Two Arrested for Trespassing at Condemned IBM Endicott Buildings

As the long-planned demolition of several IBM buildings in Endicott remains on hold, village police are noticing an increase in trespassing at the site.

The condemned structures along North Street are located just east of McKinley Avenue on the Huron Campus.

Work to tear down the dilapidated buildings can't start until the state Division for Historic Preservation gives the go-ahead.

An old IBM Endicott building east of McKinley Avenue on August 15, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

In the meantime, the number of people illegally entering the site has been rising. At least some have been attempting to steal copper pipe and other items from the buildings.

Endicott police chief Patrick Garey said police observed suspicious activity on the site Tuesday. He said two people were charged with criminal trespass.

Garey is concerned for the safety of police officers who must search the property for people who aren't authorized to be there. He's advised officers to exercise caution if they must enter the site.

An IBM Endicott building on McKinley Avenue on August 15, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

State officials have been seeking possible alternatives to demolishing the vacant buildings. They have said redevelopment of the site would qualify for both state and federal rehabilitation tax credits. But they've acknowledge they cannot require the owner to rebuild and reuse the structures.

The state agency this week confirmed it has received all of the information needed from the Huron Campus owners. That means the material can be reviewed and a determination made about moving forward with the demolition plan.

Chris Pelto, who oversees the property for Phoenix Investors, could not be reached on Thursday for comment on the situation.

Excavation work underway near a vacant IBM Endicott building on North Street on July 3, 2024. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)

Gorick Construction workers have been making additional preparations at the site for the planned demolition project.

The state has allocated $6 million to cover the cost of tearing down the old buildings to create a 10-acre shovel-ready site for future business development.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: The view from McKinley Avenue in Endicott on August 15, 2024.

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

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