Binghamton School Demolition Nearing Completion

The demolition work on the flood-wrecked MacArthur Elementary School on Binghamton's South Side is almost finished.

Crews began tearing down the Vestal Avenue school nearly two months ago.

City school district voters approved the school replacement project in April.

The state Education Department has been reviewing plans for the new school. Superintendent Marion Martinez has said the district has been making some minor adjustments to address some issues raised by the department.

The school project is expected to cost nearly $80 million.

Construction is slated to start early next year. The walking track and a Little League field west of the site will be closed while the work is underway.

District officials hope the new facility will be ready for classes in September 2015.