UHS Plans Second Vestal Parkway Medical Building

United Health Services is planning to construct another medical office building on the Vestal Parkway, across from the Binghamton University campus.

The Broome County-based health care provider intends to build an almost 69,000 square foot, two-story facility just east of its walk-in facility that was built on what had been the site of the Press & Sun-Bulletin newspaper offices.

UHS plans to demolish the building that had housed the Van Atta automobile dealership. A sign on the site indicates a "comprehensive orthopedic center" is scheduled to open next year.

In recent days, workers have been seen at the site making preparations for demolition work.

Last November, the Vestal planning board was advised United Health Services would own the building but FRG Realty owned the property. County property records now show the site is owned by Vestal Parkway Development LLC, which appears to be linked to the Akel family, which operates FRG.

In discussing the new project, Vestal officials expressed concern about the history of approved uses for the first UHS medical building.

According to planning board minutes, representatives for UHS responded that it would not be fair to hold "this project hostage because of the other building."

The town of Vestal had been involved in a legal battle challenging a tax exemption in connection with the original medical office building.