A new initiative aims to address abandoned recreational vehicles on private and public properties around Binghamton.
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced a new initiative to remove illegal and abandoned RVs, a plan developed with input from the Binghamton Police Traffic Division, Office of Code Enforcement and Office of Corporation Counsel.
Kraham said on Jan. 16 that RVs often “become neighborhood eyesores that languish in violation of City codes,” and become “environmental hazards and safety concerns for nearby residents.”
“This new approach will allow City officials to move more quickly and get these eyesores cleaned up without long delays, improving quality of life and helping keep neighborhoods healthy and safe,” he said. “We hope it can be a statewide model for tackling a historically difficult neighborhood issue.”
The city has issued a request for qualifications, or an RFQ, for the removal, demolition and remediation of abandoned RVS within city limits, in coordination with the Binghamton Police Department and Office of Code Enforcement, according to Kraham. The RFQ is meant to eliminate environmental hazards, improve neighborhood safety and restore compliance with city codes.
Abandoned RVs that are not removed following code citation will be removed at the property owner’s cost, according to Kraham.
Contractors will be responsible for the safe removal and disposal of potentially hazardous materials, such as fuel, batteries and refrigerants, in accordance with state environmental regulations.
To fill out an RFQ, a pdf is available for download on the city’s website. You can also get a copy at the Office of the Purchasing Department, located on the second floor of city hall at 38 Hawley St.
RFQs will be received by the Board of Contract and Supply at city hall. All responses are due by 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 4.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: How new city initiative would remove ‘eyesore’ abandoned RVs in Binghamton
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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