Broome County Executive Jason Garnar’s announcement that the former Phillips Foundry on Frederick Street is a public emergency and will be torn down as soon as possible is drawing more backlash from City of Binghamton and County officials.

While no one questions the site is a danger and should go, Mayor Richard David and Legislative Chairman Daniel Reynolds issued statements saying proper procedures have not been followed.

Broome County Exec. Office photo
Broome County Exec. Office photo
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Garnar held a news conference yesterday to announce he had signed a declaration of a Public Emergency due to safety concerns at the 80 Frederick Street property.  The Democrat said the property had been deteriorating too long and had to come down before cold weather comes, more vagrants move in and the danger of fire or even violent crime at the site increase.

Chairman Reynolds and Mayor David said the process has bypassed the rules and transfer of property to the private sector after the County acquired the property through tax foreclosure in December 2015.  Mayor David went so far in his statement to say the County Executive had a “temper tantrum” after he and other elected officials questioned his plans for the site.

 

 

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