What is the future of Binghamton Plaza? Business owners at odds with city's plans

Binghamton Plaza business owners spoke out against the city's plan to take over the property during a public hearing inside city council chambers Tuesday.

The public hearing was the next step in the city's plan to acquire the property at 33 W. State St. in Binghamton from its current owners, Binghamton Plaza, Inc. of Wayne, New Jersey, through eminent domain, which allows the government to take ownership of private property and developed it.

Andrea Thomas, who has owned Kurious Kids Childcare within the Binghamton Plaza for almost 16 years, said many of the families they serve do not have transportation and rely on subsidies to pay for child care, which limits their child care choices.

"Without access to child care, families who are already facing financial struggles would be forced to choose between losing their employment or placing their children with unlicensed home providers lacking proper training and a safe environment," Thomas said during the public comment session.

And Philomena Harris, who has owned and operated Leather Corner Shoe Repair in the plaza with her husband, Timothy, since 1972, said some of their customers drive to Binghamton from all over the state just for their services.

"We have worked hard at our craft and are dedicated to providing the best service to our customers," Harris said. "It is our whole life and livelihood."

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How we got here

In July, attorneys for the city filed a motion in federal court to allow the city to begin the process of acquiring the retail center after the owners filed for bankruptcy in June 2019.

And in September, a judge dismissed the case, allowing the city to begin the process of acquiring the plaza through eminent domain.

The site, including the expansive parking lot, will be demolished, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham said in July, "creating a shovel-ready opportunity for potential expansion of greenspace, for new commercial development that will benefit the residents on the North Side, the city of Binghamton and Broome County."

And due to prior environmental concerns at the site, Kraham said building housing at the former space may be difficult but he ensured any future plans would include input from the community.

What current Binghamton Plaza owners are saying

Mark McNamara, the attorney representing Binghamton Plaza, Inc., said Tuesday the owners remediated the property in 2014 and the city's plans to acquire the plaza will damage the current owners' plans to redevelop the property into a "mixed-used development of low-income housing and ancillary commercial facilities."

The redevelopment would include about 400 one- and two-bedroom units with surface parking and new commercial development, McNamara said, as well as the prioritization of affordable housing and resources for veterans.

"The owner's plan to redevelop the plaza into low-income housing is well underway as it is currently engaged in the final stages of negotiations with a national developer," McNamara said. "The city intends to take the plaza for purposes that ... are both illusory and contradictory."

What the city of Binghamton plans to do with the property

Kraham said Tuesday the fair market value of 31 W. State St., 37 W. State St. and 33 W. State St., all part of the Binghamton Plaza property, has decreased over $2 million between 2017 and 2022.

Kraham also said the plaza has drained police resources significantly with the Binghamton Police Department seeing almost 200 police calls between June 2020 and June 2022, which range from suspicious activity to public health violations.

"The owner has failed at rejuvenating the Binghamton Plaza in one of the poorest neighborhoods in our community," Kraham said. "Those residents deserve better."

The city's proposed plan for the property is to expand the adjacent Cheri Lindsey Park and create new and enhanced access to the multi-use river walk that runs behind the plaza.

Kraham also spoke about economic revitalization of the space, stating "site and infrastructure improvements as appropriate and allowable ... in order to return the underutilized plaza to productive use."

The city has 90 days to complete the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, or SEQR, process, which "examines ways to avoid or reduce adverse environmental impacts related to a proposed action."

After the city publishes its SEQR determination and findings, it will go to city council for approval.

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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton Plaza business owners speak: What to know about city's plan