Abandoned Binghamton Big Lots Store to be Demolished

An old retail plaza on Binghamton's North Side will finally be torn down.

Mayor Richard David on Tuesday said the building that once housed a Big Lots store and other businesses will be demolished this week.

Gorick Construction of Binghamton has been hired for the project, which is scheduled to start on Wednesday.

People who live and work near the building at 435 State Street have complained about deteriorating conditions at the site in recent months.

Police have been kept busy trying to keep homeless people and others from sleeping, drinking and using drugs on the property.

The site for years has been a hangout. A reporter who visited the site around 1:30 Tuesday afternoon was surprised to see movement in what appeared to be an empty sleeping bag.

A man who had been asleep with his head covered appeared shocked when he was advised the demolition crews were coming in a few hours. The man, who said his name was Chris, said "that's good to know."

Various projects have been discussed for the old Big Lots site but nothing has been finalized.

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