Mayor Kraham Announces Demolition of Two Blighted North Side Properties

- Longtime Eyesores Razed As Efforts Continue To Fight Neighborhood Blight -

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) - Mayor Jared M. Kraham on Monday visited 5 Sturges St. on the North Side to announce details of the latest blighted property demolitions.

Mayor Kraham said: "Every resident deserves to live in a neighborhood free from blight and problem properties that hurt quality of life. With these latest demolitions, we are cleaning up longtime eyesores that have driven complaints and public safety concerns from residents for years. It's part of our work to invest in stronger, safer neighborhoods across Binghamton."

On Monday morning, crews began tearing down 5 Sturges St., a longtime source of neighborhood complaints and police activity. The property was the subject of a lockdown warning by the City in 2023, cited for multiple code violations and an assault earlier that year.

Formerly owned by slumlord Isaac Anzaroot, 5 Sturges St. was transferred to the City in 2024 following a major court settlement that gave the City ownership of about two dozen Anzaroot-owned properties. The settlement also banned the downstate landlord from owning or managing property in the City of Binghamton for 15 years.

In addition to 5 Sturges St., the City tore down 10 Moffatt Ave. on the North Side earlier this month. The City acquired the property from Broome County following a property tax foreclosure.

Following demolition, the properties will be available for redevelopment or for purchase by adjacent property owners to maintain as green space through the City's Side Lot Program.

Gorick Construction, of Binghamton, is performing the demolition work at a cost of $133,047. It will be paid for with federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds set aside for neighborhood blight removal.