Alternatives Considered to Proposed Endicott Plaza Demolition

It appears the building that housed a Kmart store in Endicott may not be torn down after all.

Last March, state officials announced that $1 million would be available to pay for the demolition of the old Endicott Plaza structure and the Endicott Inn on Washington Avenue.

Although work to remove the Endicott Inn building is scheduled to start less than three weeks, there are no plans to demolish the abandoned store, which has about 100,000 square feet of space.

Mayor John Bertoni said the village has heard from "several people interested in retaining that building."

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Bertoni said some of those who are considering projects at the site that would utilize the existing building off Vestal Avenue. He said he believes it's "pretty solid."

The old plaza site is owned by a New Jersey-based entity. Rick Roccesano, a representative of the owner, said "in general, the building is generally sound." He said the structure has been "mothballed" but is being maintained so it might be utilized in the future.

Although the mayor said there have been inquiries about the property, Roccesano said there is "no deal on the table."

If the former Kmart building isn't demolished, it appears the state revitalization money may not be available to help develop a future use for the site.

The building hasn't been used since it was damaged by flooding in September 2011.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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