A demolition permit has been approved to clear the way for the removal of debris from inside the old Masonic Temple building on Binghamton's West Side.

The iconic structure at Main and Murray streets has languished after a series of unsuccessful redevelopment efforts over the last few decades.

The property was acquired by Isaac Anzaroot's AJEM Group LLC last June.

Conan Cerretani, a representative of the owner, Friday afternoon said the city has granted a permit allowing work to start at the site.

Cerretani said the effort to clean out the massive building should get underway by May 1. He said the job is expected to take about four weeks.

Another project to clean up the exterior of the 97-year-old structure also is planned.

A glimpse inside the Masonic Temple in October 2016 (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
A glimpse inside the Masonic Temple in October 2016 (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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City councilwoman Dani Cronce said she and a small group of volunteers are preparing to paint over the graffiti that's marred the walls of the building.

Cronce said they've been waiting for the weather to cooperate. She said they now hope to gather at the property at 4 p.m. Tuesday to tackle the job.

Cronce said residents are invited to join the other volunteers in applying the anti-graffiti paint. The project will be rescheduled in the event of rain.

Cerretani said the paint that's being provided to the volunteers will leave a coating designed to make it easier to remove graffiti using a power washer.

The plans for future uses of the building are still being developed.

The east side of the Masonic Temple building on April 3, 2019. Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
The east side of the Masonic Temple building on April 3, 2019. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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