Downtown Binghamton Dollar Store Ousted

A Court Street store that has sold grocery items and other necessities to downtown Binghamton residents is being forced to close.

The Family Dollar store started its "Going Out of Business" sale shortly after Mayor Richard David sold the two-story building to developer Yaron Kweller.

The store had operated at the site at Court and State streets for several years. Prior to the sale, word circulated that the store's lease would not be renewed. Employees for weeks had been telling customers that the store would not close.

Signs now posted in the store indicate everything is being sold, including fixtures, furniture and equipment. The store is expected to close around March 25.

Customers of the Court Street store are being encouraged to shop at the Family Dollar location at 56 Main Street on the West Side.

Kweller on Monday afternoon said he was "very excited" about the future for what he described as the "amazing space" in the center of the city. He said the closing of the store will clear the way for new uses for 10,000 square feet on the first floor of the building.

People familiar with the property say they've been told a Mexican restaurant and bar are planned for the street level. Kweller would not discuss what will be developed in the space.

Work already is underway on apartments planned for the second floor of the building. Kweller in December received city approval to develop three dwelling units with 19 bedrooms. He said leases for the apartments will be open to anyone, not only students.

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