Demolition Means Hope For Binghampton Residents

Binghampton (FOX13) - It's the answer to a prayer for Binghampton residents. The demolition of an abandoned apartment complex on Tillman is providing the gateway for a potential grocery store to set up shop on the site.

It was "D-Day"....Demolition Day for one more inner city Memphis eyesore.

No one seemed more appreciative of the initial destruction of the dilapidated 24-unit apartment complex at the corner of Tillman and Sam Cooper Boulevard than former tenant Veronica Skinner. She had lived there for five long years before moving out last November after the property was sold to the non-profit organization Binghampton Development Corporation.

Yes, it was rough over here toward the end. It had got real rough, says Skinner. The drugs and everything, so, I think it's best they tear them down.

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With members of the BDC among those watching the eventual $380K demolition, the group felt they had again met their continuing goal to enhance the image of the Binghampton community.

BDC Executive Director Robert Montague says, We've been working for six years to get the land pulled together. We had to do seven deals to acquire seven and a half acres of land from the police station to Sam Cooper and then this side and over here across the street.

Not only does it mean getting rid of a blighted area, but it sets the stage for a long-awaited dream for the neighborhood. Negotiations are underway for a full-service grocery to occupy the site which could become a welcomed oasis in what's been an urban food desert.

It'll be good to have a supermarket close cause everybody don't have a vehicle and we deserve a grocery store too, said Skinner.

Not only is it important for food and nutrition, but it's important from hope, said Montague.

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Demolition Means Hope For Binghampton Residents