On Tuesday morning the newly appointed chancellor of SUNY school's John B. King, visited Binghamton University to see some of the school's facilities and research labs.

At BU's innovative technologies complex, King was led by President Harvey Stenger and distinguished professor Stan Whittingham through the labs and classrooms, to showcase the new battery and lithium development that has also led to the new factories here in the triple cities.

King explains that Binghamton is a leader amongst the SUNY's and the potential for growth in economic and research opportunities puts it ahead of others, and addresses the idea of student housing in communities like Binghamton, which historically causes issues for residents.

"Because Binghamton reflects the best values of the SUNY system, Binghamton's growth in research dollars in recent years is incredibly impressive, and the opportunities that New Energy New York represents, will only grow that commitment," stated King.

When asked about the conflict of student housing and affordable housing in cities like Binghamton throughout New York, King explained,

"I know Binghamton is committed to being a good partner of the community, and how we think of growing the supply of housing overall, the governor in her state of the state last week dedicated a significant portion of the speech to talking about how the state could better partner with local governments to ensure a supply of affordable housing. So that's a shared commitment that we have."

King also did not give a clear answer on any future merging of SUNY Broome and Binghamton, citing the two are their own institutions, and work great together as is.