Crumbling Deposit School To Be Demolished

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]An abandoned elementary school in eastern Broome County that's posed serious safety concerns is about to be torn down.

A section of the roof of the century-old brick building on Second Street in Deposit collapsed last June, prompting a "state of emergency" declaration.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]Village mayor John O'Connor says the property has just been sold, clearing the way for demolition of the building which has been unused for more than two decades.

Barricades were placed on sidewalks near the structure following the roof collapse, inconveniencing people who live nearby.

O'Connor says the village has spent more than $114,000 in legal fees on issues related to the property in recent years.

The site has been purchased by Sherman Bible Chapel. Church elder Wayne Aldridge says the sale closed last week.

Aldridge says Gorick Construction of Binghamton will handle the demolition work.

A pre-demolition meeting is scheduled for next Friday and the actual demolition operations are expected to begin on January 26.

For now, members of the Sherman Bible Chapel will attend Sunday worship services at the neighboring First Presbyterian Church.

Aldridge said it's possible the church will build on the site of the old elementary school in the future. He said after the school has been torn down, an annex building on the property will be refurbished so it can be used for church programs.