Binghamton Plaza Loses Another Store

The future of the once-bustling Binghamton Plaza shopping center remains uncertain as the property owners and the city continue a protracted legal battle.

It's been nearly a year since a state court ruled the city could move forward in its eminent domain case to take ownership of the site on the North Side.

Although much of the Binghamton Plaza site has been vacant in recent years, some businesses continue to operate despite not knowing when they might be forced out.

The operators of a Rent-A-Center store that had been a fixture in the plaza for years could no longer deal with the uncertainty. The business moved to another location on Upper Front Street in the town of Chenango late last month.

For now, it's business as usual for places like New York Pizzeria, Leather Corner Shoe Repair and Melrose Pet Palace.

Kurious Kids Childcare also is continuing to operate despite questions about the future of their Binghamton Plaza building.

Some repair and renovation work was recently done at the M&T Bank drive-up ATM unit at the plaza.

Property manager John Tokos said the remaining business owners are trying to "hang in there" despite the situation. He said another surveying crew hired by the city was doing work at the plaza property Monday.

Mayor Jared Kraham told WNBF News that "hopefully by the late summer we should have some finality" in the eminent domain case.

The mayor said the city will be "providing our valuation to the owners" and that will "start a clock" giving them a certain amount of time to respond with their assessment of what the property is worth.

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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.