Prospective Davis College Buyers Considering Housing Projects

A housing development of some type is emerging as a potential likely use for the former Davis College property in Johnson City.

Broome County businessman Adam Weitsman acquired the site off Riverside Drive in December 2019 for $3.7 million. He scrapped his plans for a basketball academy on the campus after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Weitsman now is seeking $5.5 million for the property. Johnson City Mayor Martin Meaney on Tuesday said "there have been multiple developers" asking questions of the village's planning and code enforcement officials "about housing projects they'd like to put in there."

Meaney told WNBF News the potential buyers have been "very vague on what type of housing" they might want to develop at the site. He said they've been interested in zoning requirements or restrictions for the property.

The mayor said three or four people have asked about the process that would be needed "to bring their plans forward."

Meaney said it would be nice to "see something that fits in with the neighborhood" developed at the old Davis College site. He said those who have been in touch with the village haven't offered much detail on their plans but they've indicated they would work to conform to the area near the site which would mean "single-family housing, two-family housing... nothing crazy."

The mayor said those interested in the property have indicated they would be inclined to repurpose some of the existing buildings on the site and to pursue some new construction.

John Farrell of Exit Realty Homeward Bound on Tuesday said negotiations were underway with a prospective buyer. He was unable to provide any details about a planned use for the site.

Weitsman listed the property for sale last May with an asking price of $6 million. In September, he announced he was selling the site to a group from Dutchess County for $4.5 million. The prospective new owners said they intended to develop an artificial intelligence academy at the site but the sale fell through.

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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.