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The Emerson Network Power building in Binghamton on July 20, 2016. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

A Binghamton site billed as a "state-of-the-art urban technology park" by the state Economic Development Council is being abandoned by its sole occupant.

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This outdoor break area had been used by Emerson employees. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Emerson Network Power has been shutting down its "Surge Protection" unit at the Charles Street Business Park in the city's First Ward over the last few months.

Emerson is expected to fully vacate the Binghamton site next month. The shut down comes just a few years after the state and the Broome County Industrial Development Agency spent millions of dollars in incentives to attract the company to the site.

The building has been listed for sale with a $2.8 million asking price.

Local officials once expressed high hopes for the 32-acre site, which had been home to Anitec Image Corporation.

But Mayor Richard David last February said the virtually empty business park appeared to be a "very, very low priority" for county economic development officials.

In an interview on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said he wanted the city to acquire the site. He suggested the Industrial Development Agency was more interested in pushing development outside the city.

The mayor said it was his feeling the site didn't receive "the attention that it deserves."

David said when companies express an interest in locating in the area, "the Charles Street Business Park is the last stop on the tour" - if it's included at all.

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The Emerson Network Power building is the only structure on the 32-acre site. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

 

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