Johnson City Carousel Repairs Will Be Expensive

Johnson City's century-old carousel will remain idle for the foreseeable future due to serious mechanical problems.

The merry-go-round at CFJ Park is the oldest of Broome County's six vintage Allan Herschell Company carousels.

What should have been a routine pre-season test of the ride several weeks ago, workers were shocked to hear a series of "cracks, bangs and pops" indicating something was wrong.

Mayor Christina Charuk said village officials had hoped the carousel could be inspected and the necessary repair work could be handled "in-house." The inspection itself was expected to cost about $45,000. But, she said, it now appears the ultimate cost of addressing the problem "is closer to $150,000."

Charuk told WNBF News the village will use some Community Development Block Grant funds to help pay for the repairs.

The timetable for the work is uncertain but the mayor said she hopes it will be possible for the carousel to be open for a time in the fall.

Charuk also said Halloween and Christmas season rides may be offered if the carousel is operational.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @bobjoseph.bsky.social on Bluesky or @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.