Permit Sought for Home Bed-and-Breakfast on Riverside Drive

A Binghamton man who is running for the state Assembly is seeking city approval to continue to rent guest rooms in his historic West Side home.

Robin Alpaugh said he's been listing his house at 16 Riverside Drive on Airbnb for about two years. He now has applied for a special use permit to allow a home bed-and-breakfast in what is described as a single-unit dwelling.

The property between Front and Oak streets is in a "neighborhood commercial" zoned district.

Alpaugh said he recently learned that a special permit is needed for the rental of guest rooms in the house. He said "I want to be in compliance" with city regulations. He said "nothing is going to change" at the site.

Alpaugh said the property - known as the McTighe Mansion - has been "fairly popular" since he started to list guest rooms online. He estimated there've been about 25 stays over the past couple of years.

One group of visitors held a wedding ceremony in the 120-year-old home recently.

Alpaugh, a Republican, last month announced he is seeking the 123rd District Assembly seat now held by Democrat Donna Lupardo.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.