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  • County Executive Garnar Delivers 2027 Budget Address

    Cuts Property Tax Rate for 8th Straight Year & Focuses on Affordability, Housing, Childcare & Responsible Investments

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar delivered his 2027 Budget Address Monday evening at the Vestal Senior Center, outlining a budget focused on keeping Broome County affordable while making targeted investments in seniors, housing, childcare, public safety and infrastructure. Speaking before seniors, department heads, elected officials and community leaders, Garnar emphasized the importance of balancing the needs of residents today with the long-term financial health of the County.

    The 2027 budget continues Garnar’s focus on affordability, including an eighth consecutive reduction in the County property tax rate and an increase to the senior property tax exemption. The budget also invests in a senior affordability initiative, expands efforts to address homelessness and housing, supports new childcare opportunities, strengthens public safety and emergency services, and continues critical infrastructure improvements across Broome County.

    Highlights of Garnar’s address include:

    • $1 million Senior Affordability Initiative, including investments in senior safety, volunteerism and food security
    • Eighth consecutive property tax rate cut, bringing the County’s property tax rate down more than 24% since 2018
    • Increased senior property tax exemption to help older residents remain in their homes
    • $1.5 million County investment in the new Universal Daycare Pilot, expanding affordable infant and toddler care
    • $500,000 investment in the Small Community Fund
    • More than $60 million in capital investments for roads, bridges, public facilities and other infrastructure projects throughout Broome County

    This marks County Executive Garnar’s 9th Budget Address as Broome County Executive.

  • Broome County Calls for Collaborative Path Forward for En-Joie Golf Course

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Legislature Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds today sent a letter to Village of Endicott Mayor Nick Burlingame and members of the Village Board reaffirming the County’s commitment to a collaborative transition of En-Joie Golf Course and confirming that Broome County will not submit a proposal in response to the Village’s recently issued Request for Proposals (RFP) for operation and management of the course.

    Broome County’s current agreement to operate and manage En-Joie Golf Course expires on December 31, 2026.

    Rather than competing through the RFP process, the County is reiterating its previous proposal to extend the current management agreement for one additional year while working cooperatively with the Village to complete the transfer of En-Joie Golf Course to Broome County. Under that proposal, Broome County would invest in replacing the golf course’s aging irrigation system.

    Broome County also expressed concern that the Village’s decision to issue an RFP during the final months of the existing management agreement has created unnecessary uncertainty for employees, local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the County as it develops its 2027 budget.

    The County noted that En-Joie employs dedicated staff whose livelihoods depend on the facility, while the on-site restaurant has already booked weddings, graduation parties, rehearsal dinners, and other catered events into 2027. The course also hosts numerous tournaments each year that raise critical funds for organizations including Mercy House, Habitat for Humanity, Little Italy, and many other local nonprofits.

    The County’s proposal remains available should the Village wish to revisit discussions.

  • County Executive Garnar: Supervisor Sexton’s Unprofessional, Reckless, and Cruel Behavior is Forcing an Unnecessary Housing Crisis in Vestal

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar today released a detailed timeline of the County’s response to conditions at the Parkway Inn, raising serious concerns about the Town of Vestal’s handling of the matter and Supervisor Maria Sexton’s repeated verbal demands that all residents immediately vacate the facility.

    “This has never been about whether code violations should be corrected,” Garnar said. “They should be corrected, and according to the property owner they have been corrected. This has been about whether approximately 75 vulnerable residents should be forced from the only shelter they have when County professionals determined there was no need for an immediate evacuation.”

    The Town of Vestal is solely responsible for enforcing its building and fire codes. Broome County has no authority over the Town’s code enforcement decisions. The County’s responsibility has been to protect the health and welfare of the residents living at the Parkway Inn.

    Timeline

    On June 29, the Town conducted its inspection of the Parkway Inn.

    On June 30, Supervisor Sexton contacted Broome County regarding code concerns and advised that she wanted all residents removed from the motel while repairs were completed. That evening, County officials met with Supervisor Sexton and requested a copy of the Town’s inspection report.

    The report was never provided.

    Instead of waiting, Broome County immediately dispatched inspectors from the Department of Social Services and the Broome County Health Department to independently assess conditions. Those professionals inspected the property and did not conclude that conditions required the immediate evacuation of residents.

    Over the following days, the County repeatedly requested both a draft and the final inspection report. Neither was ever provided by the Town. The County ultimately obtained the report directly from the property owner.

    The inspection occurred on June 29, yet the owner did not receive the Town’s official Notice of Violation until July 9.

    According to the owner, all the violations identified in the report had already been corrected two days before the Town officially issued the report.

    “The timeline raises obvious questions,” Garnar said. “The Town sat on its findings for approximately ten days. During that time, the County repeatedly asked for the report and never received it. The owner completed the repairs before the Town officially served the report. Yet throughout this process, Supervisor Sexton continued demanding that approximately 75 residents immediately leave the motel.”

    Importantly, while Supervisor Sexton repeatedly stated verbally that residents needed to leave immediately, the Town’s written Notice of Violation does not order the building to be vacated. Instead, it provides the owner with thirty days to comply with the violations cited.

    The County also noted that the Town’s previous inspection of the Parkway Inn, conducted early last year, identified no interior code violations whatsoever. The only items cited involved debris near a dumpster and shopping carts that needed to be returned to their owner.

    “This year’s inspection is dramatically different from the Town’s prior inspection,” Garnar said. “The public deserves to understand why.”

    County officials also expressed concern over comments made during discussions regarding the residents.

    When County officials asked what would happen to approximately 75 vulnerable residents if the motel were emptied immediately, Supervisor Sexton responded, ‘It’s not my problem, it’s your problem.’

    “Those residents are everyone’s responsibility,” Garnar said. “Government should never treat families, children, seniors, veterans, or individuals experiencing homelessness as someone else’s problem.”

    Forcing residents from the Parkway Inn would place enormous pressure on emergency medical services, law enforcement, shelters, hospitals, schools, and human service agencies throughout Broome County while leaving the Town of Vestal with approximately 75 additional unhoused individuals overnight.

    Next Steps in Emergency Housing Request for Proposals (RFP)

    On May 26, Broome County issued a Request for Proposals seeking an experienced organization to help redesign the County’s emergency housing system and develop a comprehensive approach focused on short-term response, long-term stability, and reducing reliance on motel placements. 

    The County received three proposals in response from:

    • HCD Consult LLC
    • Chrysalis Research & Consulting
    • Health Management Associates

    The proposals will now be reviewed by a committee consisting of County officials and stakeholders. Following the review process, the County will select an organization with the expertise needed to help develop a more coordinated homelessness response system. 

  • Broome County Announces Homelessness Solutions Initiative and Opens RFP for New Emergency Shelter System

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar today announced the opening of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and operation of a comprehensive homelessness response system designed to create lasting solutions for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Broome County.

    The initiative represents a major shift away from reliance on costly motel and hotel placements and toward a coordinated system focused on stability, supportive services, and pathways to permanent housing.

    “This is about much more than building a homeless shelter,” said Garnar. “This initiative is designed to implement short, medium, and long-range solutions that help people regain stability and move toward permanent housing and independence. Hotels and motels were never intended to solve homelessness. They are expensive, lack support systems, and too often leave people trapped in crisis instead of helping them move forward.”

    The RFP seeks qualified nonprofit organizations, housing providers, healthcare organizations, developers, and service providers capable of helping Broome County establish a modern homelessness response system focused on outcomes, accountability, compassion, and long-term success.

    The county’s vision includes:

    • Emergency shelter capacity
    • Transitional housing opportunities
    • Mental health and addiction treatment services
    • Workforce and employment assistance
    • Veteran support services
    • Intensive case management
    • Partnerships focused on permanent housing placement

    Broome County currently spends millions of dollars annually on emergency motel placements. County officials say the current model is financially unsustainable and does not provide the level of support necessary to help individuals and families achieve long-term stability.

    “We cannot continue spending millions of taxpayer dollars managing homelessness without creating long-term solutions,” Garnar said. “This initiative is about building a system that restores dignity, improves outcomes, protects taxpayers, and helps people find a path home.”

    County officials emphasized that the RFP process is intended to encourage innovative ideas and collaborative partnerships that address the root causes of homelessness while improving coordination between housing providers, healthcare systems, municipalities, law enforcement, and community organizations.

    The county expects the RFP process to begin immediately, with proposals evaluated over the coming months.

    “This is the beginning of a transformational effort for Broome County,” Garnar said. “We are committed to building a smarter, more compassionate, and more effective system that moves people from crisis to stability and from homelessness to hope.”

    Interested organizations are encouraged to review the full RFP and respond at https://www.bidnetdirect.com/new-york/broome-county.

    To provide an overview, below are key portions of the RFP that outline the initiative’s primary goals and expectations:

    BROOME COUNTY

    DIVISION OF PURCHASING REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

    Strategic Advisory, Alternatives Analysis, and Predevelopment Services to Reduce County Reliance on Hotel and Motel Placements for Homeless Households

    1. INTRODUCTION

    Broome County, New York (“County”), through the Department of Social Services, in coordination with the Department of Mental Health, Department of Planning and Economic Development, Department of Health, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Law, and Division of Purchasing, is seeking proposals from qualified firms or consultant teams to provide strategic advisory, alternatives analysis, predevelopment planning, and procurement support services to identify and recommend the most cost-effective, timely, legally compliant, and operationally sustainable alternatives to the County’s current use of hotel and motel placements for homeless individuals and families.

    The County seeks proposals from firms with demonstrated expertise in homeless systems planning, temporary and emergency housing alternatives, landlord engagement and housing navigation strategies, affordable and supportive housing development, public-sector procurement, and implementation planning.

    The selected Consultant shall evaluate both non-capital and capital solutions, including but not limited to direct landlord contracting, master leasing, nonprofit-operated scattered-site housing, landlord incentive and risk mitigation programs, motel acquisition or conversion, acquisition or lease-up of small multifamily properties, congregate family shelter models, adaptive reuse, modular construction, and cottage or tiny home village concepts.

    The County intends to retain one qualified Consultant or Consultant team under a professional services agreement for a term sufficient to complete the required work.

    Budget not to exceed $200,000 with a maximum completion date of 24 months.

    1. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING

    There will be a pre-proposal meeting at 10:00 am on Tuesday June 9, 2026, at which Broome County will be doing a presentation on the anticipated project. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

    1. PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND

    Broome County currently utilizes hotel and motel placements to meet certain emergency housing and temporary placement needs for homeless households, including families with children and other eligible populations. While hotel and motel placements can provide immediate emergency capacity, the County seeks to evaluate alternatives that may reduce cost, improve service delivery, enhance placement stability, and create a more effective long-term system of care.

    The County desires to engage a qualified Consultant to perform a comprehensive review of current hotel and motel usage, identify and compare alternative placement and housing strategies, and provide implementation-ready recommendations. The County is specifically seeking a Consultant that can analyze immediate operational alternatives, near-term leasing or acquisition strategies, and longer-term capital or development options, with a focus on reducing public costs and improving outcomes.

    The County is not seeking a Consultant to validate a preselected solution. Rather, the County seeks an objective, data-driven assessment of alternatives, including but not limited to strategies that do not require new construction.

    The selected Consultant shall assist the County in identifying the lowest-cost and most practical alternatives to hotel and motel placements, including options that may be implemented in phases over time, and shall provide procurement and predevelopment support sufficient to allow the County to advance one or more recommended strategies to implementation.

    1. OBJECTIVES

    1. Assess the County’s current use of hotel and motel placements, including cost, utilization patterns, household types served, average lengths of stay, and operational challenges;

    2. Identify and evaluate non-capital and capital alternatives to hotel and motel placements;

    3. Compare alternatives on cost, speed of implementation, legal and operational feasibility, service delivery implications, and scalability;

    4. Recommend a phased strategy to reduce County reliance on hotel and motel placements over the short, medium, and longer term;

    5. Develop implementation-ready program models for selected alternatives, including landlord-based and market-based options;

    6. Identify funding opportunities, grants, and financing tools that may support implementation;

    7. Provide predevelopment and procurement support sufficient for the County to issue one or more subsequent solicitations or otherwise move forward with implementation.

    1. SCOPE OF SERVICES

    The selected Consultant shall provide all labor, supervision, expertise, and incidental services necessary to complete the work described below. Proposers may recommend refinement to the scope, but the County expects, at minimum, the following tasks and deliverables.

    Task 1 – Project Initiation and Work Plan

    • Conduct a kickoff meeting with County representatives;

    • Confirm project goals, schedule, data needs, and key decision points;

    • Identify key County departments and stakeholders for coordination;

    • Submit a detailed work plan, including task schedule, milestone dates, interview plan, and data request list. Deliverable: Project Work Plan and Schedule

    Task 2 – Current-State Assessment of Hotel and Motel Usage

    • Review annual and monthly hotel/motel expenditures; • Analyze average cost per household per night and per month;

    • Review utilization by household type and length of stay;

    • Identify geographic distribution, operational challenges, and key cost drivers.

    • Review current New York State regulations related to Temporary Housing Assistance Deliverables: Current-State Conditions Memorandum; Baseline Hotel/Motel Cost and Utilization Summary

    Task 3 – Alternatives Analysis: Non-Capital / Existing Housing Stock Options

    At minimum evaluate:

    • Direct landlord contracting with County/DSS;

    • Master lease or block lease models;

    • Nonprofit-operated scattered-site emergency or bridge housing;

    • Landlord incentive and risk mitigation programs;

    • Short-term lease-up or control of existing apartment units;

    • Acquisition or lease-up of small multifamily properties.

    Deliverables: Non-Capital Alternatives Analysis Memorandum; Draft Program Design for Recommended Landlord / Leasing Strategy(ies)

    Task 4 – Alternatives Analysis: Capital / Facility / Real Estate Options

    At minimum evaluate:

    • Motel or hotel acquisition and conversion;

    • Acquisition and rehabilitation of small multifamily properties;

    • Adaptive reuse of existing buildings;

    • Congregate family shelter or private-suite family shelter models;

    • Modular or off-site constructed family housing or emergency shelter;

    • Cottage, duplex, fourplex, or tiny home village concepts.

    Deliverables: Capital and Facility Alternatives Analysis Memorandum; Preliminary Comparative Cost and Feasibility Matrix

    Task 5 – Comparative Decision Matrix and Recommended Phased Strategy

    • Prepare comparative decision matrix;

    • Recommend immediate (0–90 days), near-term (3–12 months), and medium-term (12–24 months) actions.

    Deliverables: Comparative Decision Matrix; Draft Recommended Strategy Presentation; Final Recommended Phased Implementation Plan

    Task 6 – Funding, Grants, and Financing Strategy

    • Identify potential federal, state, local, and philanthropic funding sources;

    • Assess eligibility, timing, competitiveness, and recommended use cases.

    Deliverable: Funding, Grants, and Financing Strategy Memorandum

    Task 7 – Predevelopment and Procurement Support

    • Draft RFPs/RFQs or related procurement documents for selected strategies;

    • Recommend evaluation criteria and scoring;

    • Assist with procurement schedule and process design;

    • Support questions, addenda, evaluation, and interviews if requested.

    Deliverables: Draft Procurement Package(s); Final Procurement Package(s) for County Use; Procurement Support Memorandum (if applicable)

    Task 8 – Meetings, Presentations, and Stakeholder Coordination

    • Attend County project team meetings and executive briefings;

    • Provide presentation materials as requested.

    Deliverable: Meeting materials, agendas, and presentation decks as required

     

  • County Executive Garnar Delivers 2026 State of the County Address

    Focused on Growth, Investment, and Building a Stronger Broome County

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar delivered his 2026 State of the County Address Wednesday evening at the Roberson Museum. During his address, Garnar highlighted the progress made over the past year, outlining a forward-looking vision focused on growth, opportunity, and community investment. Framed by the theme of progress through action, the address emphasized that Broome County’s story is being told not just through policy, but through visible results across economic development, housing, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.

    Garnar spoke about the strong partnerships between his administration, the County Legislature, state leaders, community organizations, and local businesses – noting that collaboration continues to drive results across Broome County.

    “Tonight isn’t just about where we are – it’s about where we’re going,” said County Executive Garnar. “Across Broome County, we are seeing real progress take shape – in our neighborhoods, in our workforce, and in the opportunities being created for our residents.”

    Highlights of Garnar’s address included:

    • Expansion of child care access, including a new 200-slot child care center at Oakdale Commons
    • More than 1,500 housing units completed, under construction, or preparing to break ground
    • Ongoing redevelopment of vacant and underutilized properties across the county
    • Continued support for public safety, emergency services, and veterans’ programs

    This marks County Executive Garnar’s 10th State of the County Address.

  • County Executive Garnar Delivers 2026 Budget Address

    Includes First Expansion of Senior Tax Exemption in 20 Years & Seventh Consecutive Property Tax Rate Cut

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar delivered his 2026 Budget Address Monday evening at Riverside Gardens, outlining a responsible plan that balances fiscal restraint with key investments to protect services and support residents. Speaking before local leaders and county employees, Garnar emphasized the tough decisions required to close budget gaps while still moving Broome County forward.

    “This is not a budget of easy choices,” said Garnar. “It makes the tough cuts we need to stay financially responsible, while still investing in the people and programs that make Broome County stronger.”

    The 2026 budget prioritizes protecting taxpayer dollars, continuing the modernization of county government, and strengthening our neighborhoods. While $3.5 million in discretionary cutbacks were needed, the plan delivers investments that have a lasting impact.

    Highlights of Garnar’s address include:

    • First expansion of the senior property tax exemption in 20 years
    • Seventh consecutive property tax rate cut of 0.1%
    • Restoring the Youth Bureau as its own department for the first time in 15 years
    • $500,000 investment in the Small Community Fund

    This marks County Executive Garnar’s 8th Budget Address as Broome County Executive.

  • Broome County Celebrates Grand Opening of Grippen Community Park

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County officially celebrated the grand opening of Grippen Community Park today with a ribbon cutting ceremony led by Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Broome County Parks Director Brenda Gowe, joined by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, members of the Broome County Legislature, and community members.

    Located at 607 South Grippen Avenue in Endicott, the park now features a fully renovated community building with restrooms, concessions, an indoor track, and pickleball courts for the spring and summer seasons, as well as a recreational ice rink for winter use. Outdoor amenities include a new wiffleball field, basketball court, and rebounding wall.

    The enhancements position Grippen Community Park as a year-round destination for residents, with programming that will include summer camps, sports leagues, concerts, movies in the park, festivals, holiday events, and community gatherings.

    Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “Bringing Grippen Community Park back to life is a proud achievement for Broome County. Thanks to the dedication of our partners and community, we’ve transformed this space into a vibrant, year-round gathering place that will benefit families and neighbors for generations to come.”

    The total project cost was $4.8 million, with $500,000 in funding secured by Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.

    “Grippen Park has long been a cornerstone of our community and this grand opening marks a new chapter in the community,” said Chairman of the Legislature Dan Reynolds. “We’re proud to invest in spaces that bring families together and enhance the quality of life for residents in Broome County.”

    “Growing up just down the road from Grippen Park, it was like a second back yard for me,” said 6th District Legislator Greg Baldwin. “It’s incredible to see it revitalized for a new generation of families to enjoy and remain a staple in our tightknit community.”

    “I’m happy to have secured an NYS Assembly grant to help Grippen Community Park spring back to life with so many new activities. Residents are already taking advantage of this year-round recreational destination. Thank you to County Executive Jason Garnar, the Legislature, Parks Department, and all who put so much time and effort into this new community hub,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.

    “The grand opening of Grippen Community Park is a proud moment for Endicott,” said Senator Lea Webb. “This space represents our commitment to creating healthy, vibrant communities where families can enjoy the outdoors and neighbors can come together. I’m proud to support this new project, which will serve as a welcoming space for recreation, connection, and community pride for years to come.”

    The New York Department of State (DOS) provided over $2.6 million in grant funding from the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) for Grippen Park improvements, including the expansion of Chugnut Trail, an accessible playground and improved signage. DOS also awarded a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant to the Village of Endicott to revitalize its downtown area.

    “Public gathering spaces like Grippen Community Park are key to a community’s vibrancy and quality of life, providing opportunities for people of all ages, incomes and abilities to socialize, exercise and connect with nature,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosely.  “This park provides yet another way to advance Governor Hochul’s ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ campaign to promote physical and mental health. The Department of State is thrilled to be participating in the completion of the park by funding the expansion of Chugnut Trail, yet another piece of this wonderful public amenity that will add to our $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative investment in the Village’s downtown.”         

  • Binghamton Black Bears Head into FPHL Playoffs to Defend Championship Title

    (BINGHAMTON, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar and Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham joined Binghamton Black Bears Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting, Brooks Hill, on Thursday afternoon to kickoff the Black Bears’ 2025 playoff run as they prepare to face the Watertown Wolves in the Federal Prospects Hockey League (FPHL) Quarterfinals.

    This best-of-three quarterfinal series kicks off Friday night in Watertown at 7:30 p.m. The action returns to Binghamton on Saturday night at 7 p.m. for Game 2 at the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena. If necessary, Game 3 will also be held in Binghamton on Monday at 7 p.m.

    “The Black Bears organization is ecstatic for the playoffs once again this year. We could not be prouder of Coach Sherwood and team downstairs for their amazing accomplishments this season. Now it’s time to Run It Back,” said Hill.

    “Winning the championship last year was a huge moment for Binghamton, and this team has kept the momentum going all season long,” said Garnar. “Now, with another playoff run ahead, let’s rally behind the Black Bears and turn the arena into the loudest, proudest place in the FPHL.”  

    “There’s nothing like playoff hockey in Binghamton and no better time to pack the arena and rally behind our defending champions. Let’s show the rest of the league what a true home ice advantage feels like,” said Kraham. “Get your tickets now and make a plan to visit our downtown restaurants and taverns before and after the games.”

    The Black Bears enter the postseason as the #1 seed in the Empire Division after a dominate 2024-25 regular season. They collected 49 wins and scored a total of 143 points, while fueling a fan base that showed up in force with 124,838 fans filling the Visions Veterans Memorial Arena throughout the season. This marks the third straight playoff appearance for the Black Bears, who are looking to defend their 2024 Commissioner’s Cup Championship title.  

    Tickets for Saturday’s Game 2 and a potential Game 3 on Monday are available here.

  • Broome County Executive Named President of New York State County Executives’ Association

    (BROOME COUNTY, NY) – Broome County Executive Jason Garnar has been elected as the new President of the New York State County Executives’ Association (NYSCEA). NYSCEA is an affiliate of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) and represents the 19 counties that have county executives as their chief elected official. These counties, including the City of New York, represent 16.7 million New Yorkers. 

    With a career in public service spanning nearly two decades, Garnar served as a Broome County Legislator from 2007 to 2015 before becoming County Executive in 2017. Recently re-elected, he is the first Broome County Executive to serve a third term, a testament to his leadership and dedication to the community.

    “It is an honor to serve as President of the NYSCEA,” said County Executive Garnar. “Counties are on the frontlines of delivering services and responding to the needs of our residents. This role is an incredible opportunity to work across the political aisle with my colleagues across the state to tackle critical issues and ensure our communities thrive.”

    As President of NYSCEA, Garnar will lead efforts to advocate for county interests at the state level and collaborate on solutions to common challenges. The association serves as a collective voice for county executives across New York, fostering shared goals and stronger partnerships.

    For more information about the New York State County Executives’ Association, visit https://www.nysac.org/#. 

  • Broome County Launches its Largest Demolition

    (VILLAGE OF ENDICOTT, NY) – Today, the start of the largest demolition project in Broome County’s history began at the former IBM building group on the Phoenix Campus in Endicott. This project represents not just a removal of long-abandoned structures but a step toward unlocking the vast economic potential of one of the area’s most strategic industrial sites.

    Led by Gorick Construction, this demolition is supported by $6 million funding from New York State to the Village of Endicott and $2 million from Broome County through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Phoenix Campus, with its proximity to critical infrastructure such as electricity, natural gas, water, and transportation networks, is set to become a magnet for industrial development.

    “These buildings have stood vacant for decades, hindering growth and development in our region,” said County Executive Jason Garnar. “With this demolition, we’re creating Broome County’s largest shovel-ready site, which will attract businesses and jobs, while also preserving the historical significance of the property.”

    What sets this project apart is its dual focus on progress and preservation. While the demolition clears the way for new economic opportunities, the historical Clocktower Building – a symbol of Endicott’s industrial legacy – will remain intact, preserving the significance of the campus. This includes the former office of IBM’s Thomas J. Watson, a nod to the site’s storied past as a hub of innovation.

    As the demolition begins, Broome County takes a significant step toward reinvention, positioning itself as a destination for industries looking for ready-to-build sites supported by a community eager to grow.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul’s Restore New York initiative will give municipalities statewide the support they need to create real change. By demolishing these long-vacant buildings while preserving an iconic emblem of Empire State innovation, Endicott is using smart community revitalization to promote economic opportunity and a more vibrant future for its residents.” 

    After decades of effort, the old IBM group of buildings are finally being demolished, making way for new development. While we approach this demolition with hope for the future, we are also mindful of what these buildings meant to the community. The innovative spirit of IBM will live on through new development, thanks to the collective efforts of state and local government,” said Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo.

    “Today marks a pivotal moment for Endicott and all of Broome County as the largest demolition project in the county’s history at the former IBM buildings on the Phoenix Campus begins,” said Senator Lea Webb. “This effort will breathe new life into a site with incredible potential. With $5 million in combined support from New York State and Broome County, this project is transforming decades of stagnation into a future filled with opportunity.”