$11 Million Project Planned for Binghamton Site

The abandoned Big Lots store on State Street on Binghamton's North Side. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

A four-story building housing dozens of apartments may be built on a long-dormant property in Binghamton.

The North Side Big Lots store closed when the company opened a store on Glenwood Avenue. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

The planned project would include a building with 36 apartments and a 12-unit "community residence." A local human service agency would have offices on the ground floor.

Mayor Richard David said the $11 million complex is envisioned for the site of the old Big Lots store on the North Side. City officials have eyed the property at 435 State Street for a grocery store.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Tuesday, David said the city has been working with the Binghamton Housing Authority and a developer, Community Potential Incorporated.

The mayor said the proposal would utilize half of the three-acre parcel for the project. He said it would represent a "massive investment" that could help to encourage future development in that section of the city.

David said there has not been an investment of this magnitude in that area in several decades.

Councilman Conrad Taylor, whose district includes the site, said he believes the project could demonstrate that investment in the city's North Side "is not only possible but advantageous."

David said he hopes the abandoned building now on the property can be demolished soon to create a "shovel-ready" site that would be attractive for further development.

The former retail plaza at 435 State Street hasn't been occupied for several years. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

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