Binghamton's Abandoned Kenmore Building Finally Secured After Years of Neglect

263 Washington Street, Binghamton, NY, USA - In downtown Binghamton, a much-discussed eyesore has finally received some attention as security fencing has been erected around the notorious Kenmore Building at 263 Washington Street. This building has sat vacant for nearly two decades, and over the years, it has not just fallen into disrepair but actively contributed to a sense of urban decay. State officials described it as a „well-known eyesore,“ highlighting the extent of its deterioration, with bricks and debris frequently falling to the ground

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For years, residents have voiced concerns, reporting sightings of homeless individuals taking shelter in the abandoned structure during winter months. Alarmingly, prior to recent actions, the city had not taken significant steps to secure the property, leaving it vulnerable to further deterioration. According to WBNF, temporary fencing has recently been put in place, although the exact timing of this installation remains unclear. The city has come under fire for its lack of proactive measures to address the severe hazards posed by the building.

Legal Battles Over Code Violations

Adding to the drama surrounding the Kenmore Building, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced that the city is pursuing legal action against the building’s owners, Kevin Findley and Phillip Costa, for 53 code violations. This litigation is part of the city’s broader efforts to hold property owners accountable, with plans to potentially request a trial date if no significant repairs are made. Renovation proposals for the building seem to have fizzled out, as reported by WBNF.

But the issue of property neglect doesn’t stop with the Kenmore Building. In a surprising twist, local property owner Isaac Anzaroot has thrown his hat into the legal ring. Described by Mayor Kraham as „Binghamton’s most notorious slumlord,“ Anzaroot has filed a notice of claim against the city, its mayor, and several officials, alleging unlawful retaliation for speaking out against what he believes to be the selective enforcement of housing codes. Anzaroot is pursuing over half a billion dollars in damages, claiming that the city unfairly targets him while ignoring violations from other property owners. His attorney, Ron Benjamin, has labeled the city’s actions as „frivolous“ and instead of addressing property issues uniformly, it appears that Anzaroot may have a point regarding concerns over selective enforcement, as reported by Pressconnects.

The Ripple Effect of Abandoned Buildings

The troubles surrounding the Kenmore Building and other vacant properties in Binghamton are not unique. Across the United States, empty and abandoned buildings pose significant challenges that can adversely affect community well-being. Research shows that such properties can lead to decreased property values and negative public health outcomes, a concern echoed in the findings from Journalists Resource. Local governments can impose fines on delinquent property owners, and New York has enacted legislation aimed at combating urban blight. This includes efforts to rehabilitate properties often referred to as „zombie properties.“

• Factors impacting communities include:
• Increased crime rates
• Declining property values
• Heightened risks of violence and fire
• Negative mental health implications for residents

As Binghamton grapples with its abandoned buildings, the interplay between local governance, community health, and property management becomes ever clearer. Addressing these issues through community engagement and innovative redevelopment strategies could transform these neglected sites into vital community assets.

The story of the Kenmore Building continues to unfold, but one thing is evident: while the problems are complex, the solutions lie in collaboration and commitment to revitalizing the heart of Binghamton.