Binghamton to Tear Down Ten Abandoned Buildings

Several more rundown structures around Binghamton are to be demolished as part of an ongoing battle against blight.

Gorick Construction workers started the new round of tear-downs by removing an abandoned downtown building that had been used as a small warehouse.

The 2,200-square-foot building at 184 Henry Street was across the street from the Mirabito Stadium parking lot. It's been an eyesore for decades. The city had listed it as a place targeted for possible demolition in 2007. The building at one time had been used by a produce company.

A slightly larger abandoned structure next door to that site also is slated for demolition. The 3,100-square-foot building at 186 Henry Street had been utilized by a banana-selling business.

The two Henry Street properties are located in the recently-created "Stadium District." Many of the residential and commercial buildings in the district - which encompasses parts of Henry, Pine and Court streets - are in poor condition. Some have been unused for several years.

The current round of demolitions is expected to cost about $304,000. The work - all of which is to be performed by Gorick - will be paid for using money from the American Rescue Plan Act, Community Development Block Grants and the city's general fund.

Other buildings to be torn down are located at: 15 Baltimore Avenue, 49 Colfax Avenue, 40 Doubleday Street, 82 Mary Street, 13-15 Meadow Street, 14 College Street, 188 Oak Street and 49 Lydia Street.

In a news release, Mayor Jared Kraham said the demolitions "will improve quality of life" in city neighborhoods and boost the value of nearby properties.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

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

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.