Your Binghamton New York Area News Recap Is Right Here

Each week, we recap some of the essential local news we reported on 1290 AM, 92.1 FM, and 93.9 FM WNBF, our Townsquare Media Binghamton sister radio stations, on-air, our websites, and social media platforms.

Catch up on local and regional news items in a short recap we reported on for the week of December 29, 2025, from WNBF's Bob Joseph, Don Morgan, and the Townsquare Media staff.

Johnson City Victory Lofts "Commercial Space" Still Vacant

(Bob Joseph)
Almost three years after construction was completed at an old Endicott Johnson shoe factory, the space that was earmarked for commercial use remains empty. The former Victory building on Lester Avenue in Johnson City was converted into a residential complex in a $40 million project by Paulus Development of Syracuse. Residents began moving into the 156-unit Victory Lofts building in the spring of 2023. While the apartment portion of the project appears successful, questions have persisted about what will be done with the fifth floor of the old factory. In announcing the project, developer Matthew Paulus said it would include 7,500 square feet of commercial space. But he has yet to announce any tenants or potential other uses for the building's top floor.

Binghamton Property Owner Convicted of 50 Code Violations

(Bob Joseph)
One of the owners of a blighted downtown Binghamton building has been convicted of several dozen misdemeanor code violations in a criminal trial. The case involved an apartment house at 263 Washington Street. The building has been vacant for more than a decade. According to a news release issued by the mayor's office, Philip Costa of Wallkill was found guilty in Binghamton City Court last month of 50 code-related violations. Judge Daniel Seiden rendered the verdict. Costa is scheduled to be sentenced on January 14.

New Stores Opening at Old Binghamton West Side Business Sites

(Bob Joseph)
Two spots that had been home to longtime businesses in Binghamton are about to get a new life. A building on Main Street on the city's West Side, where Binghamton Fluorescent Company had operated for more than four decades, was acquired by a Vestal man last year.  Tony Singh purchased the site at 229 Main Street last March. He's preparing to open a convenience store and gas station on the property. A new store is expected to open soon where the family-owned Cavanaugh's Grocery & Deli had operated at 69 Leroy Street. Cavanaugh said the 1,100-square-foot space that had been occupied by the shop is being renovated. He didn't identify who is leasing the site, but he said a new neighborhood store could open there sometime next month.

Delta Ending Service to Binghamton Airport

(Bob Joseph)
The Greater Binghamton Airport is losing its only scheduled commercial air service. Delta Air Lines has advised Broome County that the company will end its daily flight between the airport in the town of Maine and Detroit. Mark Heefner, the county aviation commissioner, said in a statement that Delta informed his office Tuesday afternoon "that they will eliminate their service to Greater Binghamton Airport on February 14." Heefner said the county is "in active discussions with Delta and is working closely with our state, local, and federal partners to re-establish passenger service as soon as possible." The commissioner added that county officials are continuing to meet "with multiple airlines as we explore opportunities to expand air service at BGM."

New Boxing and Fitness Club Opens in Downtown Binghamton

(Bob Joseph)
Downtown Binghamton's newest business is a boxing and fitness facility located in the lower level of a State Street building, called State Street Boxing and Fitness. Head coach Shafi Mumin said area residents who've heard about plans for the boxing club have expressed excitement about the facility. Mumin said the new boxing and fitness club will provide young people with a positive activity. Renovations at the 3,000-square-foot facility were completed recently. It's located at 122 State Street with the entrance on the east side of the building off Commercial Alley. Mumin said the club will be open for members Monday through Friday. He said personal training can be scheduled for weekends.

Falling Concrete in Binghamton Garage Damages Federal Gov't. Van

(Bob Joseph)
A U.S. government vehicle that was parked in Binghamton's crumbling State Street ramp sustained damage when a chunk of concrete fell on it. Police were called to the garage on Friday afternoon after an employee of the downtown Veterans Center discovered minor damage to the rear of a Ford Transit van. In recent years, falling concrete pieces have been a problem at the parking facility that opened in 1970. In late November, the city announced the State Street garage would be shut down on January 5. People who pay for monthly permits to use the facility are being shifted to other city-operated parking facilities.

IBM Endicott Demo Debris Remains One Year After Project Began

(Bob Joseph)
Massive piles of what's left of several abandoned BM manufacturing buildings still must be hauled to a landfill from the Huron Campus in Endicott. Thousands of tons of asbestos-contaminated demolition debris remain at the 10-acre site at North Street and McKinley Avenue. The demolition debris was expected to be hauled to the Broome County landfill. However, County Executive Jason Garnar recently told WNBF News that the facility may be unable to accept the material for several months. Garnar said the Endicott site contains more asbestos "than we've collected and put into the landfill in the last eight years."

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