Mayor “Optimistic” on Binghamton Plaza Settlement

Progress apparently is being made in the long-running eminent domain case involving the Binghamton Plaza property on the city's North Side.

More than three years ago, Mayor Jared Kraham announced legal action was being taken to enable the city to take control of the site off West State Street. He said the plaza owners had allowed the property to deteriorate for decades.

Kraham said he wanted the "eyesore" demolished to create a "shovel-ready site" for economic development.

The mayor now says he believes the matter could be resolved soon.

Speaking on WNBF Radio Friday, Kraham said he is "very, very optimistic that we'll have a resolution" to the matter. He said "attorneys are speaking, which is always a good thing."

The mayor noted there had not been discussions "over a long period of time." He said there should be "some very, very positive movement" to report "shortly." He declined to elaborate other than to indicate a resolution is in sight.

Kraham said he's communicated with the businesses that remain in the plaza recently. He said the city is prepared to help them relocate.

Last month, the city announced it was offering $1.5 million to Galesi Realty, the owners of the Binghamton Plaza.

The company did not respond to a call for comment on the eminent domain case on Friday.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Take a look at what we found when we visited the closed Kmart store in February 2023.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.