Small Park with Welcome Sign Created in Vestal Neighborhood

A vacant piece of land in Vestal where a flood-damaged house once stood has been transformed into a park-like setting.

Town supervisor John Schaffer said the Twin Orchards neighborhood was hard-hit by flooding in 2006 and 2011.

The vacant house that stood at 1625 Pearl Street was torn down by the Broome County Land Bank Corporation just over a year ago.

The site was cleared following the demolition. Grass and trees have been planted on the property.

Schaffer said nothing can be built on land where flood-damaged structures have been acquired by FEMA.

The Land Bank has paid for a welcome sign that's been placed at the site. The sign notes Vestal is the "Home of Binghamton University." It encourages visitors to "Shop, Dine & Explore."

The sign has been covered since it was installed a few weeks ago. It will be unveiled by town and county officials Thursday morning.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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