Archaeologists have begun a survey of the site for a planned $20 million residential and commercial project on Binghamton's West Side.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Newman Development Group intends to build a new structure where the former Sheraton Inn building currently stands. The seven-story structure at 50 Front Street was abandoned several years ago.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Nina Versaggi, director of Binghamton University's Public Archaeology Facility, said the first phase of the site review work began this week.

The initial field survey work at the property has been finished. A report on the findings is expected to be completed within about three weeks.

Workers with Gorick Construction have cleared a section of the site between the old building and the Chenango River.  The 13-foot-deep excavation was completed over a three-day period.

Newman Development officials have indicated the new complex will be known as River Landing at 50 Front.

The city Planning Commission approved the project last June. The proposal calls for 118 apartments on the upper floors of the building. The ground floor would have about 10,000-square-feet of commercial space. A below-grade parking structure is planned for the area behind the building.

The site is owned by the Broome County Land Bank Corporation. Executive director Margaret Scarinzi Friday said she anticipates the sale to Newman Development will close "at some point this fall."

Scarinzi said abatement work at the site will occur over the next few months. She said demolition of the existing building is expected over the winter with construction on the new structure anticipated in the spring.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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