Binghamton City to Take Over Struggling Retail Complex

Mayor Kraham says no delays expected in city's eminent domain takeover of Binghamton Plaza

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The city of Binghamton, New York is moving forward with plans to take control of the Binghamton Plaza, a once-thriving retail complex, through an eminent domain process. Mayor Jared Kraham says the city's attorneys indicate the city should take possession of the property in early March, with an environmental consulting firm already preparing for the eventual demolition of the existing structures.

Why it matters

The Binghamton Plaza has fallen into disrepair in recent years, with the city seeking to gain control of the property and redevelop the site. This eminent domain action represents the city's effort to revitalize the area and potentially bring new economic opportunities to the North Side neighborhood.

The details

New Jersey-based Galesi Realty Corporation, the current owner of the Binghamton Plaza, lost its legal battle to retain ownership of the property. The city has hired an environmental consulting firm to prepare for the demolition of the existing structures, with the fate of the few remaining businesses like New York Pizzeria and Leather Corner Shoe Repair still to be determined. A detailed demolition plan for the site is expected later this year, as the city considers redevelopment options for the property.

  • The city is expected to take possession of the Binghamton Plaza parcels on West State Street in early March 2026.
  • The city's environmental consulting firm has already begun preparing for the eventual demolition of the existing plaza structures.

The players

Jared Kraham

The mayor of Binghamton, New York, who is overseeing the city's eminent domain takeover of the Binghamton Plaza.

Galesi Realty Corporation

The New Jersey-based real estate company that previously owned the Binghamton Plaza, but lost its legal battle to retain ownership of the property.

New York Pizzeria

A longtime tenant of the Binghamton Plaza that is expected to remain in its current spot for a few months after the city takes ownership, before relocating to a new site.

Leather Corner Shoe Repair

A business that has operated at the Binghamton Plaza for almost 54 years, whose fate after the city's takeover has not yet been determined.

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What they’re saying

“We're doing all the legal things that are necessary”

— Jared Kraham, Mayor (WNBF News)

What’s next

A detailed demolition plan for the Binghamton Plaza site is expected to be completed later this year, as the city continues to consider redevelopment options for the property.

The takeaway

The city of Binghamton's eminent domain takeover of the struggling Binghamton Plaza represents an effort to revitalize a once-thriving retail complex and bring new economic opportunities to the North Side neighborhood, though the fate of some long-standing businesses remains uncertain.