Binghamton Wants Fire-Wrecked Buildings Demolished

The city of Binghamton has directed the owner of two fire-damaged apartment buildings to have the structures torn down.

The twin buildings at 259 and 261 Main Street sustained extensive damage in a February 23 blaze blamed on a man cooking methamphetamine in his girlfriend's apartment.

City code enforcement supervisor Thomas Costello says a letter dated July 18 advised the property owner that he had 45 days to have the buildings demolished.

Costello told WNBF News the city has yet to receive a response to the notice. He said a demolition permit would have to be issued before work to tear down the structures could start.

If the owner doesn't remove the damaged buildings, the city would move to have them taken down. Costello estimated the demolition cost could be about $200,000.

Broome County records list the property owner as Robert Kuzel Real Estate. The owner could not be reach for comment.

Costello said city officials are monitoring the property. There had been a complaint that people may have been dumping trash inside the damaged buildings.

In May, police were called after a woman reportedly was hit by something that fell from one of the buildings.