In an attempt to clean up problem neighborhoods in the city, Binghamton is reviving its Lockdown Law.
"The city's Lockdown Law is our most effective means in stopping illegal activities, after hour establishments that skirt the law, disrupt quality of life in our neighborhoods and too often attract a violent criminal element," Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said Tuesday.
The law provides the city a way to track properties that repeatedly cause problems.
Once identified, the city will give the owner a chance to correct the issues and if they do not comply, the property will be locked or shuttered.
The Lockdown Law has been an effective tool in the past. In 2014, the city used the ordinance to shut down 17 East, a nightclub in the 1st Ward that officials say was the site of illegal gambling, drug trafficking and shooting.
The new law has been reworked to comply with recent New York case law.
This announcement was made in the 1st Ward and longtime residents welcome this move made by the city.
"The one thing that I can advocate is that everyone in the city understand what it is that the mayor...his administration is doing right now. They are givng us back the tools we need to fight back against the things that are happening in our neighborhoods that we do not like," said resident Mary Ann Callahan.
Before being enacted, the Binghamton City Council will consider the lockdown reform package at its May 16 work session.