Binghamton Church Preparing to Buy Former Giant Supermarket Site

A Binghamton shopping plaza that was home to a Giant supermarket for for nearly three decades could soon be transformed into a place of worship.

The city planning commission is considering a request for a special use permit by First Assembly of God Church to transform the site on Main Street between Crestmont Road and Matthews Street.

The proposal calls for the construction of a 13,750-square-foot addition to an existing building.

A "Public Notice" sign at the former Giant supermarket site at 279 Main Street. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

The Zoning Board of Appeals is to hold a public hearing on a request for a variance to allow the building of a parking area with four interior landscape islands where 13 are required.

The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 5:20 p.m in the second floor atrium at City Hall.

The church is expected to acquire the property from Binghamton Giant Markets if its plans receive all necessary city approvals.

The Far East restaurant is the only business now operating in the retail plaza on Main Street in Binghamton. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

A Giant supermarket opened at the site in October 1982. In 2009, Weis Markets began operating the store. Weis closed the operation in July 2014 because of poor sales.

First Assembly of God officials could not be reached for comment on their proposed project. City planning department representatives also were not available Monday to discuss the site plans.

The church's main worship center is located downtown at 255 Washington Street.

The First Assembly of God worship center in downtown Binghamton on May 13, 2016. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or (607) 772-8400 extension 233.

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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Filed Under: Binghamton First Assembly of God, Binghamton Giant Markets, Main Street, redevelopment, West Side

Categories: Articles, Business, Local News