Hopes Rise As Westover Building Comes Down

As demolition crews continue to tear down a sprawling flood-damaged building near Johnson City, Town of Union officials are expressing optimism about the future of the site.

Workers with Gorick Construction began a methodical process of demolishing the 600,000-square-foot structure in Westover last Friday afternoon.

The facility known as Air Force Plant 59 had been home to several companies over a span of decades. BAE Systems had operations at the site when it was flooded by heavy rains in September 2011.

Union town supervisor Rose Sotak said she's excited that the project to clear the site is underway. She told WNBF News that removal of the unusable building will help revitalize that section of the town.

Sotak noted that plans have been discussed to develop athletic facilities, specialty shops and housing in the area.

The supervisor said the redevelopment of the Westover area should be compatible with the Binghamton University projects planned nearby in the village of Johnson City.

For now, the federal government still owns the property. Sotak said there is "nothing definite" about the future of the 27-acre site. She wouldn't speculate as to when any final determinations will be made about the exactly what will happen to the property.

WATCH the Binghamton Now video as demolition started at Air Force Plant 59 on February 19, 2016.

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