People hoping to make some quick cash continue to steal metal from the former Carnegie Library building in downtown Binghamton.

Metal thieves are still making themselves welcome at the abandoned Exchange Street building. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Metal thieves are still making themselves welcome at the abandoned Exchange Street building. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

The library at 78 Exchange Street closed in 2000. Plans call for the facility to be renovated as part of a $12 million project to make it the home of the SUNY Broome Community College Culinary Arts Center.

The building has been targeted by thieves repeatedly over the past year or so.

Most recently, copper railings outside the historic library building vanished.

Railings appeared to have been ripped from the anchors placed in marble. Broken stone and other debris remained along a walkway for days after the theft.

Police in January were called to the property after workers found evidence metal had been stolen from inside the building.

Binghamton police detectives are continuing to investigate the thefts. Lieutenant Corey Minor said anyone with information may contact the detective bureau at 607.772.7080.

The Broome County Industrial Development Agency still owns the building. Executive director Kevin McLaughlin in January said he expected the transfer of ownership to SUNY Broome would occur that month. There's no word as to why the transfer has not yet occurred.

Posts holding the railing at the library may have been smashed by those who ripped out the metal. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Posts holding the railing at the library may have been smashed by those who ripped out the metal. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
loading...

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

More From WNBF News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM