Changes Promised for Blighted Binghamton Building Next to Fire HQ
The Brooklyn businessman who owns a vacant apartment house next to Binghamton Fire Department headquarters says repair work will start soon at the property.
The three-story structure at 243 Court Street has been sitting in disrepair since it was damaged by fire in December 2020.
Mayor Jared Kraham last month said code violation citations were personally served on the owner, who met at the site with members of the city fire marshal's and code enforcement offices.
Joel Libowitz told WNBF News that changes are coming to the building "within three weeks." He said new siding and windows will be installed as he works to make the place habitable.
He said the planned improvements at the site may take "five or six months" to complete. He said he wants to be able to find tenants for the six units in the apartment building.
The mayor has said the city has been prepared to prosecute the case. He said the goal has been for the owner to make necessary repairs to the property.
Kraham on Friday said owners need to be held accountable. He said people "who own derelict properties need to secure them" and need to do the work to fix problems.
He said if owners don't do that "if they're not willing to do that, the city will prosecute them and we will levy significant fines." The mayor said "we're not messing around anymore."
When Kraham was informed that Libowitz said he intended to get the building back into shape, he said "I hope that it does happen (but) the confidence that I have that it will - very low."
WNBF NEWS VIDEO: An exterior inspection of 243 Court Street on July 15, 2026.
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com.
LOOK: 29 Things That Will Make '80s Country Kids Say, "Yep, That Was Me!"
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
LOOK: These Nostalgic Decorations Will Bring Back the Magic of Christmas Past
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
LOOK: Things you'd likely see in a typical 1980s garage
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
