The speculation by some Broome County residents that Binghamton University may be considering acquiring the Oakdale Mall site in Johnson City is unfounded.

University President Harvey Stenger Friday said "there is no truth to that rumor."

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Stenger said he recently did receive a call from an elected official a couple of weeks ago who asked whether the university was interested in the Oakdale Mall.

Stenger said the university remains focused on the downtown districts in Binghamton and Johnson City as well as the main campus in Vestal. He said: "You can't spread yourself any further than that."

Stenger said there haven't been conversations involving himself, the Oakdale Mall owners or any developers.

Several stores have closed at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City in recent years. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Several stores have closed at the Oakdale Mall in Johnson City in recent years. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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During the broadcast interview, the school president also was asked about some suggestions that the university may be looking at the Westover site where BAE Systems had operated prior to the 2011 flood.

Stenger said "we've been asked to help with idea generation" for the property at 600 Main Street but he said the university is not planning to actually develop a project there.

He noted there are significant challenges in planning a future use for that site because it's in a flood plain.

BAE Systems had operated a plant on this site on Main Street in Westover. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
BAE Systems had operated a plant on this site on Main Street in Westover.
(Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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