Binghamton Mayor: Old Ice House May Be Demolished

A long-abandoned building that greets thousands of people who head into downtown Binghamton each day might be torn down soon.

Mayor Matthew Ryan says the city is working with Broome County officials to develop a plan to remove the eyesore.

The former Magic City Ice Company building on Front Street has been idle for decades.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Ryan said he hopes the New York State National Guard might be able to help with the demolition of the deteriorating building.

Ryan noted the National Guard provided similar assistance five years ago in removing the rubble at the fire-damaged Empire Lumber Company property on Jarvis Street.

The mayor said he regards the removal of the former Magic City building as a priority in the effort to improve the area that's targeted for improvements under the Front Street Gateway Project.

Binghamton officials recently announced state funding for the gateway construction work had been restored.

The project is expected to get underway next April.