New Hope for Downtown Binghamton Trouble Spot

A downtown Binghamton building that had housed an after-hours club may get a new life now that it has a new owner.

The property that had been home to Victoria's Cafe at 153 Susquehanna Street was sold last month.

Broome County records show that AJEM Group LLC acquired the site from Gloria Crowder for $70,000 on June 5.

One year earlier, Binghamton Mayor Richard David announced that Crowder had agreed to shut down Victoria's Cafe after a city effort to close after-hours establishments.

City officials said the site had been the scene of shootings, stabbings and other criminal activity for years.

The old Victoria's Cafe sign has been removed from the three-story building and a "FOR LEASE" sign was posted last week.

A representative of AJEM Group said an effort is underway to attract a tenant for a small office or business on the first floor.

The building has eight apartments on it two upper floors. Crews have started working to prepare the apartments, which are expected to be ready for occupancy in less than a month.

Mayor David said he views the ownership change as "good for the city of Binghamton."

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, the mayor said he was pleased the property had been sold. He said prior to the sale, it had been listed for possible foreclosure proceedings.