Historic Vestal Houses Prepared for Demolition

Asbestos abatement crews have been busy working at several houses in a Vestal historic district as demolition plans move forward.

The properties along the Vestal Parkway East near the Binghamton city line are expected to be torn down soon.

The Vestal Historic Preservation Commission had tried to prevent the demolitions but the town board has voted to allow a developer to remove the houses.

North Star Development Group acquired the properties in recent years. They are located across the Parkway from University Plaza.

Workers from Sunstream Corporation of Binghamton have been removing asbestos from the abandoned houses.

North Star Development representatives were not available to discuss when the demolitions will occur.

Roger Luther, a member of the Preservation Association of the Southern Tier's board of directors, is disappointed efforts to save the houses were unsuccessful.

Luther April 6 reacted to the impending demolitions by saying it's "just a real shame"

Luther said the houses represent part of the town of Vestal's history. He said not many structures representing the town's past are still standing.