VINES Urban Farm and Youth Employment Program to Expand

Binghamton’s VINES program is getting $100,000 in New York State funding to expand the downtown Urban Farm.  The funds will also help the Grow Binghamton youth summer employment program.

Mayor Richard David says the funding will allow more teens and young adults to have access to hands-on training and employment.

Officials say in addition to the Green Jobs for Youth grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be used to demolish 13 flood-prone properties on two acres near the Urban Farm on Tudor Street.  VINES will lease the site from the City to expand the farm.

The Grow Binghamton youth employment program is focused on at-risk 14 to 21 year olds in the City.  Organizers hope to expand the opportunities from the 17 young people employed last year to 25 by 2019.