Shannon Hazlitt

shazlitt@pressconnects.com | @ShanHazlitt

Interested in seeing presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speak at a town hall meeting in Binghamton Monday?

The City of Binghamton released recommendations Sunday to help the event run smoothly for all residents and visitors planning to see the Democratic presidential candidate speak at 10 a.m. in the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Arena.

Doors for the free event are set to open at 7 a.m. and admission is first come, first served, according to the Sanders campaign.

Bernie Sanders in Binghamton today

The City has made the following recommendations for motorists:

Attendees are encouraged to utilize free public parking made available at NYSEG Stadium, 211 Henry St. as the best parking location for the event.

The City's two public garages at State and Water Streets have limited parking and will fill up quickly. Attendees should plan alternate parking options.​

Limited on-street public parking is available Downtown, in residential areas East of the Arena, on Conklin Ave. to the South, and on Front St. to the West.

Attendees are encouraged to use B.C. Transit buses.

Attendees are encouraged to carpool.

Attendees should plan their time accordingly to walk several blocks to reach the venue.

Motorists should also be prepared for traffic delays in the Downtown area until about noon Monday.

City officials have been coordinating event security efforts with the U.S. Secret Service and Sanders' campaign staff, according to the news release.

Bernie Sanders coming to Binghamton on Monday

"In welcoming Sen. Sanders to our community, the City wants to ensure a smooth event for all visitors and residents," said Binghamton Mayor Richard David. "Attendees are encouraged to arrive early and plan ahead, as parking is very limited nearby the event location."

Sanders, a Vermont senator, is the only candidate at this point who has made plans for a stop in Binghamton.

The candidate's ties to the area include having taught a masters-level course at Binghamton University in 1990, according to the Press & Sun-Bulletin archives.

George W. Bush was the last presidential candidate to visit Binghamton, marching in the city's St. Patrick's Day parade in 2000.

According to the Sanders campaign, RSVPs to Monday's town hall event are strongly encouraged. Those interested can RSVP here: https://go.berniesanders.com/page/event/detail/rally/44jqq.

Supports and those interested in learning more about his campaign gathered Sunday at a canvassing event.

Hundreds filed through the Citizen Action of New York building on State Street in Binghamton Sunday afternoon before heading out to the streets to raise awareness of Sander's visit and promote his campaign.

Mary Clark, regional director at Citizen Action of New York, said Saturday around 50 canvassed for Sanders through Citizen Action while Sunday that number jumped to about 200 volunteers.

"The support and energy is overwhelming," she said.

Not all who attended the canvassing event Sunday were resolute Sanders supporters.

Emily Mancini, 21, a graduate Binghamton University student, said she is undecided on which candidate she will vote for and instead came to encourage others to vote.

"My goal here is to just get people to vote in general," she said. "I think that's the most important regardless of party affiliation — just getting out there and being involved."

Follow Shannon Hazlitt on Twitter @ShanHazlitt

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