple for Binghamton University students and the local community alike.

Dining at this restaurant only once before, I was excited to try more of their dishes.

For this fall’s Restaurant Week, Lost Dog Cafe & Lounge offered a three-course lunch for $15, as well as a three-course dinner for $25, both including an appetizer, a main course and a dessert. When my photographer Caspar and I walked into the restaurant, we were immediately pulled into their cozy atmosphere. With colorful lanterns adorned on the ceiling, various modern artwork along the walls and fairy lights on the sides of the cafe, it all tied together to give the place an aura of warmth and vibrance.

For my first course, I had the doghouse salad, which included roasted tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, garbanzo beans and a variety of dressings.

I chose the balsamic vinaigrette,

Caspar Carson Photography Intern

Baby back ribs. which, in my opinion, made the salad pop with its slightly tangy taste. I also enjoyed the addition of cucumbers as it gave the salad an extra crunch. Caspar got the

spanikopita triangles with tzatzki sauce, which he enjoyed and described as being both flaky and garlicky.

For entrees, I had the

rigatoni ala vodka, a signature dish of the cafe. The rigatoni was on the softer side, with a creamy orange sauce that gave the dish a burst of flavor. The dish was

Garage Taco

PS Restaurant

Hamza Khan

Thiyasha Kodituwakku

Editor-In-Chief

Arts & Culture Contributor

As someone who rarely eats downtown, I was pleasantly surprised by my experience at Garage Taco Bar. When my photographer and I walked into the restaurant, we quickly realized what gives Garage Taco Bar its name. The eating area is split into a halfindoor, half-outdoor setting.

Inside, tire rims line the ceiling, with the walls filled with faded brick. Outdoors, there are large green tables, with umbrellas to shield the sun’s rays. With the weather being as warm as it was, it was tough to decide where to take our seats — but it was clear that the restaurant’s decor gave it a calm, laid-back vibe that immediately makes one feel at home.

For my first course, I decided to try the street corn bowl, while Megan, the photographer, opted for the chips and pico. I’ve never been a huge fan of corn, so you can imagine my surprise when the bowl ended up being my favorite item on the menu. The combination of butter, queso and seasoning formed a creamy texture that tasted like a whole new food altogether. While the chips and pico were also a solid choice, they paled in comparison to the flavor provided by other items on the menu.

Next, I tried the vegan chorizo taco, with Megan selecting the chicken taco. Both were served in pairs of two, but the portions were so filling that both Megan and I were only able to finish one. Before diving into

From the moment I walked through the door, I knew I would be eating a meal I would remember forever. Unfamiliar with the restaurant, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, P.S. Restaurant, located on Court Street right here in Downtown Binghamton, is what I would like to call a home away from home. A mix of both modern and rustic art, the restaurant presents a beautiful atmosphere that makes you feel like you are once again a kid in your mom’s kitchen.

Thai Chef Preecha Songprastit originally opened P.S. Restaurant in 1984, with the hopes of spreading his knowledge of Thai cuisine throughout the Town of Vestal. Unfortunately, due to familial obligations, he was unable to continue the restaurant and was eventually forced to sell.

In the year 1990, Sylvana Dodd, alongside her chef husband Richard “Rick” Dodd, decided to purchase the estate and continued to grow the restaurant’s legacy here in Binghamton. Sylvana Dodd believed that P.S. Restaurant — named after Songprastit — should not be renamed and instead should continue to grow for generations ahead.

Incorporating French cuisine, both Sylvana Dodd and Rick Dodd utilized most of the previous menu and developed it into one which would cater to various different tastes. 32 years later, the restaurant continues to honor Songprastit’s Thai cuisine while also incorporating many French and Italian influences to ultimately create a menu that is to die for. The best part is that

Chicken tacos.

Megan Patterson Staff Photographer

the taste, I do have to comment on the presentation. All courses were served together on a tray, and the colorful combination of salsa verde, lime crema and the rest of the ingredients on each taco really stood out.

I found the vegan chorizo to be delicious. The hint of lime along with the poblano and other vegetables built an explosion of flavor in each bite. Megan had the same experience with her chicken taco, particularly noting the glistening sauce, which meant there was never a dry bite.

Not only were both tacos wellsized, but they were also both filled to the brim. It was clear that we were at a restaurant deserving of the word “taco” in its name.

For our third course, both Megan and I selected the sopapilla, or fried tortillas sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and honey. This was a perfect end to our meal — or at least, it would have been, if we could wait that long to try it. Each piece of

tortilla had the perfect hint of sweetness — not enough to be overwhelming, but more than enough for us to find them difficult to put down. Each bite was better than the one before.

In addition to the decor was a rather calming air brought by the soft rock playing in the background. Even the group of patrons itself brought an inviting air, as the restaurant was not too full, yet a constant murmur could be heard in the background.

Lastly, but certainly not least important, was the service.

Our server was quick to seat us, checked in with us regularly and never served us without a smile on her face.

By the end of our lunch, we were so full that we packed nearly half our meal. Even then, we knew that eating at home would not provide the same experience we found at Garage Taco Bar. I would recommend the restaurant to anyone — and can’t wait to come back myself.

Panko crusted chicken breast. Thiyasha Kodituwakku Staff Photographer

Sylvana Dodd strives for originality, so the entrees offered are constantly changing, providing new choices to pick from each time you go!

For this fall’s Restaurant Week, P.S. Restaurant will be offering a menu consisting of three mouthwatering courses for a price of $35. For the first course, the options include a tossed garden salad, British tomato soup, French onion soup — for an extra $3 — spanakopita or chicken satay with Thai peanut sauce. For the second course, some options include panko crusted chicken breast with mango salsa and mango coulis, shrimp scampi with mushrooms, lemon, white wine, garlic and butter cellophane noodles. In addition, a 14 ounce ribeye with wild mushroom demiglace can be added for an extra $8, and a ribeye and shrimp scampi for an extra $12. Additionally, they also featured homemade cavatelli with impossible meatballs, raw tomato basil sauce and garlic chips and, finally, a Thai red shrimp curry with coconut cream, bell peppers and cellophane noodles. For the

third and final course, the restaurant offers two great options which include a bread pudding with vanilla ice cream and caramel whiskey sauce and an olive oil poppy seed cake with vanilla ice cream.

For my first course, I had British tomato soup, which was a combination of both creamy and tangy. You may be thinking, creamy and tangy? But trust me, once you try it, you’ll be going back for more. Briefly after, I received my second course, which was chicken breast with mango salsa and mango coulis. I personally believe that the mango salsa really brought the whole dish together, and that the chicken was cooked to perfection.

Lastly, I had the bread pudding — and my love for desserts aside, I think it was my favorite part of the meal. In fact, it may have been the best bread pudding I have ever had in my life. Overall, the meal that I had at P.S. Restaurant was amazing and I will definitely be going back again. Check out P.S. Restaurant, because trust me when I say that it will be a meal you won’t forget!

ARTS & CULTURE

A guide to off-campus house hunting Battle of the living communities

There is a lot to look out for — and not look out for — when looking at off-campus housing options.

Sophia Caroselli

Arts & Culture Contributor

Throughout one’s college experience, there comes a time when students will make the decision to adjust to off-campus housing. Although this is an exciting experience, it can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you have no idea how to look for housing. Here are some offcampus house hunting tips to assist you in this process, and to help you to get the most bang for your buck in the Binghamton area.

Tip #1: Don’t leave housing for the last minute.

It’s normal to start looking into off-campus living as early as a year in advance. There are thousands of students attending Binghamton University, and each year more and more students make the switch to off-campus living. Being ahead of the game always gives you an advantage and more options to choose from. The process of finding housing is also much less stressful when it’s not rushed.

Tip #2: Don’t settle on the first place that you find.

One thing to know about housing in Binghamton is that there are definitely some hidden gems. There are always well-known, obvious places to look at, however if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key, just keep searching. It’s also always good to have multiple choices in case one option falls through. Always have a backup plan and make sure to adequately look into multiple properties.

Tip #3: Always research the

Alexa Valadez Design Assistant Make sure you are getting the best off-campus Binghamton housing experience with these words of advice.

Michael Golann Photo Editor Make sure you are getting the best off-campus Binghamton housing experience with these words of advice. area that you plan to live in.

While a lot of people’s main priorities may be to find a place that is affordable and within their budget, the quality of housing should also be considered. Often, students will find an apartment or house with surprisingly low rent, and while this may seem like a steal, other factors should be researched.

Remember to always look into the area of the property, as well as at crime rates. Finding a place with low rent is great, but it should also be a necessity to feel safe as you are coming and going from your future home.

Tip #4: Choose a place that fits your transportation situation.

A major difference between living on and off campus is that offcampus living requires the student to commute to school. Some extremely significant factors to consider when choosing off-campus housing depend heavily on how you

plan to commute. For example, students with vehicles should make sure that their housing has a parking lot or garage that is easily accessible and not too expensive.

Students without vehicles should make sure that there are nearby bus stops in order to get to campus or access some other way of getting there.

Tip #5: Don’t be afraid to negotiate.

As a college student, the search for off-campus housing may be your first time bargaining prices with a seller. Don’t be shy! If you feel that the price of an apartment or house should be lower or that certain fees should be accounted for, say it. It’s often assumed that college students can be ripped off and uninformed on what exactly they should be paying for. It never hurts to try to negotiate or bargain with your landlord. You never know what you may be able to compromise on.

Tip #6: Make sure that any prices agreed upon are officially finalized.

When negotiating prices, be sure to officiate any and all agreements made. It is common for students to settle on a price with their landlord, but then forget to finalize the details, giving the landlord the opportunity to change it later on.

Once the price is agreed on, ask for an official lease or some form of permanent guarantee that the price will not be changed.

Tip #7: Don’t be lazy.

Although this seems like a given, read your lease in its entirety before signing it. Lease documents tend to be long — usually around 10+ pages. Make sure that you take the time to read every single sentence of your lease. Some fees and charges can be hidden in the fine lines, and once you’ve officially signed the lease, there’s no going back.

Tips for optimal on-campus life It can be intimidating facing the bare walls of your new dorm room, but there’s always ways to improve your experience.

Eli Engler

Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

So many Binghamton University students live on campus in one of the many residential communities, since it is a convenient option that all firstyears are required to do and many upperclassmen also take advantage of. Let’s take a look at some tips that can help students living on campus feel more at home.

Go to different dining halls When living on campus, it can be easy to get stuck in the same routine of always eating at the dining hall closest to your residence hall. For example, if you live in the Dickinson Community, then it is likely you eat a majority of your meals at the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4). This means it is a good idea to mix up where you eat because each dining hall has its own special offerings. This allows you to freshen up your diet without having to spend money outside.

Decorate your room One of the best ways to make your residence hall room feel like home is to decorate it with things that make you happy. Whether it is film posters, pictures of family or inspirational quotes, decorating your room will ensure that you do not feel like you are living in a jail cell. It is important that you are comfortable in your living space in order to maintain good mental health.

Leave your door open Although it is tempting to always stay in your room with the doors closed, a great way to meet people is to leave your door open. Regardless

Michael Golann Photo Editor Living on campus brings a lot of exciting benefits, especially with these tips. of whether you live in corridor-style housing, a suite or an apartment, leaving your door open signals that you would like people to stop by and say hello. It is very convenient to know the people on your floor because you live in such close proximity to each other.

Take advantage of the oncampus libraries If you do not like studying and doing homework in your room, then it is probably a good idea to familiarize yourself with the many on-campus libraries and study spaces.

Some great study spots are the Glenn G. Bartle Library, the Science Library and the student success centers located in each residential community. Bartle Library is always a great place to get some work done because it has printers, group study lounges and quiet rooms, so you can choose the location that suits you best.

Check out the Nature Preserve Another special resource on

campus is our over-180-acre nature preserve. Even if nature is not your jam, the Nature Preserve is an awesome place to visit. The many trails will take you across bridges, up onto mountains and even crossing abandoned cars. Regardless of the weather, a hike in the Nature Preserve is guaranteed to help you destress and get in a good workout.

Learn about Campus Recreation One of the most underutilized and underappreciated departments at BU is Campus Recreation. From open recreation at the East Gym’s Rec Center to intramural and club sports, Campus Recreation has so much to offer for students looking to stay active on campus. Students can also purchase a membership to have access to the FitSpace and fitness classes at the East Gym. Utilize the bus system One of the coolest opportunities afforded to BU students is our extensive bus system for both on- and off-campus students.

Specifically for on-campus students, the Off Campus College Transport blue bus system can take students to Downtown Binghamton, to shopping areas and even just around campus. Furthermore, there are many Broome County Transit white buses that also go to campus.

Explore the Greater Binghamton area Living on campus makes it super convenient to go to class, dining halls and the library, but it takes some initiative to get off-campus. Luckily, the bus system makes it super easy to check out a variety of places in the Greater Binghamton area, from the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City to the AMC theater at Vestal Town Square.

There are always local events going on in Binghamton’s lively art scene, which will make a nice outing — without you having to spend much.

Getting off-campus helps break up the potential monotony of spending all of your time in the same location.

It can be intimidating facing the bare walls of your new dorm room, but there’s always ways to improve your experience.

Jamie H. Nguyen

Asst. Arts & Culture Editor

All dorm rooms, in my opinion, will end up feeling the same after you have lived there for two weeks. What makes or breaks a living community hinges on sink availability and the effort required to go to the University Union. That’s it.

Dickinson Community: A+ It’s modern and close to the Chenango Champlain Collegiate Center (C4) — which allows access to all of the curly fries and chicken strips your drunk heart desires. There’s also no hill to trek back on when you just want a nap after your 8 a.m. class.

The Dickinson Community has snatched first place largely by its ultra-convenient location, being near the Union and right in the middle of all the bus stops, so there is no running to catch a bus for your off-campus classes. But what pushed it to the top is its flat-housing style.

Each flat holds four or five residents and includes an entry vestibule with a tabletop and sink.

This adds a sense of privacy, as well as hygiene, since there is a separate space for all the forgotten dishes to live.

College-in-the-Woods: A College-in-the-Woods is also one of the best communities for its location, being right across the University Union. True to its name, there is a sense of being in nature when you’re hanging out around its grounds.

The dorms themselves are old, which gives off a cozy vibe, and it is superior to other dormstyle communities — not the least because of there being a full kitchen and laundry on each floor. Cozy vibes are also present in its dining hall. (Here’s a tip for off-campus folks — if you want to save on food without carrying a lunch box around, try getting your meals in the College-in-the-Woods dining hall instead of the Marketplace.)

Hinman College: AThe first thing that non-Hinman residents think of when they hear “Hinman” is probably the Hinman Production Company, which puts on plays and acts every season, ranging from popular stage shows to original productions. The new Hinman Dining Center made a splash with two retail options including a — finally stationary — Starbucks and modern finishing. Hinman College dorms only consist of suites, with a furnished living room. This is great for friend groups and those who want a

deeper connection with their suitemates. The final thing that boosted its rating is the location, being right across from the Lecture Halls and Glenn G. Bartle library, so you can still make it to class if you just woke up 10 minutes before.

Mountainview College: AThe best view on campus, mainly because it’s right next to the vast beauty of Nature Preserve.

Yet, this is also a big strike against it. The walk up is quite steep, and just thinking about walking back after a long day is enough to make me sigh. Before the Hinman Dining Center, the Appalachian Collegiate Center was arguably the best dining hall on campus, and Mountainview College is still holding up as one of the best places to hang out. Suites and designed triplets in Mountainview College do have a standalone sink, and, based on my hatred of washing dishes in the bathroom, this is a big plus.

Apartments Community: B Exclusively reserved for transfers and upperclassmen, the Apartments Community is, well, true apartment-style living.

With a full kitchen and living room as well as all-single bedrooms, it provides the comfort and independence that older students crave. Its location being further from the center of campus gives it a distinct quiet atmosphere, while still maintaining the convenience of living on campus. This, yet again, is also its biggest con — the walk back to Susquehanna is truly diabolical. But it’s a worthy trade for not getting kicked out of your bedroom for the visit of your roommate’s paramour. It does feel a bit unfair to compare the apartments to the dorm-style communities since they fill different styles of living.

Newing College: B As a person who spent their freshman year in Newing College, the best thing about it is the infamous C4 — including Nite Owl — and the ease with which I could go to my freshman classes. Being in Newing College during the breaks — when break housing was still in effect — is truly the height of luxury. Although not as close to the University Union as Collegein-the-Woods and the Dickinson Community, the walk there is still easy, with no steep hill.

The biggest con of this dorm is its lack of sinks and full kitchens — there’s only one kitchen for a whole building and only bathrooms have sinks. I do not miss bringing a week’s worth of dishes down and dragging them back up to wash them.

OPINIONS Monday, September 19, 2022 Thursday, Thursday, Monday, Monday, September October October April 3,2,5, 2017 28, 2017 2017 2017

Broome County’s housing and education crises are intertwined Lack of affordable housing is jeopardizing students’ education.

Julie Ha

Columnist

The college town crisis, a far too well-known tale of concentrated supply and consistent demand for off-campus housing, is notoriously vigorous in disturbing surrounding neighborhoods and transforming them into university villages. Broome County is not immune to changes in the social landscape. While Binghamton University students typically start touring units off-campus and signing leases nearly a year before their move-in date, year-round Facebook listings of apartment and studio vacancies seemingly contradict the myth of rushing to beat demand.

The reality is that Broome County has an oversupply of student housing. In 2017, complexes like Chenango Place and University Lofts even resorted to promotions, raffles, discounts and other free incentives to beat the competition among property owners. Despite the abundance of

housing options for BU students, most of whom do not stay in the area after graduation, finding affordable family housing is difficult for residents of Broome County. 2018 alone saw 300 families with children, half of whom were younger than six, seeking temporary shelter. To add insult to injury, BU has not done its part in mitigating the housing crisis. Since 2015, BU has acquired over 30 plots of land throughout Broome County to expand the school, demolishing the 50 singlefamily homes and apartments in them and potentially displacing former residents.

Understandably, many are leaving the area — Broome County’s population has been declining for some time and will continue to do so. As a consequence, enrollment in the Binghamton City School District has and will continue to experience the same trend.

Roughly 200 families leave the school district each year, as a consequence of pricey rent and inadequate housing options, which risks students’ abilities to flourish socially and academically.

The majority of properties targeting students are constructed in the “group style,” which is difficult to convert into a traditional apartment suitable for families. Construction of low-income housing, such as the new $24 million “Stadium Lofts” project, will prove insufficient in reversing the damage if available units hardly ever feature more than two bedrooms and, therefore, are not suitable for families and students local to Broome County.

The same can be said for zoning laws, such as one proposed in July to limit the number of student renters from BU in certain residential areas, which fail if rent is neither affordable nor accessible, as, empirically, most landlords in college towns prefer to rent to students.

The housing crisis, as it concerns families, is inextricably tied to the neglect and inaccessibility of local students’ education.

Housing reform, alone, will not keep Broome County’s families here nor will it guarantee their students a stable environment to learn. It is evident that the county’s efforts to address

the housing crisis need to work in conjunction with and be motivated by fulfilling the educational needs of their students.

In 2021, the Binghamton City School District originally proposed to shut down one of several elementary schools — including the Horace Mann, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson Elementary schools — that are consistently not at capacity. The proposal was introduced as part of a “feasibility study” intended to reduce costs on classes that operate at sizes less than the state average. The school district is currently reconsidering the renovation of one of the four schools instead, although it is unclear how either of these options will address the root cause of unaffordable housing, driving local student families out.

The “feasibility study” also intends to consolidate the decrease in-state and federal funding caused by declining enrollment.

Thus, renovating one of the four schools will not guarantee the receipt of adequate funding and resources. This is more pertinent

on a local level. Student-housing complexes, such as Twin River Commons, take part in “PILOT” programs, which allow them to make annual payments in lieu of county and city taxes. In 2017, the City of Binghamton was expected to receive $1,008,952 less than they would have from these offcampus complexes had they not operated under PILOT programs.

This amount does not include payments owed to Broome County and the Binghamton City School District. Nevertheless, PILOT programs may be beneficial for developers, but projects that target BU students simultaneously escalate housing insecurity for local students and fail to reinvest in schools in Binghamton’s lowincome areas.

Roughly 52.2 percent of Binghamton’s youth already live below the poverty line and 84 percent of Theodore Roosevelt Elementary’s students are considered economically disadvantaged.

Yet, while the Binghamton City School District contemplates damage control, there are no policies in place to prevent the rise of

housing insecurity among their students, and local leaders have failed to acknowledge the need for affordable family housing as it spills over into their education system. As college town developers drive residents out, housing reform in Broome County should prioritize retaining a long-term community. They need to scrutinize their students’ well-being and the state of their schools, especially for those that are still here.

To get involved, The Stakeholders of Broome County organize supply drives for the homeless, eviction blockades, rallies at City Council meetings and more events open to the public. To reassess the potential closing of an elementary school, the Binghamton City School District plans to hold in-person public forums throughout September, with dates to be decided.

— Julie Ha is a sophomore majoring in English.

The Printing House versus 20 Hawley Street

The Printing House is a more affordable student housing option.

Julia O’Reilly

Columnist

Have cold or fever-like symptoms? Do you feel nauseous all the time? Do you have migraines that won’t end and stomach pains that won’t stop?

These are all symptoms of a pretty common strain of looking for offcampus housing for the first time.

Lately, the stress-inducing task of figuring out next year’s housing has been on my internet-surfing agenda. And I could just about self-diagnose myself with an early-onset midlife crisis with how absolutely agonizing the process has become. So, I’m hoping that sharing some of my findings may be a little bit enlightening to others who find themselves at an absolute loss regarding floor plans, amenities and what monthly rent will or won’t cut it. I mean, I can’t be the only one whose mother needed to tell them

what a lease was.

I’ve lined up two common options for Binghamton University students looking to take the next step in Adulting 101. Without further ado, welcome to House Hunters: Pipe Dream Edition!

The Printing House is a great choice for someone looking for an apartment-style living arrangement. Located at 19 Chenango St. in Binghamton, it has apartments ranging from one to six bedrooms. Each bedroom can also have its own respective bathroom, depending on the kind of floor plan you choose, which was a “must” for me. After two years of sharing bathrooms with six people, I’ve fulfilled my rite of passage for walking through the hair-infested Atlantic Ocean on my bathroom floor, thank you very much. With a fitness center, study lounges, a game room and an on-site movie theater, it’s very student-oriented, though

the communal laundry center could pose an inconvenience as it is often occupied by other residents. The convenience of being walking distance from popular stomping grounds like The Rathskeller Pub, Tom and Marty’s and Dillingers Celtic Pub & Eatery makes a drunken walk home a breeze. When it comes to college students, a safe walk home from a night out is always a top priority. For reference, a two-bed, two-bath apartment is about 1,320 square feet and costs at least $966 per month.

20 Hawley St. is the second student apartment housing option we’ll take a look at. 20 Hawley is a hard-to-miss gem of Hawley Street, with a layout similar to The Printing House, ranging from one to six bedrooms with respective private bathrooms depending on the floorplan of your choice.

With a Signature JOE Coffee Bar with a Starbucks Coffee machine,

brand new boutique clubhouse lounge and a resort-style hot tub with an outdoor deck, it appears that Hawley has everything one could ask for. A big plus for me would be that it is located right next to the Binghamton Police Bureau, making for a safe feel for any new renter, while also being close to Craft for a nice meal out — and walking distance from Binghamton’s Downtown Center.

However, a con of 20 Hawley would have to be its square-footage-tocost ratio. For reference, a 2-bed, 2-bath apartment is 700 square feet, with a monthly rental cost starting at $1,085. Compared to somewhere like The Printing House, it appears that you get less square foot for your buck from 20 Hawley, though it must be taken into account that you may be paying for every other fancypants accommodation they offer.

By the sounds of it, I wouldn’t be surprised if their toilet seats were

made of gold and their sink water was sparkling.

Places like 20 Hawley and The Printing House are part of the recent emergence of luxury student housing that is becoming very popular in college towns everywhere, and Binghamton is no exception. And while it is easy to be blinded by fancy amenities and gorgeous lobbies, realistically not all students can afford this standard of living in addition to tuition and other expenses. Other notable options for students to explore include University Lofts and Chenango Place, as well as U Club Binghamton. Houses are another great direction for students who don’t think apartment-style housing is for them.

Don’t get me wrong, while both The Printing House and 20 Hawley are opportunities for great living arrangements. But, from the perspective of a 19-year-old

college student who’s looking for my first real place to call my own, 20 Hawley seems a little upscale for someone who was rifling through their pockets at 3 a.m. for a few extra dollars to pay their taxi — only to find a used tissue, a fake ID and $3 and 52 cents.

However, everyone’s different, and while somewhere like The Printing House might just be my future home-sweet-home, for others “The JIM” and “The Joe” at 20 Hawley might be calling their name. My advice would be to choose what looks right, what costs right and what feels right for you. Don’t just do something to please other people, because, at the end of the day, you’re the one who has to live with your decision.

And in this case, the one who has to live in it too.

— Julia O’Reilly is a sophomore majoring in biology.

F UN

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