Downtown Binghamton Demolition Site Nearly Cleared

Tons of debris have been removed from the site of the fire-damaged Ellis Brothers building in downtown Binghamton.

Workers last week demolished the Water Street structure, which was gutted by a fast-moving fire on April 30.

A portion of Water Street remains closed as large tractor-trailer dump trucks are loaded with demolition debris.

The Nirchi's Pizza restaurant just north of the fire scene remains closed because of the demolition project. Other nearby businesses are open.

After the debris has been removed, crews are planning to put a finishing coating on the exterior of the neighboring building that was exposed when the damaged building was torn down.

Plans for the vacant site have not been determined.

A City Hall spokesman said limited vehicular traffic on Water Street near the demolition site should be restored within the next few days. The street likely would initially be open to southbound traffic only.

The Binghamton fire marshal's office is finalizing its report on the investigation into the blaze. Investigators have said they had uncovered nothing suspicious in connection with the fire.