UNION, N.Y. — The Agency on Friday said it is looking for a partner on the redevelopment of the former BAE site at 600 Main St. in the town of Union.
It released a request for expressions of interest (REI) during an announcement at the site.
The REI will be available until April 22. Those interested can download the document at the “News & Resources” page of the Agency’s website by clicking here.
The Agency is the entity that governs the Broome County Industrial Development Agency and the Broome County Local Development Corporation.
The Agency has issued the REI with the intention of identifying “one or more” private development partners to move the redevelopment forward. Agency representatives view the site as a “critical gateway” to planned investment in both Johnson City and Endicott.
“We are very excited to begin this next critical phase of the redevelopment of 600 Main St,” Stacey Duncan, deputy director at the Agency, said in a news release. “Redeveloping this site demonstrates the physical and economic resilience of Broome County and will service as a wonderful gateway into the continued investment in our urban corridor.”
The Agency took title of the 27-acre property in 2018. The U.S. Air Force in 2017 demolished the BAE building, which was devastated by flooding from Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, the Agency said in a May 2, 2018 release.
The Agency at that time announced that Saratoga–based Elan Planning, Design and Landscape Architecture would complete a redevelopment study on the property. Elan representatives feel “confident” about the redevelopment of this site based on a number of “attractive” site characteristics, the Agency said.
“After a careful analysis of existing conditions and potential market opportunities, our team was able to prepare a master plan that illustrates the opportunity to redevelop this site as a mixed-use development offering a product that is not found elsewhere in the Triple Cities area. The proximity of this site to Interstate 86 and NY Route 201, the Binghamton Health Science Campus and UHS Wilson Hospital only strengthens the opportunity for redevelopment,” Lisa Nagle, principal with Elan Planning, Design, & Landscape Architecture, said in the Agency’s news release.
The Town of Union has recognized the redevelopment of 600 Main St. as a priority in its ability to bring new tax revenue and potential jobs to the community. In addition, the site serves as one of the last large parcels available for redevelopment in Broome County’s urban corridor.
“The Town is committed to bringing a renaissance to our community. It is our hope that in repurposing this vacant site, we are beginning a rebirth of commerce and good fortune for the area and its residents,” Rick Materese, supervisor of the Town of Union, said.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com