Weitsman Plans Demolitions, Improvements at Davis College Site

With a firm closing date set, businessman Adam Weitsman is moving forward on a project to transform the former Davis College campus in Johnson City.

Weitsman has been working for months to acquire the 13-acre site off Riverside Drive for $3.7 million. He said the attorney representing Davis College has advised him the deal will be finalized December 17.

Weitsman has hired a consulting group to help him develop an elite basketball academy on the campus. In a recent interview, he said "I'm getting excited."

A pair of flood-damaged structures on the Johnson City campus will be torn down. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

He's already developed a list of things that need to be addressed: Two small flood-damaged houses on the property next to the Susquehanna River will be demolished; new transformers and a new boiler will be installed; and the roof of the gymnasium will be repaired.

Weitsman said he will sell a nearby 12-unit apartment building that's part of the Davis College acquisition. He said the property just east of the campus will be put on the market immediately.

Practice courts and other facilities for the future academy will be built but the plans haven't been finalized.

Weitsman said the lease for the small post office on the site has been renewed for five years.