Demolition begins on abandoned Downtown Binghamton building

BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) -- Demolition has begun on a long-abandoned building in Downtown Binghamton.

Washington Street in Binghamton is closed as crews work to demolish the building between Clinton Street and State Street.

The building at 263 Washington Street has been a point of contention between the city of Binghamton and the building’s owners.

“The notice for closing on the property stated that this building was dangerous. It was a hazard to first responders. It was a hazard to the public,” said City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham. “After a period where no one took responsibility, as I said the city would do, the city is sending in a demolition crew and will send a bill to the property owner.”

Philip Costa of Walkill, N.Y., one of the owners of the building located at 263 Washington St., was convicted of 50 misdemeanors stemming from code violations at the property.

The other owner, Kevin Findley, has a warrant out for his arrest.

“The property owners who let this building get in that bad condition need to be held accountable,” said Kraham. “One of the owners has come forward. The other owner is, again, has a warrant out for his arrest. And it’s important that he come to justice.”

Kraham called for the building’s demolition earlier this month.

In a Facebook post, Kraham gave the building owners a deadline of April 14 to tear the building down, or the city would do so at the owners’ expense.

Kraham said that the city attempted to communicate with attornies that were overseeing the demolition project. He said the attempts were unsuccessful, and the city has sent in demolition crews to tear down the building.

The total cost will be roughly $100,000.