Broome County is moving to permanently shut down BMX races at Grippen Park in the town of Union.

Grippen Park BMX has been using the former ice rink next to the Susquehanna River since April 2010.

Track operator Gary Gitchell was advised by the county that safety concerns were behind the decision to evict the BMX organization.

BMX races have been held at Grippen Park in West Endicott since 2010. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
BMX races have been held at Grippen Park in West Endicott since 2010. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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County executive Jason Garnar says the building cannot be utilized because it is "unsafe." He says there is no money available at this time to address the issues.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Thursday, Garnar said "we're not going to risk lives of people" by allowing the continued use of the building.

Garnar said the cost of replacing the roof at the Grippen Park facility could "potentially be a million dollars." He noted the building is located in a flood-prone area.

The county executive indicated demolition of the structure is an option that may be considered, noting it had been seriously damaged by flooding in 2006 and 2011.

Gitchell said supporters of Grippen Park BMX are planning to meet to discuss the situation. The session is scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the former Bon-Ton store at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City.

Related: Grippen Park BMX Racing Remains On Hold Due to Pandemic

A view inside the Grippen Park BMX facility on October 23, 2020. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News
A view inside the Grippen Park BMX facility on October 23, 2020. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

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

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