Binghamton Mayor Expects Short-Term Boscov’s Lease Deal

A one-year lease extension plan for Boscov's likely will be presented to Binghamton City Council within the next few weeks.

Mayor Richard David Tuesday said he expects to bring a proposal to lawmakers "in the next month or so."

David said he's hopeful "that we'll be able to work on a larger deal in partnership with the state" that would address not only the building occupied by Boscov's but the neighboring parking ramp as well.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the mayor said the new short term lease agreement is expected to be similar to the deal reached with Boscov's last April.

The current lease included a $135,000 payment in lieu of taxes and a $25,000 parking payment.

David said he believes Binghamton has the support from state economic development officials that will be needed to line up funding for building and parking facility repair work.

The mayor has said money from the state is being sought for extensive repairs because the "building is literally crumbling."

David said securing funds for the work would help clear the way to reaching a long-term lease agreement with Boscov's officials.

The mayor and Boscov's CEO Jim Boscov discussed the situation with state officials in Albany in February.

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

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