Binghamton Area News Roundup 4/19/26: Davis College Development, Demolitions, Aliza Spencer Reward, & More
Updates on construction projects and demolitions, the FBI gives a significant boost to the bounty on the Aliza Spencer case, Spiedie Fest performers announced - oh, and the arch is coming back!
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Apologies for the delay for this one! Travel into sickness does not bode well for getting a newsletter out on time, but I'll do my best to anticipate delays more in the future.
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‼️Must-Reads
🏗️David College Site Reimagined
The former Davis College site in Johnson City, purchased from Adam Weitsman in 2025 by developer Dave Drew for $4.5 million, is seeking to create a 'village within a village' with common spaces, open green spaces, a basketball court, post office, and restaurant/cafe (Press & Sun).
The project is set to be finished in June, nearly a year after its announcement. It contains 66 market rate apartments aimed at healthcare workers and Binghamton University faculty and students.
🚓Reward Significantly Increased in Search for Aliza Spencer's Killer
The reward has increased to $100,000 for information leading to an arrest of the killing of 12 year old Aliza Spencer, who was killed on Bigelow Street in Binghamton on April 21, 2022 when she was struck in the chest by a single bullet (Press & Sun).
The face of the former East Middle School student is easy to find in the East Side of Binghamton, with many residents still displaying signs demanding justice for her killing years later. Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-225-5324 or the Binghamton Police Department Detective Bureau at 607-772-7080.
🚧Demolitions!
The decaying former Vestal Nursing Center, destroyed by the 2011 floods, will be demolished by the end of 2026, county officials announced (Press & Sun). The property was owned by Isaac Anzaroot, who City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham called the area's "most notorious slumlord." Garnar said the county will work directly with the loaner to avoid Anzaroot profiting.
Alongside that, the longtime eyesore on 263 Washington Street in Binghamton, the Kenmore building, is set to be demolished after years of decay and sentencing for code violations (NC34).
Plus, the active removal and continued demolition action on the former IBM Endicott site has resumed, but space has yet to be opened at the Broome County landfill for the debris (WNBF).
🎈🥪Spiedie Fest Performers Announced
Country singers Brett Young and LoCash have been announced for Spiedie Fest this summer (Fox40). Opening acts are yet to be announced. Tickets go on sale May 1 for the Aug. 7 - 9 festival.
Friday will also feature a Billy Joel tribute band, The Downtown Men and a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. Spiedie Fest will also feature the Kelly LaBare 5k Walk and Run, its annual volleyball tournament, a car show, a cooking contest and its craft and vendor fair. Plus, of course, as many spiedies as you can eat.
