Binghamton OKs Demolition of Court Street House for Parking

A downtown Binghamton house that was built in 1885 may soon be torn down to create seven more parking spaces for a neighboring office building.

The city planning commission has cleared the way for developer Philip Akel to demolish the two-story structure at 188 Court Street.

The commission approved a site plan review for the project, which will provide additional parking for a neighboring office building owned by Akel's FGR Realty LLC.

During a public hearing, city councilman Nate Hotchkiss said he opposed the planned demolition because it was designed only to create more parking. He said it's similar to past urban renewal practices "that have been frowned upon and have had negative consequences for cities."

FGR Realty purchased the house last December for $140,000. Akel spent the last nine months seeking the city's permission to tear down the building, which most recently had been used as a law office.

Akel declined to comment after the planning commission's vote that cleared the way for the planned demolition.

The Preservation Association of the Southern Tier last March expressed "strong opposition" to the move to tear down the house.

According to the group, the building's "distinctive materials, architectural features and examples of fine craftsmanship remain intact."

Broome County historian Roger Luther said Akel is giving the preservation association the opportunity to salvage items from the house before it is demolished.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.