Suggestions Taken for Redeveloping the BAE Westover Site

The Town of Union is taking suggestions on what to do with the massive BAE site in Westover that was destroyed by the 2011 flood.

The company moved it’s Systems facility to the former IBM campus in Endicott after the 27 acre site was damaged beyond repair.

The U-S Air Force, which owns the facility, plans to demolish the building.

Officials say they have gotten a few suggestions so far, including housing Binghamton University programs, United Health Services offices or an outlet shopping mall at the site.

Residents can offer suggestions at public hearings over the next few days or by contacting Town Supervisor Rose Sotak.

The first workshop is concentrating on climate change issues. Town residents will be discussing how to prepare for extreme weather.

Other meetings are set to discuss projects that could be implemented as the town continues to recover from the 2011 flood.

Union has been allocated a $10 million Community Development Block Grant that it plans to use for flood recovery, with a portion of the funding expected to be used for the redevelopment of the BAE site.

The town's ReUNION Project 2020 is looking to create a long-term flood recovery plan.