Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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The city of Binghamton is moving to hire a contractor to tear down what's left of a building wrecked by an arson fire several weeks ago.

The old All Around Building Supplies site on Brown Street had been vacant for years.

A series of arson fires had damaged the wood-frame building. The latest blaze - on June 9 - gutted most of what was left of the structure.

City officials had ordered the demolition of the ruined building. They had hoped the property owner would act quickly to have the site cleared.

A wall on the south side of the building is leaning precariously over Brown Street. Neighbors have expressed concern the section could collapse into the roadway.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News
Bob Joseph/WNBF News
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Mayor Richard David says the deadline for action by the owner has passed.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said allow steps were taken to obtain a demolition permit, nothing appeared to have been done to take care of the property.

The mayor said the "point really has come where the city's going to need to take action."

David said the property owner has been notified that if the city hires a company to do the work, the cost will be tacked on to his tax bill.

Although it's not clear exactly how much the demolition would cost, the mayor estimated it could be in the neighborhood of $25,000.

David said work on clearing the site could start as soon as next week, although no timetable has been established.

Police have reported no arrests in the arson investigations involving the property.

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