Lockdown Warning Issued to Binghamton “After-Hours Club” Owner

The owner of a Binghamton building has been warned that the property could be shut down by the city because of alleged problems over the last several months.

Mayor Jared Kraham on Thursday said a warning letter about the site at 27 Downs Avenue in the First Ward.

Kraham said the move is part of the process of establishing the legal grounds to "close the property if the public nuisance is not abated."

The mayor indicated authorities believe an after-hours club has been operated in the building.

In the lockdown warning letter, the city advised the property owner of a series of reported incidents over the past eight months. They include a dog attack, assault, disturbance and violations of the city noise ordinance.

The city contends the site has accumulated more than the minimum number of violations to be deemed a "public nuisance."

The letter, dated April 11, advised the owner to develop a written plan to address the issues.

A man who said he's lived in the building for several months told WNBF News on Thursday there had not been an after-hours club at the site. He said people visit the place but "it's a family thing."

The man, who declined to give his name, said neighbors frequently had called police "for no reason." He said the police should be paying attention to "more important" things.

A woman who lives nearby said she was glad to learn the city is prepared to use the Lockdown Law to address problems at the building.

The resident, who did not wish to be identified, said the place had been vacant for about four years before it was sold in 2022. She said there previously had been drug dealing and other trouble at the site.

Public records show the property is owned by Balwinder Singh of Queens Village. The records indicate it was acquired from Fawzi Algahaim in March 2022 for $81,000. Singh could not be reached for comment on Thursday.

The property was listed for sale last month for $260,000. It could not be determined if it has been sold.

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