The New York State Department of Education Clears MacArthur Construction

The Binghamton City School District Board of Education in Binghamton has voted to award a $5.8 million contract to G. DeVincentis and Son Construction of Binghamton for work at the now-vacant lot that was once the MacArthur Elementary School, which was destroyed in the 2011 flood.  That contract is for site work.

The School Board also approved an $8.4 million contract for structural work to be done by LeChase Construction Services LLC of Rochester.

Binghamton Schools Superintendent Dr. Marion Martinez says it’s hoped groundbreaking can be held within the next few weeks.

Construction plans call for work at the site on Vestal Avenue to begin as soon as possible and a foundation is expected to be laid by June now that the New York State Department of Education finally signed off on the project March 25.

During the construction, the track at MacArthur Field will be closed.

Martinez says the community will soon see a new facility "rising like a Phoenix" from the site of the old school.

Dr. Martinez adds it's still hoped to have a new building ready for students for the 2015 school year.