About Broome County, NY

I must confess that I attended the "Gas Symposium" hosted by the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce with a fairly closed mind. After all, isn't the integrity of our water supply more important than all those dollar signs that everyone is so excited about?

At least, that was what I was thinking. I can't say that I am 100% convinced because the danger will always exist that an accident can happen. Private wells have already been contaminated in the highly-publicized event in Dimmock, Pennsylvania. My understanding is that Cabot Oil has not taken full responsibility for the damage done either. If you can't have water, clean water, your home is worthless.

However, I learned a few new things at the symposium about the process itself, the economic impact and land reclamation that have allayed sone of my earlier fears. A representative from Chesapeake Energy gave an in-depth presentation covering these aspects as well as some others:

• Gas-drilling is not new to New York, in fact was begun back in the mid 1800's.
• The Marcellus Shale deposit is possibly the largest deposit of natural gas in the world. After the oil fileds of Saudi Arabia, the Marcellus Shale deposit is the second largest fuel source in the world.
• There is enough natural gas here to last 100 years of production.
• The economic and fiscal impact would be beneficial as a new revenue stream which is much more desireable compared to increased taxes or cuts in benefits and services.

• The gas companies do not have the power of eminent domain.
• Oil and gas exploration and production is heavily regulated under a stringent system of federal, state and local laws.
• The gas is extracted from beds that are generally 1-2 miles below the earth's surface. In contrast, nealry all potential drinking water is found generally 500 or less below the earth's surface. The water table therefore, is protected by thousands of feet of rock.
• Natural gas is one of the cleanest and most abundant fuels available today.
• Drilling of domestic gas reduces our county's need for foreign oil.

Of course, one of the biggest questions is 'how will this affect land and home values'? The answer is 'no one knows'. A local credit union refuses to write mortgages for any property with a gas or oil lease on it regardless of whether the rights convey or not. They see it as a lean upon the property.
Another issue is simply the availability of land for sale. I have a buyer who has no interest in gas drilling but simply wants to build his dream house. There are few parcels available and we are having a fit finding some thing suitable.

Right now, there is a moratorium on drilling until things get straightened out. You can read more here:
http://tinyurl.com/yjevwn9

Lots of good information and upcoming events related to the Marcellus Shale gas drilling:

http://gasleasing.cce.cornell.edu/

West Side of Binghamton Home Sales Statistics for 2009

While the 2008-2009 Real Estate year was an economic disaster for 75% of the country, some areas were "protected" by this downturn. Binghamton NY and its fellow sister towns, Vestal, Endwell, and others in Broome and Tioga Counties were lucky enough to be part of the anti-recession. While some parts of the country saw incredible drop in home sales from 2008 to 2009 - specifically the West side of Binghamton statistics were as follows:

2008**

Home Sales: 83 Homes Sold

Average Days On Market: 94

Average List Price: $141,673

Average Sale Price: $134,278

2009**

Home Sales: 95 Homes Sold

Average Days On Market: 85

Average List Price: 139,716

Average Sale Price: 133,532

For the West Side of Binghamton and other surrounding areas, this meant happy sellers and happy buyers! For a list of available houses please visit my website

**all stats come from the Greater Binghamton Multiple Listing Service.

Binghamton University Bearcats -

Have you been to a Binghamton University Division I Basketball game this year? To tell you the truth, I have been to most of them. After all the drama that has been happening, I'd have to say that the fans of this Binghamton Team have been the best part of the year. We have different players, we have new coaches, and it almost can be a great beginning for a movie. It already resembles a movie like "We are Marshall" or "Glory Road." The theme being going against all odds, against what everyone "says", despite what other Binghamton residents said. They are beginning their conference play 2-2, even though they are pitted last in the polls and certainly popularity. What I see though, is a team of newbies playing with fury. Fast paced defense with controlling the real estate when they are at home at the Events Center in Binghamton NY. Now in any popular sports movie, the down and out team usually end up winning it all. That outcome is yet to be seen, and if Binghamton does happen to win the American East; I am buying the rights to the movie.

Bob Farrell

To see all of Binghamton NY 's finest houses go to Binghamtons Finest Real Estate Website

My Uncle Dennis, Denny (my cousin) and I last Sunday August 16 went Golfing at Endwell Greens in Endwell, NY.

I am one never to complain, but I felt that I needed to express my disappointed I had at this course. It is now been close to a week and at first I thought to myself that I was not even going to write a negative review, but it still eats at me on what happened.

Saturday I called Endwell Greens the night before for tee times. I spoke with a very nice Lady two times on the phone too make sure the price she quoted me over the phone for a Sunday tee time was right at $30.00. When we arrived at the clubhouse that morning after scheduling the tee times the night before I found out it was $45.00. I explained to the Ranger in the clubhouse what had happened and very unprofessionally and rude said "NO". Did not even apologize or express any emotion. The Ranger made me feel that I was bothering him for discussing what happen and the situation.

Being that it is a Sunday morning figured it would be difficult to schedule another tee time. We decided to play figuring it would be a nice course and amenities and we are here might as well!
Here is where it really starts to go down hill and my extreme disappoint with Endwell Greens Golf Course.

First let me say this before I give you my list. I have no problem paying 45.00 for a course but you better live up to the service and course!!!

• Driving Range was Behind a Shed and No maintenance done to the driving range at all. Weeds, Clover patches...... Had to walk through Broken down golf carts and tractors to get to the range
• No Ranger or worker to tell you what golf cart to take. Just a Key with No number given to you.
• Golf carts were all wet with dew.
• No towels to dry them off
• Golf cart had rust and rips in the seat
• Being in the middle of summer one would think they would have bug spray "for sale" at least. (remember just paid 45.00)
• Now, just getting to the golf course the grass clippings were left all over the course instead of using a bag or sweeper.
• Little maintenance too barely cut the tall grass. No mowing in over a week some areas
• Missed spots of cutting in fairways and fringe
• The worse 3 out of the 18 holes for the Greens were not playable at all!!!!
• Dirt and small stones were literally on the greens.

Like I said I am not one to complain but if you are going to charge $45.00,especially in today's economy you better make sure you have the Service and course to back up what you are charging golfers!! I would not recommend this course to anyone playing in the Endwell, Binghamton, NY area. There are so many other beautiful courses at $30.00 on a weekend you can play in that area. Click here to Find some in your area. Golf courses