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A fence surrounds the former Endicott Johnson factory in West Endicott. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Some people who live near an abandoned Endicott Johnson factory in the Town of Union are battling an effort to designate the property as a historic site.

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The old building hasn't been used for authorized activity for several years. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Petitions are being circulated in West Endicott to urge the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation not to take any action that might delay demolition of the old building.

The structure is located on North Page Avenue, across the street from West Endicott Park.

The petition describes the building as dangerous and "extremely unsafe." It notes the town has been working to condemn the structure because of structural deficiencies.

A letter from the state has indicated the old factory could be considered for nomination to the National and State Registers of Historic Places at a June 22 meeting.

Neighbors have seen children and adults trespassing on the property over the past several years.

The petition contends there are leaking transformers and underground tanks, along with soil contamination on the site. The petition suggests that state should be working to clean up the property rather than moving to designate it as a historic site.

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The carousel donated by George F. Johnson still spins a few yards away from the crumbling EJ building. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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