Owners of Binghamton West Side “Trap House” Get Lockdown Alert

The clock is ticking as Binghamton officials keep a wary eye on a property that's been the source of ongoing criminal activity in a West Side neighborhood.

The apartment house at 34 North Street has been described as a "trap house" - a place where drugs are sold and used.

In July, one man was stabbed and another was shot in separate incidents at the building.

Over an eight-month period, city officials said there were at least ten other incidents involving police activity at the house.

About three weeks ago, city attorneys formally advised the property owners that the building was the source of criminal activity and neighborhood disturbances. The letter advised the owners to take action to correct the problem.

In an email to WNBF News, Deputy Mayor Megan Heiman wrote: "Attorneys for the property have responded, namely with plans to evict squatters at the property, and the 30-day clock is underway to monitor abatement of the public nuisance."

City attorneys plan to go to court to have the property locked down if changes don't occur.

Dozens of people who live on the West Side have signed a petition urging Binghamton officials to shut down the house.

Alexander Conti said there have been people staying in the building who have experienced drug overdoses in recent weeks. He said he has continued to find dirty needles around the property.

Mayor Jared Kraham advised Conti that he had contacted the Southern Tier AIDS Program. He said the agency "agreed to visit the area and check for dirty needles and do some cleanup." He said the agency also would "provide folks safe disposal methods in the short term as we clean up this property."

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.