Binghamton Plaza Store Opens Despite Uncertain Future of Site

A new business has set up shop at the Binghamton Plaza despite uncertainty over the future of the once-busy complex.

The city of Binghamton is trying to take control of the 24-acre property on the North Side.

A state court last June ruled in the city's favor in its eminent domain case to condemn five parcels that make up the site on West State Street.

Although the city still wants to clear the property, a Tioga County couple recently opened a store in the Binghamton Plaza.

Brian and Katelyn Smith of Nichols call the business TTJR Oddities. It features a wide array of items obtained from estate sales.

Brian Smith said the store, which occupies about 9,000 square feet, opened in November. It occupies space that once was home to a Fashion Bug clothing store.

Among the items now in the store are antique furniture items and Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Smith said one of the most unusual things now in stock is a pre-Civil War embalming kit. The store is open Wednesday through Sunday.

Although TTJR Oddities recently opened at the plaza, one longtime seasonal business won't be coming back.

Property manager John Tokos said H&R Block, which had operated an office during tax preparation season at the site for about three decades, is not reopening because of the uncertain future of the plaza.

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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.