Throughout the spring season, the 434 Greenway offers Binghamton residents the opportunity to head outside and get moving on sunny days.
The Greenway, which runs between Binghamton and Vestal alongside Vestal Parkway, offers an easy biking or walking path between Binghamton University and Binghamton’s South Side neighborhood. On April 27, construction crews began work to install several benches and trash cans along the trail in an effort to improve the already popular walkway.
The project is a collaboration between Vestal concrete supplier Barney & Dickenson Inc. and local cement company KLAW Industries — with the two donating the entirety of the concrete necessary for the project to the City of Binghamton.
Barney & Dickenson, KLAW Industries donate concrete for Greenway improvement project
Mary Murphy Harrison, president of Barney & Dickenson, said the two companies were contacted by the City of Binghamton to assist in the project, with the companies deciding to donate the required $1,200 of concrete to ensure the project could be completed in 2026. According to Murphy Harrison, the project is just one of many collaborations between Binghamton and Barney & Dickenson, with the company also working on accessible infrastructure throughout the city.
City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said the donation will allow the city to complete the project faster.
“This came up as an opportunity, and instead of the city transferring public funds to cover the amount, we thought it would be a good showcase of the KLAW product and partnership,” said Kraham. “We could’ve made it work, but this way is a win-win. It also let us get the project done sooner.”
According to KLAW Industries COO Jacob Kumpon, the project will include the installation of seven concrete blocks throughout the Greenway, which will allow for the placement of garbage cans and benches. Since 2019, KLAW and Barney & Dickenson have been collaborating, with Murphy Harrison crediting KLAW’s environmentally friendly design as a major factor.
In 2024, the two companies worked on a $21 million bridge reconstruction project in Whitney Point — ensuring a new bridge did not face the same flood risks as a previous one.
“KLAW and Barney & Dickenson are providing the concrete for this project at no cost to the city so that they can put the concrete down, install their own benches and make these improvements this year,” said Kumpon.
KLAW Industries differs from other cement producers thanks to its patented process that uses recycled glass, leading to a more environmentally friendly product without sacrificing strength.
“We recycle glass that currently isn’t recycled, and we grind it up into a fine powder for use in concrete,” said Kumpon. “That helps improve the strength of the concrete, makes it last longer and makes it easier on the people finishing it — that’s why the city has been using it since 2022, and why it was a good fit for this project.”
According to Murphy Harrison, the project will make the Greenway more accessible for residents, especially older ones.
“A lot of older people use the Greenway, and they do need a rest once in a while,” said Harrison. “It’s a long trek from the City of Binghamton to Vestal, so it’s good to have a spot just to sit while enjoying the Greenway.”
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Local companies donate concrete for 434 Greenway improvement project
Reporting by Riccardo Monico, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
